releaseliner

ReleaseLiner is a substrate with a release coating on the side that contacts adhesive in pressure-sensitive products. It protects the adhesive during production and handling and enables easy unwinding from rolls. When the product is applied, the liner is peeled away to expose the adhesive.

Materials used for ReleaseLiner include paper varieties such as wood-free, clay-coated, and glassine, as well as polymer films like polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyester. The release surface is typically silicone or fluorosilicone, chosen to provide a specific release force and unwind behavior suitable for the intended process and adhesive system.

Key properties for ReleaseLiner include release force, thickness, basis weight, and dimensional stability. The liner must resist environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity and remain compatible with the chosen adhesive. Selection depends on the adhesive system, production line speed, storage conditions, and end-use environment.

Common applications for ReleaseLiner are labels, tapes, graphic overlays, medical tapes, electronics protection films, and other protective or decorative films that require a removable backing. It is also used in laminates and graphic arts where the liner protects the adhesive during processing and handling.

Environmental and industry trends include efforts to reduce liner-related waste, since multisubstrate liners complicate recycling. Developments include linerless labeling technologies and the use of more recyclable or biodegradable liner materials, as well as standards aimed at ensuring coating quality, release performance, and recyclability.