Shaping Our Industry Through Innovation—Spotlight on
Emulsion Adhesives
1980s: First with Emulsion Adhesives. In response to the recognition that moving away from solvent-based adhesives could enable manufacturers to reduce their emissions of volatile organic compounds—and in response to European regulations levied as a result—we intensely pursued the development of water-based emulsion polymer adhesives. The main hurdle: solving the foaming that occurred when the less-viscous emulsion adhesives were applied to paper. We quickly learned that emulsion adhesives had advantages in addition to their lower environmental impact. They enabled faster conversion for our customers, and worked with a wider range of facestocks.
Our commitment to developing emulsion adhesives paid off—we were the first label-maker to offer them on a large scale.
Inventing an Industry
1935-1950
First die-cutting method, in-line machinery and rotary die for self-adhesive labels
First synthetic-based pressure-sensitive adhesive and quick release coating for self-adhesive products
First systematic approach to label identification and pricing
First manual dispenser for self-adhesive labels
1957-1970
First non-removable pressure-sensitive adhesive
Commercialized Crack-N Peel® labels with a breakaway liner for easy removal
First method to successfully anchor ink to new film and foil surfaces
1970-1980
Avery Dennison pressure-sensitive materials used in the production of the first U.S. peel-and-stick postage stamp for the U.S. Postal Service
Ultraviolet and electron beam radiation curing and new heat transfer system for drying adhesive and silicone-coated materials
First repositionable, refastenable diaper closure tapes
1980-1990
Fasson introduces Ultraliner® material, a rugged plastic liner which allows pressure-sensitive products to run at higher printing and application speeds
First ultra-high adhesion products utilizing new radiation-cured technology
First print-your-own label and software compatible templates
“No-label” look pressure-sensitive label material
1990-2000
Functional labels with resealability and valve functionality
First content-insensitive RFID label
Recyclable beverage label
First pressure-sensitive postage stamp for vending through automated teller machines
First environmentally friendly, solvent-free plant in China
2000-2009
New heat transfer label technology for garments
Fasson Luminescent film developed and commercialized in Korea
Avery Graphics creates Easy Apply film, an overlaminate that makes the wrap look like paint, for vehicle graphics
Customizable Avery Signature binders introduced
Clean Edge Business Cards with non-perforated edges created
