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Sustainability and Recyclability of Printed Cans

If you’re considering digitally printed cans, sustainability usually comes up, either because it matters to your brand, your customers, or sometimes even regulators.

Here’s the short version: digitally printed cans don’t magically make packaging sustainable, but they do remove some of the biggest environmental inefficiencies found in labeled or shrink-sleeved cans.

Printed cans being recycled

Recyclability of Printed Cans

Aluminum cans are already one of the most recyclable packaging formats available. They can be recycled repeatedly without losing quality, and recycling aluminum uses up to 95% less energy than producing new aluminum from raw material.

The sustainability difference is not the can itself, but how the can is decorated.

Digitally printed cans preserve aluminum’s recyclability because:

decoration is applied directly to the can as a very thin ink layer
there are no plastic sleeves or label films
there are no adhesives to remove during recycling
recyclers can process the aluminum with fewer steps

Cans with shrink sleeves or pressure-sensitive labels are still recyclable, but recyclers typically must:

burn off plastic sleeves or label materials
remove adhesives and coatings
process additional non-aluminum waste

That extra processing does not prevent recycling, but it does add energy use, waste, and complexity to the recycling stream.

In simple terms, digitally printed cans keep aluminum packaging closer to a single-material recycling process by eliminating secondary decoration materials.

Warehouse of cans on pallets

Inventory Waste and Overproduction

With digitally printed cans, inventory planning becomes an important part of sustainability and cost control. Digital printing gives brands more flexibility than offset printing, but digital (especially printed cans) still requires the right planning.

Digitally printed cans allow brands to:

print smaller production runs compared to traditionally high minimum order quantities
combine multiple SKUs into a single order to improve efficiency
reduce the risk of large quantities of unused decorated cans
better align packaging orders with production schedules

But digitally printed cans still require forecasting and coordination. Unlike labels applied to blank cans, decorated cans can’t be repurposed if branding, compliance information, or products change.

Brands using digitally printed cans should plan for:

product demand across SKUs
product shelf life and production timing
storage space for pallets of printed cans
potential design updates or seasonal packaging changes
coordination with co-packers or filling schedules

If a product isn’t selling or a design changes, unused printed cans may become unusable. That risk exists with any pre-decorated can format, but digital printing can reduce the scale of that risk by lowering minimum order quantities and allowing SKU mixing.

Regulatory Pressure Is Increasing

Several U.S. states are implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws that assign costs to packaging that is harder to recycle.

States that have already passed packaging EPR legislation as of 2026 include California, Colorado, Oregon, and Maine, with other states actively considering similar policies.

Beverage brands can check current state-by-state packaging EPR requirements through the Product Stewardship Institute’s packaging EPR tracker.

In some cases, packaging with:

plastic shrink sleeves
applied labels
mixed materials

…may incur additional recycling or disposal fees depending on how recyclability is evaluated within those programs.

Digitally printed cans avoid those secondary materials entirely. This can make them easier to align with emerging packaging regulations.

Consumer Perception Matters Too

Beverage brands often want to know how to talk about digitally printed cans in a way that is accurate and meaningful to eco-conscious consumers.

When communicating about sustainability, brands using digitally printed cans can focus on clear, specific language tied to recyclability and waste reduction.

Recycling label on a beer can

Examples of sustainability language include:

Recyclability-focused language

“Please recycle this can”
“Aluminum cans can be recycled again and again”

Waste-reduction language

“Designed to reduce packaging materials”
“No secondary packaging materials attached to the can”

This type of language helps brands communicate real sustainability improvements without making vague or hard-to-support claims.

For most beverage companies, the goal is not to position printed cans as “perfectly sustainable,” but to show that their packaging decisions reduce unnecessary materials and support recyclable aluminum packaging.

The Practical Sustainability Summary

Printed cans are typically more sustainable than shrink sleeves or pressure-sensitive labels because they eliminate plastic decoration materials and simplify the recycling process. Sustainability is only one factor alongside cost, aesthetics, production setup, and order volumes.

If you’re comparing labeling options for your cans, contact us to talk through your options, request a quote, or see samples of our digitally printed can work.

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Designing for Printed Cans: What You Need to Know

If this is your first time switching from labels to printed cans, the goal isn’t to redesign everything, it’s to understand how can printing is different from labels or sleeves and how to brief your designer so the final result looks exactly the way you expect.

