In today’s world, self-adhesive labels are ubiquitous – from food products to cosmetics and electronics. However, not all labels are created equal. The key to creating a high-quality label is the appropriate selection of materials, especially in the case of digital printing. In this article, we will discuss the 7 most important factors to consider when choosing materials for the production of self-adhesive labels.
1. Label Purpose
The first and most important factor is the purpose the label is meant to serve. Will it be a label for a wine bottle, or perhaps for a frozen food package? Each application requires different material properties.
- For food products: materials resistant to moisture and grease
- For cosmetic products: materials resistant to chemicals
- For outdoor products: materials resistant to UV radiation and variable weather conditions
2. Material Properties
Each of these materials has unique characteristics:
- Paper: Economical, easy to print on, but less resistant to moisture
- PP silver foil: Durable, moisture-resistant, with an attractive metallic finish
- PP white foil: Flexible, resistant to chemicals and tears
- Clear-on-clear foil: Transparent, moisture-resistant, giving the effect of a label integrated with the product
3. Adhesive
The type of adhesive affects the label’s adherence to various surfaces. The most commonly used types are:
- Permanent adhesive – for long-term application
- Removable adhesive – when the label needs to be easy to remove
- Deep-freeze adhesive – for products stored at low temperatures
- Adhesive for difficult surfaces – e.g., for tires or recycled materials
4. Surface Finish
The surface finish of the label can significantly affect its appearance and functionality:
- Matte – reduces light reflections, good for labels with a lot of text
- Glossy – attracts attention, ideal for premium product labels
- Satin – a compromise between matte and gloss
- Structural – adds a unique look and texture, e.g., ‘sandpaper’ type laminate, holographic effect, advanced finish offering selective light reflection, etc.
5. Resistance to External Conditions
Materials differ in their resistance to environmental factors:
- Paper: Least resistant, requires additional laminate for outdoor applications
- PP silver foil: Good resistance to moisture and UV radiation
- PP white foil: High resistance to moisture, chemicals, and UV radiation
- Clear-on-clear foil: Moisture-resistant, may require additional UV protection
6. Environmental Aspects
Nowadays, environmental issues play an increasingly important role in choosing materials for self-adhesive labels. Here’s how different materials present themselves in terms of ecology:
Paper:
- Advantages: Biodegradable, easy to recycle, often produced from renewable resources.
- Challenges: Paper production can be energy-intensive, although modern methods significantly reduce this problem.
PP silver foil:
- Advantages: Recyclable in specialized facilities.
- Challenges: As a plastic, it decomposes very slowly in the natural environment.
PP white foil:
- Advantages: Similar to PP silver, suitable for recycling.
- Challenges: Production requires non-renewable resources, long decomposition time.
Clear-on-clear foil:
- Advantages: Potentially recyclable, although the process is more complicated.
- Challenges: The most difficult to recycle due to transparency, which can make sorting difficult.
7. Personalization Possibilities and Basic Special Effects
The choice of appropriate material has a significant impact on the possibilities of label personalization and creating special effects. Here’s how different materials present themselves in this regard:
Paper:
- Personalization: Easy to print on, ideal for numbering or simple, personalized inscriptions.
- Special effects: Well-suited for embossing and simple decorations.
PP silver foil:
- Personalization: Printable, although it may require a special primer.
- Special effects: Natural metallic finish, good for creating shiny elements.
PP white foil:
- Personalization: Good for color printing, easy to personalize.
- Special effects: Possibility of creating matte or glossy surfaces.
Clear-on-clear foil:
- Personalization: Allows for creating transparent label elements.
- Special effects: Ideal for the “invisible label” effect.
Basic personalization techniques and special effects:
- Numbering: Adding unique numbers to each label, useful for product tracking.
- Simple variable printing: Ability to change text or graphics on labels within a single production series.
- Embossing: Creating raised or recessed patterns on the label surface.
- Selective varnishing: Applying glossy varnish to selected label elements for contrast.
- Laminating: Applying a thin, transparent layer for protection and gloss effect.
- Metallization: Adding metallic shine to parts or the entire label.
- Matte effect: Using matte finish for an elegant, subdued look.
When choosing material for personalized labels or with special effects, consider:
- Does the chosen material well accept the planned personalization technique?
- How durable will the effect be during product use?
- Is the production cost adequate to the expected effect?
- Does the chosen effect match the character of the product and brand?
Personalization and special effects, even basic ones, can significantly increase the attractiveness of the product and make it stand out on the store shelf. The key is to find a balance between visual appeal and the functionality and cost of label production.
Summary
Choosing the right material for the production of self-adhesive labels is crucial for product success.
Remember that the best choice is one that perfectly combines technical, aesthetic, ecological, and marketing requirements, creating a label that not only fulfills its basic function well but also contributes to building brand value and increasing product attractiveness for the consumer.