Paper vs Film Labels: What Label Material is Best for Your Application
One of the most common questions manufacturers face when developing a new product label is whether to use paper or film construction. The right choice affects durability, appearance, and cost, and choosing the wrong one can lead to label issues in the field.
Paper Labels
Paper constructions are the most widely used options across food & beverage, consumer packaging, and products that require a short shelf life due to the nature of not requiring the same durability standards that its film counterparts require. Papers also allow a 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 greater flexibility in 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, causing unnessary spend that could 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 in order to uphold our IATF 16949 certification. 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 a more rigorous solution. Films are often used for industrial equipment, refrigerated products, and chemical containers that need to withstand harsh conditions including:
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 increase durability and provide additional protection against condensation and edge lift. 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 base of either the paper or film label, typically without adding the thickness of a laminate. Although varnishes are commonly used for aesthetic purposes like allowing a gloss or matte finish, they can be added as a cost-effective layer of protection for short term exposure and light friction resistance, compared to that of a laminated solution.