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Self-adhesive reflective films have been around for many years, in many qualities, for many different applications. 'The result', says Ole Baek, Product Manager, Reflective Films, for Avery Dennison Graphics Division Europe, 'is that printers and signmakers get confused about which film they can safely use for which application – particularly, where legal regulations might be involved. Our customers for Avery Graphics films say there's a real issue here. On the one hand, they want to use reflective films to give their clients round-the-clock visibility – especially for vehicle graphics – but on the other hand, they worry about not breaking the law by using films that are not approved or by using them in the wrong kind of way. '

To help signmakers gain confidence, and to throw new light on the subject of reflective films, Avery Dennison Graphics Division Europe have put together a 'Handy Guide' on their full range of Avery-brand reflective films. It incorporates clear, easy-to-follow guidance for signmakers and printers on the applications for which each type of material is suitable, plus sound guidance on how best to follow the generally-established rules on reflective usage.

For vehicle graphics applications, only one pan-European directive applies to the use of reflectives: UN ECE 104 supplemented with ECE 43, which covers uniformity of retro-reflectivity values, passed by the UN in 1995. Most countries recommend following its proposals. However, as the Avery Dennison 'Handy Guide' counsels, it is advisable for signmakers and printers to check local legislation to ensure there are no requirements additional to those of ECE 104/43.

Says Ole Baek: 'Our new range of Avery reflectives – the only full commercial range available – meet the UN requirements where appropriate. A good example is our Avery NV-100 E. It's a very versatile film, and one of the few premium commercial reflective products that can simply be computer-cut for reflective logos and lettering (even, unusually, the yellow and white qualities). But of course it can also be screen printed or digitally printed. And for signmakers whose clients want vehicle contour markings, nothing could be simpler than Avery V-6700 Conspicuity Tape, which also meets the UN requirements, and carries the official approval watermark. This micro-prismatic, bright, edge-sealed tape comes ready to apply in a choice of white, red and yellow in rolls 5.5 cm x 50m. It can’t be simpler!

'We have a comprehensive range of reflective products in our Avery Graphics portfolio, and all-round expertise in using them – so we are always happy to advise signmakers on the right product choice for a specific application.'