The biggest difference:

Artwork is printed directly onto the can using high-speed digital inkjet technology with the can rotating while ink is applied. That process changes how fine details, text, color layering, and registration behave compared to pressure-sensitive labels or shrink sleeves.

We’ll walk through the adjustments you need to make to get great looking printed cans without any surprises.

Core Design Differences Your Designer Needs to Know

1. Fine Text and Line Work

Printed can technology uses multiple print heads and layered color separations, and the resolution is lower than what designers are used to with pressure-sensitive labels or shrink sleeves. That means very small text or thin lines can look less crisp than expected.

Our recommendations:

Use single-color black for small text, legal copy, and barcodes
Avoid rich black (CMYK black) for fine details
Avoid thin outlines or drop shadows on small text
Keep line weights above recommended minimums (0.1pt for lines; avoid ultra‑fine hairlines), and keep small text above minimums (7pt and up for single‑color text, larger if reversed out or multi‑color)

Printed cans design - fine text and line work

2. Barcodes

Barcode orientation and color matters more on printed cans than it does on labels.

Our recommendations:

Barcode print direction should run vertically (bottom to top)
Minimum size should be 85% normal size. Some customers do choose to use a reduced barcode size, however, the Bar Code Council and ANSI scanning requirements advise that the code bars should not be truncated (shortened) or reduced, but in full size.

Printed cans design - barcodes

3. Gradients and Color Blends

Printed cans handle large color fields and imagery very well. Issues tend to appear when gradients are extremely subtle, when many colors are stacked into small areas, or when fine text sits on top of complex blends.

Our recommendations:

Use gradients with clear tonal separation and sufficient contrast; avoid ultra‑subtle fades (for example, 1–2% tint steps) and very long, low‑contrast blends that can band or break up at ~900 DPI on a rotating can
Avoid placing small text over busy or highly detailed backgrounds
Reduce the number of inks used to build text and small graphic elements. Specifically, avoid CMYK or multi‑color builds for typography; use single‑ink colors where possible, and limit text to one color (or two at most) to reduce registration risk across multiple print heads.

Printed cans design - gradients and color blends

Designing for the Can’s Shape

Neck (Top) and Chime (Bottom) Live Areas

With cans, the neck and chime curves matter from a design standpoint.

The very top and bottom of the can curve more, which can cause distortion, softening, or loss of clarity in small text and fine details as ink is applied over tighter radii
Text and fine details should stay within designated safe zones, typically keeping critical text and thin line work at least 15mm away from the very top flange and bottom of the can, where curvature increases and print clarity is more likely to degrade
Many successful designs transition to solid color or simple patterns near the top

We can provide templates, and it also helps to tell designers early that the top and bottom of the can are not ideal places for critical text.

Using the Aluminum Can as a Design Feature

One advantage that often gets overlooked is the metallic nature of the can itself.

Designers can let the natural aluminum show through, use selective white ink to control where metallic effects appear, and create shimmer or depth without foils or specialty materials.

Common ways designers and brands use the aluminum itself as a design feature include:

Metallic highlights: Leaving aluminum exposed behind logos, illustrations, or key accents to create natural shine without foil or specialty coatings.
Patterned metallic fields: Using repeating patterns or textures with selective white ink to create contrast between matte inked areas and reflective metal.
Depth and layering effects: Letting metallic areas sit behind translucent or lightly inked colors to create visual depth and dimensionality.
Premium negative space: Intentionally unprinted areas that give the design space.

Embellishments You Can Use Digitally

Digitally printed cans support several embellishments without plates or added materials. Everything is applied inline during printing.

Embellishment	What It Does	When to Use It
Matte finish	Reduces glare and softens the look	Premium, modern brands
Gloss finish	Adds shine and contrast	Bold graphics and shelf impact
Gloss finish	Adds extra sheen and depth	Highlight areas and logos
High Build/Emboss	Creates tactile texture	Logos, typography, focal elements

File Preparation

Here are some baseline expectations to communicate with your graphic designer:

Fonts outlined (no live fonts in final files)
Images embedded, not linked (no external file dependencies)
Files must be CMYK (no RGB)
Raster images supplied at 300 DPI at final print size; avoid upscaling low‑resolution assets
Spot colors used only when explicitly specified and approved for the digital can workflow
Create separate layers for selective white/metallic printing or selective varnish

Proofing and Prototyping Options

There are several ways to proof and validate artwork before moving into full production. Depending on the project, proofing options could include:

Digital proofs: Used to review layout, copy, color intent, and overall composition before anything is printed.
Pilot cans: Physically printed cans that show real color on aluminum, text clarity, embellishment effects, and how the design behaves under lighting, moisture, and handling.

