Sihl introduced a polyethylene film facestock portfolio with aqueous inkjet coatings on 21 July 2026, targeting print-on-demand label production and mono-material PE packaging applications.
The range brings aqueous inkjet printing to PE films and is intended for labels applied to curved, flexible and small-diameter containers. Sihl said the films have lower rigidity than biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) alternatives, enabling them to follow container contours and deformation without creasing.
The portfolio comprises four coatings developed for label requirements. IHG1 Gloss is intended for applications requiring a gloss surface and print quality, while IG1 Satin provides a satin finish. ZM1 Matt BS5609 is designed to withstand water and chemicals for outdoor applications. IM1 Matt Universal covers a range of indoor uses.
The PE films’ conformability makes them suitable for small labels on containers with narrow diameters, as well as squeezable packaging that changes shape during use. The coating range allows these applications to be printed through aqueous inkjet systems. Sihl is positioning the portfolio for manufacturers, label converters and brands seeking PE label constructions that are compatible with PE containers. Combining a PE facestock with a PE container can support mono-material packaging design and simplify processing within the PE recycling stream compared with mixed-material structures.
The company linked the development to the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which introduces recyclability requirements for packaging. However, compliance depends on the complete label construction, inks, adhesives, decoration, container design and the applicable assessment criteria, rather than the facestock alone.