What are common label materials? Detailed explanation of 12 label material characteristics and application scenarios

Structure of adhesive labels

Adhesive labels consist of three layers: face material, adhesive, and release liner. Among them, the face material is the outermost layer of the label, which directly determines the appearance texture, durability, and applicable scenario of the label.

12 common label materials

1. Coated paper

Coated paper is one of the most commonly used face materials for adhesive labels. Its surface is coated for good printing color reproduction and clear dots. It has low cost and high cost performance, suitable for daily chemical, food packaging, and logistics labels. The disadvantage is that it is not waterproof and tends to curl when damp.

2. Synthetic paper

Synthetic paper (also known as imitation paper film, YUPO) combines the printability of paper with the waterproof and tear-resistant properties of plastic. It has higher cost but good durability, suitable for outdoor signage, frozen labels, and product labels that need long-term preservation.

3. PET (Polyester)

PET material has high transparency, a temperature range of -40°C to 120°C, and is resistant to chemical corrosion. Widely used for electronic product labels, outdoor equipment, and appliance identification. PET is food-grade material and meets food contact requirements.

4. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

PVC material is soft and elastic, suitable for attaching to curved and irregular surfaces, commonly used for cable identification and outdoor signage. However, it is limited in environmental protection, and its use is restricted in some areas.

5. Thermal paper

Thermal paper develops color when heated through its thermal coating and can be printed without a ribbon, making it convenient to use. It has low cost and is widely used for express waybills, price labels, and supermarket weighing labels. The disadvantage is that it fades easily when exposed to heat and light, making it unsuitable for long-term preservation.

6. Frangible paper

Frangible paper has extremely low strength; once attached, it will shatter if peeled off and cannot be removed intact. Mainly used for tamper-evident seals, warranty labels, and anti-counterfeiting identification.

7. PP (Polypropylene)

PP material is semi-transparent, has good folding resistance, and a temperature range of -20°C to 130°C. Commonly used for food container labels and daily chemical product labels.

8. PE (Polyethylene)

PE material is soft and waterproof, resistant to low temperatures, commonly used for frozen food labels and shrink labels.

9. Heat shrink film

Heat shrink film is placed over a container and shrinks tightly upon heating, conforming to the container shape. Suitable for beverage bottles, cosmetic bottles, and irregularly shaped containers, allowing 360° full printing.

10. In-mold labels (IML)

In-mold labels are integrated with the container during injection molding, never falling off. Used for shampoo bottles, food containers, etc., waterproof, scratch-resistant, and recyclable.

11. RFID labels

RFID labels have built-in chips and antennas, reading data non-contactly via radio frequency signals. Frequencies include LF, HF, UHF, with read distances ranging from a few centimeters to over ten meters. Used for warehouse logistics, anti-counterfeiting traceability, and asset management.

12. Removable labels

Removable labels use removable adhesive, allowing them to be peeled off completely without leaving residue after attachment. Suitable for temporary promotional labels, price labels, and reusable packaging.

How to choose the right label material

When selecting label materials, consider: labeling environment (normal temperature/frozen/outdoor), durability requirements (temporary/permanent), printing requirements (color/variable data), and compliance requirements (food contact must comply with GB 4806, medical devices must comply with ISO 11607). It is recommended to communicate with suppliers for testing based on actual scenarios before mass use.