You may want to package a new product or look to refresh the products you already have. Regardless of your starting point, choosing the suitable packaging and label is vital to ensure your products stand out from the competition and achieve the desired results you are after.
With many different labelling materials and laminates to choose from, knowing the right option for your personal needs can be a daunting task to undertake. However, every type of label substrate offers unique benefits and characteristics, meaning you will never be without the perfect option for your brand.
Furthermore, turning to companies like Insignia, with their labelling expertise, can assist you in making the correct choice regardless of label application.
Eco-Friendly
Terraskin is a unique material that is made from around 75-80% calcium carbonate and 20-25% polyethene resin, which combine to create an environmentally friendly paper. The resulting product is water-resistant and incredibly durable.
Although it does require a laminate of some kind, the eco-friendly development guarantees a small carbon footprint. It can be used on skincare products, food packaging, and pet products.
Alternatively, cloth or fabric materials, which incorporate cloth or a nonwoven fabric layer that help to reinforce and improve the overall strength and heat-resistant qualities, can be used. A typical example is cloth labels used in the textile industry for clothing items.
Finally, one can opt for recycled kraft paper for a green option with plenty of character and without any form of laminate. It has a fantastic earthy brown colour with excellent texture, giving it a unique look once applied.
The material is entirely water-resistant and ideal to use on candles, coffee and tea packaging, skincare and beauty products, and CBD items, to name a few.
Plastic & Vinyl
White Plastic, or White BOPP, is likely the most versatile and widely used label material on the market. Thanks to its waterproof and oil-resistant qualities, it can be used in a variety of applications.
Labels can be applied by hand or machine, allowing businesses of any size to use them effectively. Furthermore, they can withstand low temperatures, making them a reliable frozen food label option.
If you are after something with unmatched durability, vinyl labels will fit the bill. The material is waterproof, oil-resistant, weather-resistant and chemical resistant.
Although it is a reasonably thick label material, it has strong adhesive and flexible qualities, making it an excellent choice for smaller packaging like lip balms and vape cartridges. It can also be found on household and industrial cleaning products and outdoor equipment.
For temporary label needs, opt for a removable plastic label. It is made with a weaker adhesive specifically designed to remove labels or stickers from the product without leaving a sticky glue residue behind. Promotional stickers and installation labels benefit from this feature.
The advantage of using plastic labels is that you can have the ability to change the colour, finish or thickness of the end label relatively easily. You can create holographic plastic with a reflective finish and rainbow effect. Along with being waterproof and oil-resistant, it can withstand extremely high temperatures.
Additionally, you can choose a clear or ultra-clear plastic label for a simplistic and stylish option, commonly found on cosmetic products, water bottles, vitamin bottles and candles.
Paper
Paper labels are inexpensive and easy to use but do not have the same level of durability as other options. They are better suited for one-time use without the need for longevity and can be difficult to remove from the product.
Nevertheless, they are ideal for items that don’t require heavy-duty labelling needs and offer texture and character that plastic does not have.
The standard white paper label is a highly economical choice for products not intended to be exposed to water or oil. This high-quality material can showcase your design like a dream and can be further customised with different laminates. It is a fantastic choice for disposable packaging, coffee or tea tins and non-perishable food items.
Paper labels carry an extensive range of versatility, from colour to texture, to suit your company’s aesthetic, brand and product. While paper labels are not water resistant, they are budget friendly without compromising on the essential qualities.
Label Finishing
Choosing the perfect label finishing can be that extra touch your product needs to stand out from the rest, adding a layer of protection to the design. While the label finish is waterproof, the material you choose to pair them with may not be, so it is essential to consider these combinations when making your selection.
A high-gloss finish is the ultimate ‘wow’ factor. It is a clear polypropylene laminate that can protect against scratching and general wear and boosts the colour and clarity of materials. Alternatively, satin offers a more subtle finish with non-glare qualities that give a softer and toned-down feel.
To improve the longevity of your labels, choose a UV-resistant gloss. It has a high-gloss finish but added UV protection prevents fading. Made from polyester, this laminate will protect your work excellently.