Sustainability requirements across the packaging sector are intensifying. Regulatory pressure, evolving brand expectations and changing consumer demands are accelerating the shift towards recycled content, alternative wash-off adhesives, downgauging and liner optimisation. For label converters, these changes introduce new variables into specification, processing and application – often increasing the risk of on-press instability or performance issues further downstream. To help customers manage this complexity, HERMA UK has strengthened its technical capability within its adhesive materials business. Matthew Sutton has joined the company as Sales Technical Manager, bringing extensive experience in self-adhesive materials, with particular expertise in pressure-sensitive adhesives and their impact on label performance. Having worked across both large format and label converting environments, Sutton specialises in material selection, adhesive performance and aligning specifications with converting technology, application processes and end-of-life requirements.
Bringing technical clarity earlier in the process
A key part of Sutton’s remit is supporting the rollout of HERMA UK’s new Technical Partnership Service (TPS). The service is designed to provide clearer technical direction at the quotation, project and specification stage – before issues arise on press or in application. Offered at no additional cost, TPS gives converters structured access to guidance on material or adhesive selection and structured trial design with clearly defined success criteria. The aim is simple: fewer surprises, fewer avoidable re-specification loops and more predictable outcomes. “Across the industry, many of the challenges converters face on press can be traced back to earlier material choices,” says Sutton. “As the pace of change increases – particularly around sustainability and new product development – the risk of unintended consequences also increases. My focus is on helping customers make confident, well-informed decisions at the specification stage, rather than reacting once problems occur.” TPS also includes structured complaint triage and root-cause support, ensuring that learnings are captured and repeat issues reduced. While Sutton plays a central role in customer engagement, the service itself is built as a collaborative, cross-functional offering – fully aligned with HERMA Group’s ‘Stronger Together’ philosophy.
Supporting sustainable innovation with technical depth
HERMA’s long-standing expertise in pressure-sensitive adhesive development underpins the service. By combining adhesive knowledge with application insight, the company aims to support converters and brand owners as they respond to evolving sustainability, regulatory and performance requirements.
“HERMA’s strength lies in its technical depth, particularly in adhesives,” Sutton adds. “What stood out to me was the opportunity to bring that understanding further upstream – into the decision-making process itself. When specification decisions are made with a clearer view of processing and end-use realities, outcomes become far more stable and predictable.”
With the launch of the Technical Partnership Service and the appointment of Matthew Sutton, HERMA UK reinforces its commitment not only to supplying high-quality adhesive materials, but to acting as a proactive technical partner in an increasingly complex market.