Pre-Flight Checklist: 10 Things to Check

Before finalizing artwork, make sure you can confidently check the following:

Small text is single-color where possible, and meets minimum size guidelines (generally 7pt or larger)
Line weights meet minimum thresholds (generally 0.1pt or heavier)
Barcodes are oriented vertically
Gradients use sufficient contrast and avoid ultra-subtle tint steps
Fine outlines, drop shadows, and multi-color text builds are minimized
Critical text and details stay within top and bottom safe zones (15mm from the neck and chime)
Use of exposed aluminum or metallic effects is planned (if desired)
Embellishments (matte, gloss, high-gloss top coat, raised ink) are clearly defined
Artwork has been reviewed at 100% scale with digital-can resolution expectations in mind (~900 DPI)
A proofing plan is in place

Next Steps

When you (and your designer) understand how the printed can process works, it becomes much easier to provide artwork with confidence and avoid surprises once cans are on the line.

If you’re exploring printed cans and want to learn more, we’re always happy to talk through what’s possible, answer design or production questions, or help you get a quote for your project.

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Printed Cans 101: What to Know Before Ordering

Printed cans are a great option for beverage brands that want shelf impact, consistency, and operational simplicity. But keep in mind the process is not the same as ordering pressure‑sensitive labels or shrink sleeves. The brands that have the smoothest first run are the ones that plan ahead for printed cans beyond just design decisions.

This guide is for beverage brands moving to digitally printed cans who want to make sure their orders go exactly as planned. We’ll walk through what matters before you place an order, including artwork, finishes, logistics, and other details that help prevent surprises.

1. Preparing Artwork for Printed Cans

With printed cans, you can get great consistency and durability, but only if artwork is prepared properly.

What to confirm before submitting files

High‑resolution artwork is non‑negotiable. Low‑res images that might pass on a label will show immediately on a printed can.
Understand resolution differences. Digitally printed cans don’t reproduce ultra‑fine detail quite the same way pressure‑sensitive labels do. Very small text, thin lines, and subtle textures need extra attention so they stay crisp once printed on aluminum.
CMYK only. RGB files introduce color shifts that can be amplified on aluminum.
Bleed and seam awareness matter. Your design must account for the can seam and safe zones so critical elements aren’t distorted or hidden.
Metallic interaction is real. Even with a white base, aluminum subtly influences color density and contrast.

If you’re used to prepping artwork for labels, expect more scrutiny at this stage.

Prototyping Printed Cans

A physical proof or prototype can be helpful in letting you validate:

Color accuracy
Text legibility at real size
How gradients, fine lines, and solids behave on a curved surface
How embellishments or decoration appears (we’ll touch on this later)

This is where most issues are caught, and where the smartest brands pay special attention.

2. Finishing and Embellishment

Digitally printed cans can look incredible, but embellishments work differently than they do on labels.

What’s typically available, and what to confirm

Based on real‑world digital can production capabilities:

Gloss or matte overall finishes are the most common and reliable options.
Selective effects are limited. Digitally printed cans allow for different areas to be different finishes, allowing spot varnished matte or gloss areas. It is also possible to create an embossing effect by printing a higher concentration of varnish. But, digital printing directly on aluminum doesn’t offer the same variety of finishes and textures possible with pressure sensitive labels or shrink sleeves.
Design contrast does the heavy lifting. Texture and premium feel often come from smart color use, negative space, and finish selection.

If your brand relies heavily on tactile embellishments from labels, this will be a shift. Printed cans trade the wide embellishment options offered by labels for consistency and a label-less look.

Products being shipped on a pallet

3. Logistics & Planning

Digitally printed cans force you to change how you think about inventory, storage, and shipping.

Minimums and order sizing

While digitally printed cans allow lower minimums than traditional offset printing, they are still a manufactured container, not a roll of labels.

Key considerations:

Order quantities should align with realistic fill schedules.
Small test runs are possible, but extremely small shipments can increase per‑unit logistics costs.
Partial pallets or mixed shipments require extra planning.

Shipping methods matter

Shipping Method	Best For	Approx. Can Quantities
Full truckload (FTL)	Large runs	~200,000+ cans (varies by format)
Less-than-truckload (LTL)	Mid-size runs	~5,000–200,000 cans
Parcel / small pack	Samples, pilots	Dozens to a few hundred cans

Cans are durable, but printed cans still need proper handling. Our recommendation is to match your order size to the right shipping method early (we can help with this), use full pallets whenever possible, and confirm packaging and handling requirements so cans arrive fill-ready and on schedule.

