In order to distinguish their products, many manufacturers prefer printed labels to be placed on their products. Companies mark labels on their products as a trademark to make their products recognizable as quality and original items. In many cases, the labels are used to convey special offers and messages to consumers. A variety of different materials with multiple colors and designs are included. Since labels are of significant commercial importance, a large variety of printing materials are available in the market at different prices, quality and characteristics. However, the actual decision in selecting the best label printing material is based on the purpose for which it will be used.
The best materials for label printing are self-adhesive and divided into four major components.
Top layer
The top layer of this material resembles a thin film and is mostly transparent. This top layer acts as a cover sheet on the label, protecting it from water and scratches. It has an adhesive material applied on one side of the film so that it can be attached to the label.
Backing layer
Below the top layer, the labeling materials contain a base or backing layer which provides physical strength and release coating.
Different types of adhesion material are applied to the best available label printing materials in the market. Cleanliness, smoothness and a good level of adhesion are the ultimate requirements of this material. If the protective layer is not transparent, the printing might not be viewed clearly.
Transparent film
The best quality label printing materials, however, are protected with a transparent film that uses permanent adhesion material. In some cases, when the product casings are re-useable or can be recycled, semi-permanent and removable adhesion materials are applied. This material allows the label to be removed by a simple water wash.
Face material or transparent film can be uncoated, glossy, matt coated and also of varying strength. Mainly, the materials used to manufacture this transparent film are polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) or some type of polyester (PET). Each of these manufacturing materials gives different face characteristics, but mostly the polypropylene films are used in the best materials since it is more durable, stable and clear. Another important element of the best materials is that they must have a separate bottom layer on one side of which the printed layer is placed and the other side is attached to the product. The bottom layer also contains silicon release coating.PP and PET materials, on the other hand, are not so high in quality, but they are used for unique purposes like stability against water, oils and chemicals.
Label base
The layer beneath this thin transparent film is actually the one which is printed and placed over the backing material. Quality of the backing material is one of the major indicators of the quality of label printing material. Although this layer plays the least part in the design of label, it forms the base of all the labels. Different types of backing materials like glass backing materials, Kraft backing materials, filmic and high density glassine materials are used for label printing. Each of these materials offers some unique features and advantages. Most of the labels require limited deviation in thickness. For these types of labels, the backing material made up of high density glassine is most suitable since it is very compact. If labels are to be placed in larger rolls, filmic backing materials are used. This backing material provides enough physical strength while at the same time maintaining the flexibility of material.
Advances in labeling technology
In the past couple of years, more advancement have been introduced into label printing, and the materials now being chosen for label printing are also environmentally friendly. The chemicals used for adhesion and printing inks are not poisonous and do not leave any harmful effect once the label is disposed of or thrown away. Every label printing material that meets the specifications mentioned in this article can be considered one of the best available materials in the market. These specifications can be helpful for anyone choosing the best materials for label printing for business purposes.
Author bio:
This article describes the some tips that help to identify materials for label printing. The article is written by Leo Preston and she want to thanks Quicklabel.ca for giving her some information.
Image Credits: Nick Saltmarsh and EraPhernalia Vintage
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