All About Label Materials

Technological advances in the label printing industry have led to a plethora of new roll label materials be introduced into the market. The types of label that you use reflects your product, so why not make sure you understand the material.

These roll label materials have become a viable asset for companies looking to get their product noticed on the shelf. It is important to note, that although more and more custom roll label materials are becoming readily available, an emphasis must be maintained on the chemistry behind a company’s label material.

Common Label Materials:

The first thing consumers look at when comparing two products on a shelf is the presentation of the product and the product label. Important information is incorporated into various kinds of product labels.

From safety precautions to nutritional information, labels serve a purpose far beyond just being aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

Just like health and safety warnings located on the labels, it is just as important to take into consideration the chemical makeup of label materials and how they relate to a company’s product, application, and safety guidelines.

Here is a brief dialogue on some of the most popular forms of labeling material used in the field today.

Polypropylene Label Material

Polypropylene, or PP is it is more commonly referred to in the digital label printing world, is one of the most used label materials on the market today. Polypropylene label stock is used in a variety of fashions including pharmaceuticals and cosmetics to name a few.

Polypropylene digitally printed on blank roll labels allows for the chemical properties of the substrate to reduce discoloration and the fading of colors. PP material is also waterproof and tearproof, which is important to keep in mind when searching for the right media for your application.

Polypropylene combined with a cryogenic adhesive allows for labels to withstand extreme environmental conditions without losing label consistency.

BOPP Label Material

BOPP (Biaxially oriented, polypropylene) is another form of Polypropylene, it has been biaxially-oriented, meaning it has been stretched in two different directions making the material stronger and more transparent compared to is typical polypropylene counterpart.

BOPP label materials are unique in themselves, they come in various forms including, Clear BOPP material, White BOPP, and Removable BOPP. BOPP film is perhaps one of the most used label stocks across all industries.

Polyester (PET) Label Material

Polyester is another label material that is commonly used by label manufacturers, or PET as the industry calls it. Polyester labels, like Polypropylene, are formulated to have the ability to withstand harsh weather conditions.

PET labels are often used in both indoor and outdoor applications. Polyester label stock is more commonly used in thermal transfer printers and laser printers. The label stock primarily comes in two finishes: high gloss and matte, but can also be made into a clear label as well.

Vinyl (PVC) Label Material

Vinyl, or PVC, label stocks boast the most UV resistance. Vinyl is commonly referred to as a “sticker” but unlike stickers, custom die-cut vinyl stickers show resistance to water and other chemical elements. When laminated, Vinyl stickers and labels become resistant to UV exposure.

Vinyl also has some properties that allow them to fit and mold to curved surfaces typical labels might not. Thus, these eye-catching vinyl stickers are commonly used for bumper stickers, promotional stickers, and other industry specific graphic applications.

Foil Label Material

Foil label materials offer a unique look that most other label materials cannot mimic. Foil stock comes in dull, bright, silver, gold, and other metalized hues.

Foils typically are used on toner or laser systems, but in recent years, silver and gold polyester foil material has allowed for inkjet digital label printers to follow suit on this specialized application.

Holographic Label Material

Holographic material has also found a home in many industries as it creates a beautiful label when printed with digital inkjet technology. These custom holographic labels have found a home in the cannabis and CBD space on luxury items.

Hologram label material also has a niche in advertising. Labels serve as the purpose to get the product noticed as well as educated the consumer on the product they are buying. Glitter material is another specialty material that has emerged in the label industry.

Holographic stickers often have a glittery effect that gives a pleasant sparkle when light reflects off the material. Cracked ice is another material that has interesting and eye-catching properties, giving labels an “icey” look.

Paper Label Material

Kraft paper and Vellum Paper are both made from recycled materials making them the perfect label for any company that is trying to go green and become more eco-friendly. Gloss paper is commonly used to create product labels that have a high quality look.

These roll label materials are not oil and waterproof, but when laminated they can become more durable. What is nice about these kinds of label stocks are that they allow manufacturers to give these die-cut paper labels a clean and concise vintage look.

Flexible Packaging Material

In recent years, due to an influx in on-line shopping, e-commerce packaging has gained popularity. Incorporating flexible packaging into your repertoire will help companies stay ahead of the curve. One of the most common flexible packaging materials used today is Mylar.

Mylar typically has an aluminum backing that allows for food and other products to stay protected before their intended use. Mylar material with an inkjet topcoat allows for digital label printers to use the material for short runs and have a full spectrum of customization.

Just as important as it is to know your product inside and out, you should know your label make up in the same sense. This allows you to follow safety guidelines and make sure your labels will withstand the elements to which they will be stored and sold. Get your brand noticed and don’t be scared to divert from industry norms to get your brand noticed.