Storage and Delivery Timing

Some brands ship printed cans directly to their filler (which may be onsite or elsewhere). Others choose to store cans and schedule deliveries over time based on their fill plan. The right choice depends on:

Fill cadence: If you fill weekly or bi‑weekly, storing inventory and receiving cans in smaller deliveries might make sense. If you fill monthly or in large runs, direct‑to‑filler shipments are usually simpler and more cost‑effective.
Warehouse space: Limited space favors just‑in‑time deliveries or scheduled deliveries. If you have room to store full pallets safely, receiving larger shipments can reduce freight complexity.
Cash flow: Smaller, scheduled orders spread cost over time but may increase per‑unit logistics costs. Larger orders require more upfront spend but are typically more efficient on a per‑can basis.

Beer Cans

4. Testing Printed Cans

Testing matters with any packaging, but there are a few extra considerations with digitally printed cans, especially if you’re used to working with labels or shrink sleeves.

Beverage compatibility testing

Your beverage still needs to be compatible with aluminum and internal can linings under real conditions. That makes it important to confirm the following areas of performance:

Liner testing for ‘hard to hold’ beverages: If the cans contents have a high level of alcohol, low pH level, or cannabinoids (or other active ingredients), the beverage might need to be tested to ensure the liner won’t erode and damage the integrity of the can.
Pasteurization or tunnel exposure, if applicable: Beverages that run through tunnel pasteurization or high‑heat rinsing should be tested to ensure the printed graphics maintain appearance and durability under those conditions.

If you’re coming from labels or sleeves, this may take more consideration because any issues impact the can itself, not just an applied label.

Fill-line considerations

We do durability testing as part of the printed can process, but it’s still important to know what to watch for once those cans hit your fill line. Digitally printed cans behave a little differently than labeled or sleeved cans, and being aware of that up front helps avoid surprises.

When you begin running printed cans, pay close attention to:

Abrasion and scuffing: Printed graphics are exposed during conveying, rinsing, and packing. Points of friction that may have been masked by a label or sleeve can show up more clearly on a printed surface.
Seam and handling performance: Because the graphics are printed directly on the can, any handling or seam-related issues affect the finished container itself, not a removable component.

The goal isn’t to slow down production, but to know where printed cans may behave differently so adjustments can be made early, before small issues become larger ones in distribution.

5. How Production Differs from Labels and Shrink Sleeves

If you’re coming from pressure‑sensitive labels or shrink sleeves, digitally printed cans introduce a few differences and planning considerations.

Artwork is locked in earlier. With labels or sleeves, artwork can sometimes be adjusted later in the process or corrected with a reprint. With printed cans, artwork approval is a point of no return. This makes seam placement, resolution, and color proofing more important up front.
Resolution and fine detail require consideration. Ultra‑small text, thin line work, and subtle textures that reproduce well on labels may soften slightly on printed cans. Designs often benefit from slightly heavier type, stronger contrast, and simpler detail.
Lead times shift. Printed cans are produced as finished containers, not decorated after the fact. That means lead times should be planned more like packaging procurement than label reorders.
Inventory planning becomes more deliberate. Instead of ordering labels as needed, you’re planning can quantities that align with fill schedules, storage capacity, and cash flow. Over‑ or under‑ordering has bigger downstream implications.

Printed Cans Done Right

When artwork, production, logistics, and testing are all working together, printed cans make life easier and give your product a seamless look. But when things are rushed, especially with printed cans, issues tend to show up fast.

At Blue Label, we work with beverage brands every day to make sure their printed cans launch smoothly, not just visually, but operationally. Whether you’re planning your first run or switching from another printed can provider, we’re happy to help. You can always reach out to our team or take a look at our Printed Cans page to learn more and see if it’s a good fit.

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Printed Cans: How to Compare with Shrink Sleeves and Labels

Most beverage brands comparing printed cans are trying to answer practical questions about cost, risk, flexibility, performance, and long-term fit.

We put together this guide to help you compare printed cans directly against the most common alternatives: pressure-sensitive labels, shrink sleeves, and traditional offset printed cans.

Why Printed Cans Are Showing Up More Often

Printed cans have been around for a long time, but they’ve become far more accessible in recent years. Historically, printed cans were limited to very large runs with long lead times.

