Arcweb WG 220 Caustic-Wash Resistant Wet-Glue Varnish
A wet-glue varnish for returnable glass that holds the print together through a hot caustic wash, so the label leaves the bottle as a whole sheet rather than fragmenting, greying or shedding residue into the bath. It is specified by wash temperature, caustic concentration and contact time rather than by gloss.
Grade Arcweb WG 220 | Range Label and Shrink Sleeve Coatings | Technology Water-based crosslinking polymer dispersion with raised alkali tolerance
Technical Data Sheet
Arcweb WG 220
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
A wet-glue varnish for returnable glass, formulated to hold the print together through a hot caustic wash so that the adhesive releases and the label leaves the bottle as a whole sheet, rather than the coating fragmenting, greying or shedding a residue film into the wash bath. It carries a higher crosslink density and higher alkali tolerance than WG 110, and it is specified by wash temperature, caustic concentration and contact time rather than by gloss. Wash behaviour is confirmed on the customer’s paper, ink set and wash cycle before release.
2. Features
- Label releases from the bottle as a whole sheet in the caustic wash
- Higher crosslink density and alkali tolerance than WG 110
- Limits greying of the print and residue shedding into the wash bath
- Specified against the customer's wash temperature, caustic concentration and contact time
- Wash behaviour confirmed on the customer's paper, ink set and wash cycle before release
3. Recommended uses
Wet-glue labels for returnable glass bottles that come back through a hot alkaline wash, printed on wet-strength and alkali-releasable label paper.
Substrates. Wet-strength and alkali-releasable label paper for returnable glass
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Water-based crosslinking polymer dispersion with raised alkali tolerance | Formulation |
| Appearance | Milky liquid drying to a clear film | Visual |
| Carrier | Water | Formulation |
| Non-volatile content | 30 to 40 per cent by weight | ISO 3251 |
| Supply viscosity at 23 °C | 20 to 35 s, 4 mm flow cup | ISO 2431, 4 mm orifice |
| pH | 8.0 to 9.0 | ASTM E70 |
| Rub and scuff resistance | 300 to 500 cycles under a 2 lb, 0.91 kg, weight without pick or print removal | ASTM D5264 |
| Block resistance, stacked sheet | No picking or transfer after 16 h at 40 °C under 10 kPa | ISO 4622 |
| Caustic wash behaviour | Label releases as a whole sheet with no fragmenting, greying or residue film, at the customer's wash temperature, caustic concentration and contact time | Customer or supplier protocol |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Application method | Flexo or gravure in line, or an offset press coater unit |
| Surface preparation | Apply to the printed face only, over dry ink, on alkali-releasable label paper |
| Dilution | Supplied ready for use; adjust only with small additions of water where needed |
| Applied dry coat weight | 1.0 to 2.0 g/m² |
| Drying | Hot air; dry fully before stacking, and run wash trials on fully dried, conditioned labels |
| Qualification | Wash behaviour is confirmed on the customer's paper, ink set and wash cycle before the grade is released |
Process. Flexo or gravure in line, and offset press coater units; hot air drying
6. Storage and handling
Store in the original closed container at 5 to 30 °C, protected from frost and direct sunlight, and stir gently before use. Shelf life is stated on the label and Certificate of Analysis. Handle and use the product in line with its Safety Data Sheet.
7. Safety and regulatory information
Read the Safety Data Sheet before use. Safety Data Sheets and regulatory declarations are issued by our technical centre against the product and batch supplied, so they are sent on request rather than published. Request a Safety Data Sheet or declaration.
This Technical Data Sheet is published for on-screen reference. The information is given in good faith from laboratory and application experience and describes typical values; it is not a specification and does not replace a trial on your own substrate and line. Arctic Materials may revise this sheet without notice. Issue 2026.09.
Technical Data Sheets on this site are for on-screen viewing. For a controlled copy, write to tech@arcticmaterials.com.
Other grades in this range
Need a Safety Data Sheet, a regulatory declaration or a grade specified to your line? Contact our technical centre.