Nobelus expands thermal flexible packaging portfolio

Nobelus will showcase a portfolio of thermal flexible packaging films and laminates at Loupe Americas 2026, highlighting solutions designed for digital converters looking to simplify packaging structures, reduce press changeovers and add differentiated finishes.

The company will present its StrataFlex METPET Thermal Pre-Lams and EcoElement PE Thermal Sealants at booth 5916 during the event in Chicago. The technologies are aimed particularly at short-run and digitally printed flexible packaging applications.

Thermal pre-lams simplify converting workflows

StrataFlex METPET Thermal Pre-Lams incorporate a thermally activated adhesive layer directly into the material structure. This allows converters to reverse print onto adhesive-free films before completing lamination through a thermal process.

By integrating the adhesive functionality into the pre-laminated film, Nobelus says converters can reduce the number of material changeovers required on press and simplify workflows compared with conventional adhesive lamination processes.

All-PE sealants target recyclable structures

The EcoElement PE Thermal Sealants are all-polyethylene structures combining a sealant layer and thermal adhesive around a PE core. They are available in white and transparent versions, with both barrier and non-barrier options depending on the application.

Using compatible polyethylene components can help converters develop structures aligned with growing demand for mono-material flexible packaging that is easier to process within existing PE recycling streams.

Layer reduction supports downgauging

Nobelus says reverse printing onto PE film followed by thermal lamination to an EcoElement sealant can eliminate one layer from the finished packaging structure.

Reducing the number of layers can support downgauging, lower overall material use and simplify production. For converters, it may also create opportunities to improve margins by reducing material consumption while maintaining the required visual and functional performance.

Specialty finishes add premium effects

Alongside its structural films, Nobelus will display a range of specialty finishes designed to add tactile and visual differentiation. The portfolio includes Karess soft-touch, FineGrit rough-touch and the newly introduced FineGrain surface effect.

Holographic patterns and scratch-resistant finishes will also be available as both films and thermal laminates, allowing converters to combine structural performance with premium decoration.

Digital converters move further into flexible packaging

The launch reflects the growing convergence between label converting and flexible packaging production. Narrow- and mid-web converters are increasingly using digital printing technology to produce short-run pouches, shrink sleeves and other flexible formats.

These applications require materials that support rapid changeovers, multiple SKUs and shorter lead times while maintaining print quality and barrier performance. Thermal lamination can provide an alternative route for converters looking to expand into these markets without adopting more complex adhesive systems.

Loupe Americas highlights flexible packaging growth

Loupe Americas 2026 will take place from 15 to 17 September in Rosemont, Illinois, with flexible packaging forming a significant part of the event alongside labels and folding cartons.

Nobelus is positioning its thermal film portfolio around this shift, combining simplified lamination, mono-material PE structures and specialty finishes to help digital converters compete in higher-value flexible packaging applications.