Digital printing has changed that. Modern direct-to-object digital printing can now achieve high production speeds while supporting smaller runs, faster turnaround, and easier SKU variation. That makes printed cans a realistic option for more and more beverage brands.

We also see beverage brands reevaluating printed cans because of broader industry shifts: more SKUs, shorter product lifecycles, sustainability pressure, and the operational burden of managing multiple packaging components.

Questions Teams Ask Before Switching to Printed Cans

Before making a change, beverage brands typically want to know a few things:

How printed cans would change operations, planning, and scheduling
What flexibility they gain or give up around design and SKUs
How inventory considerations shift compared to labels or sleeves
How printed cans perform in real beverage environments

Printed cans vs. pressure sensitive labels

Printed Cans vs. Pressure-Sensitive Labels

Pressure-sensitive labels are popular because they’re cost-effective, widely accepted by consumers, and flexible across many products. Printed cans become intriguing by comparison when brands want a more integrated feel, fewer materials, and less operational complexity.

Aesthetics

Printed cans offer a seamless, label-free look with no edges, seams, or application variation. The graphics feel like part of the can.
Pressure-sensitive labels can achieve very high print quality and specialty finishes, but the label remains a separate element applied to the can.

Printed cans often win on visual consistency (no seams, full coverage) and that label-less look, while pressure-sensitive labels can be a good option when considering certain specialty finishes or ultra-fine details.

Application

Printed cans arrive decorated and ready to fill, no post-fill labeling step.
Pressure-sensitive labels require labeling equipment, changeovers, and ongoing calibration.

Printed cans simplify the filling process, while pressure-sensitive labels give brands more flexibility later in production.

Cost

Printed cans typically have a higher per-can printing cost, but that cost replaces the label itself, adhesives, liners, and application. The print-on-demand capability also reduces storage and inventory costs, as production can be dynamically adjusted to meet exact demand without producing too much.
Pressure-sensitive labels usually have lower per-unit printing costs and feel safer for short runs, but add recurring material and application costs. For small to mid-size runs. Labels also simply take up less storage space than pallets of printed cans.

Performance

Printed cans hold up well in wet, cold, and refrigerated environments because there’s no adhesive or label edge exposed to moisture.
Pressure-sensitive labels can perform well when planned correctly, but keep in mind that results will depend on adhesive choice and application conditions (don’t worry, we can help you make the right picks). Modern pressure-sensitive labels can use wash-off adhesives and recyclable films that maintain performance while supporting sustainability goals.

Printed cans vs. shrink sleeves

Printed Cans vs. Shrink Sleeves

Shrink sleeves have been widely used because they offer full-can coverage, high image resolution, and compatibility across many can sizes and processing conditions. Printed cans appeal by comparison because they eliminate a secondary packaging layer and simplify the overall system.

Aesthetics

Printed cans deliver that clean, integrated look with optional metallic effects and built-up ink directly on the can.
Shrink sleeves also give you that full 360-degree coverage with very high image resolution and photographic detail.

Shrink sleeves often win on photorealism and high-resolution detail. Printed cans tend to support simpler, bolder, or more minimal looks (don’t worry, we can help you pick which one works if detail and resolution is a factor).

Application

Printed cans remove the need for sleeve applicators, heat tunnels, and distortion mapping.
Shrink sleeves require specialized equipment and careful setup to avoid common issues like seam distortion, wrinkling, or other problems that can increase production scrap.

Cost

Printed cans consolidate printing and decoration into the can itself.
Shrink sleeve costs lie in the materials (sleeve film and inks), specialized equipment (heat tunnels), changeovers, and potential waste.

Performance

Printed cans perform reliably in refrigerated and wet environments.
Shrink sleeves need to be kept in cooler temperature prior to application and in transit or shrink on the roll.

Though many material reclamation facilities (MRFs) accept cans with shrink sleeves, some regions may not recycle shrink sleeved cans or many add a surcharge if sleeves aren’t removed.

Printed Cans vs. Traditional Offset Printed Cans

Traditional offset printed cans have long been the standard for large beverage brands because they deliver high print quality and low per-can costs at scale. That efficiency depends on long print runs, designs that don’t change, and plate-based schedules that can slow production down when plans change.

Digitally printed cans are often considered when brands want to move faster, support more SKUs, or adapt designs without waiting on plate-based timelines.

Aesthetics

Printed cans make it easier to support seasonal designs, multiple SKUs, variety packs, or frequent artwork updates. Digital cans are printed with four-color inks (CMYK), so they can achieve a full range of colors.
Offset printed cans deliver excellent consistency, but even small changes require new plates and setup. For the most part, offset printed cans are limited to six spot colors.

