Avery Dennison plots EMEA growth with key R&D appointment

Pascale Wautelet has 20 years’ of experience across functions such as chemical, petrochemical and plastics industries.

Avery Dennison has appointed Pascale Wautelet as vice-president of R&D for Europe, the Middle East and Africa within its Label and Graphic Materials group as it seeks to expand the presence of the business in the region.

Wautelet will take on the role on September 1 and be based in Oegstgeest in the Netherlands, where she will report to Hassan Rmaile, global vice-president of R&D for the Label & Graphic Materials division.

In her new position, Wautelet will provide both vision and innovation direction to the European R&D organisation, as well as lead the business in new product development, material re-engineering and adhesive advancements.

A native of Belgium, Wautelet has 20 years’ of both domestic and international experience across multiple functions, including chemical, petrochemical and plastics industries, including flexible packaging and labelling.

“Avery Dennison has pioneered advances in the self-adhesives industry and has been reshaping that sector continually over the past 82 years,” Rmaile said.

“This latest appointment is just another indication of the company’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of research, development and product innovation.”

Meanwhile, as part of an effort to expand its service offering, Avery Dennison is to launch an ‘Advanced Adhesives’ portfolio that it said will expands converters’ options.

The new range will feature four new adhesive choices; a clear, non-yellowing hotmelt adhesive for chilled food applications; a reclosure adhesive with high solvent resistance for household wipes; a compostable adhesive for fruit and vegetable packaging; and a heat-activated adhesive for automotive textile labelling.

Rene van der Graaff, principal scientist at Avery Dennison, said: “Our adhesives offer a whole range of benefits, from productivity improvements through to enhanced shelf appeal. For example, the ‘no label’ look depends critically on an ultra-clear adhesive, and wet-wipes need reliable reclosure performance for very challenging pack contents.

“Important sustainability gains can also be made with the right adhesives – for example, by using a compostable adhesive that allows your complete package to carry an ‘OK Compost’ logo.

“We are developing new technologies all the time, which sometimes enhance existing solutions, bring additional functionality or create entirely new ways of doing things.”

Jasper Zonnenberg, director films at Avery Dennison, also highlights the firm’s ongoing commitment to R&D, saying that the new portfolio of products is the latest example of this work.

Zonnenberg added: “This portfolio offers converters improvements in sustainability, productivity and performance. Our advanced adhesives are a winning choice, and we provide comprehensive technical support in choosing the right adhesive for your application.”

Discover the latest products from Avery at FESPA Mexico 2017

Industry members that are keen to learn more about the newest collection of digital films from Avery Dennison, can visit the manufacturer at FESPA Mexico 2017.

Taking place from September 21-23 at Citibanamex, in Mexico City, the exhibition will play host to many major brands from across the global market. 

Avery Dennison is just one of a host of industry heavyweights that will be in attendance at the event, with visitors able to find the company at booth L71.

For more information on FESPA Mexico 2017, the companies that will exhibit and to sign up to attend as a visitor, please visit: www.fespamexico.com. 

Delegates can get free tickets to the exhibition by registering via the website and quoting reference code: MEXH718. Discover how a visit to FESPA Mexico 2017can benefit your business and register today.