The label material you select is the key to the success and longevity of the labels. If you are labeling stock, products, or packaging, the key to realizing the best label material you need is information. Well, come on over to A Guide to Choosing the Best Label Material for Your Needs, where we will provide all you need to know to make the best choice.
Selecting the proper material for the label is far from an issue of selecting the one most aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The material you choose, from adhesive power to environmental resistance, must meet your needs. This guide will walk you through the most common materials for labels, where you will be applying them, and how to select the one that meets your needs.
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Primera LX600 Color Label Printer SKU: LX600$1,995.00
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Label Material Components
It’s good to have an idea of the makeup before diving into the variety of materials available for labels. A label will have three general components: face stock, adhesive, and liner. They are all vital to the label’s performance, and familiarizing yourself with them will help you choose the best material.
Face Stock
The most vital label component is the face stock, the actual material on which the printed information or design is implemented. The face stock needs to be hard enough to accommodate the design and printing, but also elastically shaped to fit the product packaging.
Adhesive
The adhesive is the force that prevents the label from coming off the surface. One must select the proper adhesive force for the task. Some uses will need a permanent adhesive, while others will need a removable one. A proper adhesive is selected so the label will adhere and be removable when most desirable.
Release Coating
The release coat prevents the adhesive from sticking to the liner and allows the labels to come off easily when they need to be applied.
Release Liner
The release liner is the stock upon which the label is most frequently carried, either from plastic or paper. It is a convenience feature during the labeling process, so the adhesive face of the label never comes into contact with any unwanted surfaces before labeling.
Label Material Considerations
You also have some things you’ll want to consider generically in label material selection. They are the environment the label will be subjected to, the type of product, and if the label will have to withstand any exposure to moisture, chemicals, or harsh temperatures. Knowing this will enable you to select your case’s final material.
Long-Term Integrity: How many months will the label need to survive? If you are labeling something that must compete with brutal conditions (the outdoors or the freezer), you will want the label material that will stand the test.
Aesthetic: Branding is also achieved through the assistance of labels, and looks are extremely vital. There are also gloss-finish label materials, although most are shipped with a matte finish. The finishing is an area where the entirety of the product’s appearance and the customer base are influenced.
Adhesion: The adhesive’s adhesion force also plays an important role. The provisional labels will require detachable adhesives, but the permanent labeling will need stronger permanent adhesives.
Environmental Impact: Sustainability is important to most businesses. Green materials like recycled or biodegradable label stocks are just one example out of countless ones that businesses may select to reduce their carbon footprint.
Types of Label Material
We will tackle the various label materials with this prelude on the general makeup and considerations. Each one has characteristics that suit you for particular uses.
Matte or Gloss Paper Labels
Paper labels are the most popular type of label material. They are offered in matte or gloss finishes and are most commonly utilized for retail product labeling, packaging, and stock control. The matte-finish labels are non-reflecting and give an understated appearance, whereas the gloss-finish labels brighten the product’s appearance with their high-shine finish.
Ideal for: Short-term packaging, retail packaging, and packaging for foods.
Polypropylene Labels
Polypropylene labels consist of a hard plastic material that is chemically and water-resistant. Polypropylene labels are most used where the labels need to come into contact with chemicals, oils, or water. Polypropylene is most commonly used on bottles, containers, and exterior uses.
Best For: Outdoor products, packaging exposed to moisture, and industrial labeling.
Kimdura Labels
Kimdura is an extremely strong synthetic material that possesses the combined stiffness of polyester and the give of paper. It is the ultimate choice for labels that will be used under rough conditions and will never tear or deteriorate. These labels are predominantly employed in industrial applications.
Recommended for: Heavy-use labeling, industrial labeling, and outdoor labeling.
Polyester Labels
Polyester labels are extremely resistant to strong scratching, chemicals, and extreme heat. They are best suited for permanent uses where the label will be forced to be roughed up over time, such as automotive or machine labeling.
Best Use: Harsh environment, chemical exposure, industrial product.
Tyvek Labels
Tyvek is also a synthetic material made from high-density polyethylene fibers. It is extremely tear-resistant and is often found on labels that must be hard but also extremely lightweight. Tyvek labels are ideal for labels that must endure rough treatment but still need to remain intact.
Best Application: Shipping labels, abuse-proof applications, exterior labels.
Machine Coat Paper
The machine-coated paper is also an even, shiny paper treated for improved printability. It is the most popular stock for product packaging labels and promotions. It is ideal for labels that want a professional finish but still want durability under strictly controlled conditions.
Ideal Use: Package packaging, advertising sheets, and point of sale.
Uncoated Paper
These are paper stickers with an all-natural, textured finish. Thus, they are a more raw, earth-friendly product. They are a great option for any business trying to give its product an organic feel. They are not as heavy-duty as the coat type.
Best For: Specialty brands, eco-friendly brands, and organic brands.
Synthetic Materials
Synthetics, like acetate or vinyl, are built to be sturdier than paper labels. They are most frequently used on items that must endure rigorous conditions, like frequent exposure to the sun, water, or harsh weather. Synthetic materials are also most frequently tear-proof and waterproof.
Best For: Use outdoors, humid-end products, permanent labeling.
Thermal Materials
Thermal labels are printed using thermal printing technologies. They do not contain ink as they are printed using warmth to create an imprint. Thermal coatings are popular among logistics, storage, and barcode printing for their efficiency and economy.
Ideal for shipping labels, barcode labels, and shipping.
Label Material Applications
Every material for the label has an ideal collection of uses. The product’s environment and end-use must be considered when choosing the best material. There are many uses for labels across multiple industry sectors, such as:
- Packaging and Retailing: Suitable for labeling consumer packaging where performance is emphasized.
- Healthcare: Where the labels need to survive sterilization, chemical exposure, and temperature extremes.
- Shipping and Logistics: The tags must survive their abuse, weather, and transportation.
- Industrial: Markings must survive harsh environments like chemicals, extreme weather, and heavy abuse.
Where Can I Buy Label Printers?
TCS Digital Solutions offers the very best label printers that are also material-compatible. If you will be shipping labels, barcodes, or product labels, TCS Digital Solutions also offers an array of stable printers that suit you well. Using the latest printing tech, you will be confident that the labels will look great and remain stable even under variable conditions. Look at our label printers to select the best one from us.
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Afinia L502 Duo Ink Color Label Printer (Pigment Version) SKU: 35410$2,995.00
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Orders before 12PM EST usually Ship Same Business Day - QuickLabel QL-300 Color Label Printer (230V) SKU: 1003-0000003$9,495.00
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Orders before 12PM EST usually Ship Same Business Day - Epson ColorWorks C3500 Inkjet Color Label Printer SKU: C31CD54011 GTIN: 814420980046$2,419.00
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Final Thoughts
In A Beginner’s Guide to Picking the Perfect Label Material for the Job, we’ve outlined the basics to consider when selecting label materials. From discovering the many varieties of label materials to considering durability, application, and outdoor exposure, selecting the correct material will ensure that the labels perform best. Whether you require a shiny label for retail packaging or an industrial-strength synthetic label, getting to know the makeup and uses for each material will enable you to make the most informed decision for the labeling task.
When you’re ready to take your labeling to the next level, consider the fact that TCS Digital Solutions has an assortment of first-class label printers to bring your labels to life.
Would you like to know more about A Guide to Choosing the Best Label Material for Your Needs? Contact our support staff by email at orders@tcsdigitsolutions.com or call +1 (762) 208-6985 to clarify any questions. The TCS Digital Solutions Expert Support Staff can help. Check out our blog section to learn more about Label Printers and get all your questions answered.
