Engineering the Right Construction for Your Label Product
When it comes to your label, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing your label construction.
At first glance, the difference may seem simple. But that choice can directly impact your label’s appearance, performance, and bottom line.
Paper Labels
Paper constructions are the most widely used options across food & beverage and consumer packaging due to the wide range of finishes that can create a more tactile, sensory experience.
Paper constructions are also often chosen where shelf appeal is critical. Strong ink adhesion allows for vibrant imagery. The compatibility of paper between a flexographic press and digital press is also minimal, allowing for maximum flexibility is how each project is produced.
Lastly, perhaps where most label buying decisions are made, is in their pricing. Paper label constructions are often a much more economical solution than their film counterparts. Where moisture and abrasion aren’t a major concern, a paper label is often a smarter investment of your label spend. We often find that organizations are over engineering their label, cuasing unessary spend that coud be reallocated elsewhere.
Film Labels
Film constructions, most commonly polypropylene or polyester based materials, are engineered for applications where performance is paramount. Many times, especially in automotive, a film label is engineered against a set required durability specifications. A failure to meet these specifications has major finanical repercussions including compliance issues, product recalls, and safety risks to the end user.
Even if the product doesn’t have a stringent set of required specs to meet, film based constructions are superior where conditions require amore rigorous solution. Common conditions where film constructions are preferred include:
Moisture Resistance:
Film does not absorb water, making it ideal for refrigerated, frozen, or condensation heavy environments.
Abrasion Resistance
Film provides proection against abrasion, tearing, and scuffing better than paper, critical for products that experience heavy handling or extended shelf life.
Chemical Resistance
Film resists against variety of chemicals that would damage paper labels or cause adhesive failure such as cleaning agents, oil and grease resistance, and solvents, among others chemicals.
Film labels don’t only have to be considered for durable projects. A clear film construction can create a seamless, premium appearance that enhances brand design and shelf appeal.
Additional Aspects to Consider in a Label Construction
Laminates
Another often overlooked aspect of label construction is whether it will require or would benefit from lamination. Laminates are ultra thin films often added as a protective layer on both a paper or film label to increasedurability and provide additional protection against condensation and edgelift. They also act as a physical barrier that prevents ink from smudging to extend the shelf life of the product.
Varnishes
A varnish is a coating that is directly applied to the baseof either the paper or film label, typically without adding the thickness of alaminate. Although varnishes are commonly used for aesthetic purposes like allowinga gloss or matte finish, they can be added as a cost-effective layer ofprotection for short term exposure and light friction resistance, compared to that of a laminated solution.
If you’re evaluating a new project, wondering whether your current label construction is optimized for its environment, or exploring cost optimizations, to we’re always happy to help you assess the best fit.