Application

Printed cans typically offer shorter and more predictable lead times, especially for small to mid-sized runs. Printed cans can be produced in as quick as 10 days from artwork approval.
Offset printed cans require longer lead times due to plate creation, press setup, and scheduling windows. Offset printed cans often take weeks to months to produce from artwork approval, so proper planning is necessary.

Cost

Printed cans have higher per-unit costs at very large volumes, but reduce risk when demand or artwork changes. The ability to produce on-demand helps avoid the inventory holding costs and waste associated with overproduction.
Offset printed cans deliver the lowest per-unit cost at scale, but are most efficient when volumes and designs remain stable. Large minimum order quantities (often 150,000 cans or more) make this method less suitable for smaller brands or seasonal products.

Performance

Printed cans and offset printed cans are generally comparable in durability and performance across common beverage environments.

Are Printed Cans the Right Choice for Your Beverage Brand?

Luckily, your brand doesn’t have to switch to printed cans all at once. You can start with a test run, compare real costs and timelines against your current process, and see how the cans perform with your product and your customers.

If you’re trying to decide whether printed cans fit your operation, we can help you run the numbers on your specific volumes, SKU count, and production setup.

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How to Prevent Labels from Cracking or Curling in Cold Storage

Cold storage is tough on labels. Between condensation, big temperature swings, and freezing temps, it’s easy for labels to curl, crack, or peel off if you don’t plan ahead. With the right choices in materials, adhesives, and finishes, your labels can hold up through the cold chain.

Cracking is usually a material problem. Papers tend to become brittle in the cold. Curling is usually an adhesive or application problem, such as the wrong temperature rating, moisture at application, or not enough bonding pressure.

Most of the time, the recipe for success is simple: pair a cold-rated adhesive with a moisture-resistant film and a protective finish.

Cold storage warehouse

Choosing the Right Label Materials for Cold Storage

The material your label is printed on sets the foundation for durability, and can be the difference between a label that cracks or curls and one that holds up.

For cold storage, some of the best material choices include:

BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene): A flexible plastic film that resists water and tearing. Think of it as the go-to for frozen dinners, ice cream, and beverages that end up in ice buckets.
PET Films: A tougher, slightly stiffer plastic that offers extra durability and holds its shape well. Often used in pharmaceuticals or premium products that require added toughness.

While those materials are good options, be more careful of these materials that could give you problems:

Coated paper: Works for dry, refrigerated cartons, but in humid coolers or freezers it’s prone to curling or smearing. Specialty freezer papers exist, but they’re usually best for secondary packaging.
Textured/uncoated papers: They may look great on a wine bottle at room temp, but in a cooler or freezer they soak up water and start peeling.

Rule of Thumb: If your product may sweat, freeze, or sit in an ice bath, films (BOPP or PET) are usually the safer choice. Paper is generally limited to dry, refrigerated environments.

Using the Right Adhesives

Adhesives are one of the most critical factors in whether your label will hold. Even the best label material or finish can fail if the adhesive isn’t matched to your application and storage environment.

First, you should know two different measures of temperature:

Application Temperature = the temperature when you apply the label.
Example: applying to a frosty beer can at 35 °F.
Service Temperature = the temperature where the product stays.
Example: a frozen entrée stored at –10 °F.

Knowing that for your specific product(s), you can then identify an adhesive that is compatible with your product’s environment:

All-Temperature Acrylics: Apply at ~20–40 °F, service down to –40 °F. Best for refrigerated foods, dairy, and beverages.
Freezer-Grade Acrylics / Hot-Melts: Apply as low as –20 °F, service down to –60 °F. These are designed for aggressive tack on frosty or wet cartons.

Note: These ranges are based on supplier specifications (Avery Dennison, UPM Raflatac, etc.), but it’s always important to double-check that the numbers line up with how you actually run your line.

Rules of Thumb: Refrigerated → all-temp. Frozen → freezer-grade.

Surface preparation for bottles

Prepare the Surface Properly

Even the right material and adhesive can fail if the application surface isn’t ready.

Clean & Dry Surfaces: Moisture, frost, or dust prevent adhesives from bonding.
Wet Applies: For cold-fill beverages or condensation-prone lines, use a wet-apply freezer adhesive designed for these conditions.

