How to choose label materials and processes suitable for your own products?

Choosing Labels is Choosing Your Product's Outer Garment

Labels are not just carriers of product information—they directly affect the first impression on the shelf. Choosing labels requires consideration from three layers: face material, adhesive, and printing process. The structure of self-adhesive labels consists of three layers: face material, adhesive, and release liner. The combination of all three determines the label's final performance.

Face Material Selection

Coated paper face material is the most widely used, with good color reproduction in printing and low cost. It is suitable for daily chemicals, food labels, and logistics labels. However, coated paper is not waterproof and may curl and peel off in humid environments.

Synthetic paper face material combines the printability of paper with the durability of plastic, being waterproof, tear-resistant, and low-temperature resistant. It is suitable for outdoor labels and frozen food labels. The cost is approximately 2-3 times that of coated paper.

PET face material offers high transparency, good chemical resistance, and a wide temperature range. It is suitable for electronic product labels and outdoor signage. Thermal paper face material has the lowest cost and is suitable for express shipping labels and supermarket price tags. Fragile paper face material tears apart upon removal and is used for tamper-evident seals.

Adhesive Selection

Permanent adhesive bonds permanently and cannot be removed, suitable for most everyday scenarios. Removable adhesive can be peeled off without leaving residue, suitable for glassware and temporary promotional labels. Freezer-grade adhesive maintains good tack at temperatures below -20°C. Repositionable adhesive can be repeatedly applied.

Label Processes

Digital printing is suitable for small batches and variable data, with no plate-making fees. Flexography is suitable for large batches with eco-friendly water-based inks. Offset printing offers excellent color reproduction with clear dots. Screen printing produces thick ink layers with strong three-dimensional effects. Finishing processes: hot foil stamping adds metallic luster, spot UV creates localized gloss, and lamination protects the printed surface.

Regulatory Compliance

Food labels must comply with the GB 7718-2011 standard. Label materials in direct contact with food must comply with the GB 4806 series standards. Export products must meet the regulatory requirements of the destination country.

Four-Step Selection Process

Step 1: Define the usage environment. Step 2: Determine design requirements. Step 3: Match materials and processes. Step 4: Compliance check. Finally, it is recommended to request samples for confirmation first, and arrange mass production only after testing.