Release Liners

Release liners are specialized materials used as protective layers to prevent adhesives from prematurely bonding to surfaces. They serve as carrier substrates that are coated with a release agent—commonly silicone or other low-surface-energy materials—that enables the easy separation of the liner from the adhesive layer during application. These liners play a critical role across numerous industries, including labels and tapes, medical products, hygiene items, industrial laminates, and composite materials.

The primary function of a release liner is to protect pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) until they are ready for use. Once the liner is removed, the adhesive can bond to a target surface. This makes release liners indispensable in the production and application of self-adhesive products, ensuring ease of handling, preventing contamination, and extending the shelf life of the adhesive layer.

Release liners are typically constructed using various base materials such as paper, film, or specialty substrates, which are then coated with a release agent. Paper-based liners are widely used due to their cost-effectiveness and compatibility with many applications. They include glassine, supercalendered kraft, and clay-coated papers. Film-based liners, made from polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyester (PET), or polyolefin blends, offer superior strength, dimensional stability, and moisture resistance, making them suitable for demanding or high-performance uses.