Protecting Your Labels

Finishes shield against water, abrasion, and smudging. Here are some options:

Gloss or matte laminate: Provides strong moisture protection to keep labels from whitening or peeling in cold storage. Matte laminates can still offer comparable durability while delivering a more soft or premium look.
Gloss or satin varnish: Offers a more subtle finish but generally provides less moisture protection than laminates. Best for applications on paper substrates where moisture exposure is minimal or texture and embellishment effects take priority.

Recommendation: For cold storage, pair a film base material (like BOPP) with a laminate for the most reliable protection.

Cold storage in grocery store

What Else to Consider?

A few additional factors will be helpful to share with your label printing partner so that your labels perform well throughout the cold chain:

Container Material: Adhesives interact differently with glass, PET, corrugated, or HDPE. For example, glass often benefits from freezer-grade acrylics for stronger bonding.
Temperature Cycling: Will your product move freezer → retail shelf → consumer fridge? Each swing stresses both adhesive and base material.
Moisture Exposure: Is your product sitting dry in a carton, or submerged in an ice bucket?
Regulatory Needs: Food and pharma labels must remain legible, include FDA-required information, and be barcode scannable for retail. Peeling or smudging can create compliance issues.

Quick Checklist for Avoiding Failures

Choose BOPP or PET films for refrigerated or frozen storage.
Match adhesive to your application & service temps.
Use wet-apply adhesives for cold-fill or condensation-prone lines.
Add a laminate for moisture-heavy environments.
Apply to clean, dry containers whenever possible.
Test labels through your actual cold chain, for example by running freezer-to-fridge-to-room temp cycles, and check for peeling, whitening, or smudging before scaling.

Preventing Cracking or Curling in Cold Storage

With the right safeguards in place, your labels will stay sharp and secure in cold storage. Not sure which label material makes sense for your products? Contact us and we’ll walk you through it.

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How to Prevent Labels from Melting or Warping in Hot-Filled Products

If you’ve ever had labels warp, peel, or slide right off bottles or jars after hot filling, you know how frustrating and costly that can be. We’ve seen it all, and we know what works (and what doesn’t). It’s always best to apply labels on a clean, dry, and room temperature container. But, sometimes it is necessary to hot fill.

Here’s what you need to know to keep your labels intact in hot-fill conditions.

Quick Checklist to Avoid Hot-Fill Label Failures:

Select heat-resistant label materials (like BOPP or PET)
Use adhesives specifically rated for high temperatures
Make sure containers are clean, dry, and prepped right
Choose label finishes that add durability (laminates, varnishes)
Test label performance in real-world conditions before scaling up

Pick the Right Label Material

The first thing to get right is your label material. Not all of them handle heat the same way. We recommend:

BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene): Durable, heat-tolerant, and reliable.
PET (Polyester): Excellent heat resistance and dimensional stability.
MDO: Similar to BOPP in terms of durability, heat tolerance, and reliability, MDO may be the better option depending on the container due to its flexibility.

Standard paper labels? Paper labels are possible for hot-fill products but be mindful of the type of adhesive used.

Not sure which material makes sense for your product? Contact us and we’ll walk you through it.

Choose Heat-Resistant Adhesives

Your adhesive is just as important as your material (if not more). Without the right one, even the best label will fail.

Most high-temp adhesives are rated for around 180–200°F, but results can vary depending on your container and fill speed. Always check the adhesive spec sheet and make sure it’s tested for your exact application.

Add Label Finishing for Extra Protection

Finishes help your label survive the journey from fill line to store shelf. They protect against scuffs, moisture, and the occasional warehouse disaster. Here’s what we like:

Clear polypropylene or PET lamination: Great for moisture and abrasion resistance. Check out our lamination options.
UV Varnishes: Good for extra durability without changing the feel too much.

Some finishes can change the look or feel a bit, so test them out before you commit.

Prep Your Containers the Right Way

Labels don’t stand a chance on a wet or dirty surface. And if you’re labeling plastics like polypropylene or HDPE, you’re starting with a tough surface to bond to. Here’s what helps:

Dry the containers completely. Use air knives or drying tunnels.
Wipe away oils, dust, or residue.

Prep won’t fix everything, but it goes a long way toward keeping your labels where they belong.

Apply Labels Under the Right Conditions

When it comes to applying labels after a hot fill, timing and pressure make all the difference:

Temperature: Wait until containers cool to below 90°F before labeling.
Pressure: Use consistent pressure so the label fully bonds.
Dwell Time: Let the adhesive cure for at least 24–72 hours before handling or shipping. That gives it time to fully settle in, especially in humid or changing environments.

Running at scale? Run a small test batch first and check with your applicator manufacturer for pressure settings.

Validate and Test Before You Go All In

Even with the right setup, things can go sideways. That’s why testing is key. We suggest:

Run a short trial batch.
Mimic your exact fill and cooling process.
Check your labels right away, then again after 24 and 72 hours.

Look for curling, peeling, bubbling, or anything that could get worse later. A little testing up front can save you a lot of headaches later.

Quick Summary

If you want labels that stay put after hot filling, you need the right combo of materials, adhesive, prep, and finishing.

Need help figuring it out? Contact us and we’ll help you find the right setup for your product, container, and process.

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How To Prevent Labels from Peeling in the Refrigerator

No brand wants a great looking product only for the label to peel off in the customers’ fridge. Fortunately, with the right materials, adhesives, and preparation, you can keep your product’s labels firmly in place even in chilled environments.

Why Labels Peel in Refrigerated Conditions

Let’s start with the usual suspects behind label peeling in the cold. The culprits usually include:

Moisture and condensation
Improper adhesive or material selection
Poor surface preparation
Temperature fluctuations

Below we take a closer look at how each of these factors can cause problems, and how to make the right decisions to avoid issues down the line.

Choose the Right Label Material

Your label material makes a huge difference in refrigeration performance. Consider these materials:

Welded Paper Stock: Combines the tactile appeal of paper with a BOPP film core for moisture protection and excellent opacity. These labels resist degrading in ice bucket immersion and condensation while still allowing for embellishments like embossing, foil, or die cuts. Welded paper stock is ideal when you want a premium look that also performs under chilled conditions.
BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene) and MDO (Polypropylene): Durable, moisture-resistant, and ideal for beverages, dairy, sauces and more.
Polyester (PET): Strong and moisture-resistant, commonly used for refrigerated medicines and supplements, specialty foods, and more.
Vinyl (PVC): Flexible and sticks better to curved surfaces like squeeze bottles (MDO works great for curved surfaces and squeeze bottles as well).

For most plastic or glass containers, we recommend using water-resistant films or welded paper stocks, which give you the durability to withstand chilled environments and moisture.

Select Adhesives That Stick

Most standard adhesives struggle in cold, damp environments where moisture and condensation interfere with adhesion. Instead, consider freezer-grade options:

Acrylic Adhesives: Excellent moisture resistance and long-term adhesion.
Freezer-Grade: Immediate strong adhesion at lower temperatures.

Prep Your Surfaces Properly

We’ve seen it plenty of times: labels that just won’t stick because the container wasn’t clean or dry. Here’s how to avoid that:

Always clean and dry your containers before applying labels.
Apply labels at room temperature whenever possible. Cold surfaces mean weaker initial bonds.
Allow enough dwell time (ideally 24 hours) before refrigerating to make sure your adhesive fully sets.

Add Extra Protection with Finishing

A protective layer goes a long way toward preventing peeling, smudging, or abrasion:

Lamination: Adds a water-resistant barrier and increases durability.
UV Coating: Protects against moisture and keeps labels looking vibrant.

While finishes like lamination and UV coating can add a small cost, they often prevent smudging or damage that could otherwise make your product look worn before it even reaches the shelf.

Test Before You Scale

It can be important to test your labels in real-world refrigerated conditions, especially before committing to a large full run. This helps you feel confident that they’ll perform the way you need them to. Here’s how (don’t worry, we can help with this):

Conduct freeze-thaw cycles and check for peeling.
Simulate actual handling and transport conditions.
Evaluate adhesion after at least 24 hours in your target refrigerated environment.

Quick Checklist to Avoid Label Peeling

Choose the right material. We recommend EverOpaque, BOPP, PET, vinyl, or wet-strength paper.
Select acrylic or freezer grade adhesives that will perform at the correct temperature.
Clean and dry all containers before application.
Apply labels at room temperature.
Allow 24-hour dwell time before refrigerating.
Consider protective finishing like lamination or UV coating.
Always test labels thoroughly in real conditions.

Prevent Your Label from Peeling in Refrigerated Environments

Label peeling in cold storage doesn’t have to be a problem. With the right materials, adhesives, preparation, and testing, your labels can withstand even the chilliest conditions. Not sure where to start? Contact us and we’ll help you select labels that stick, no matter the temperature.

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Shrink Sleeves vs. Pressure-Sensitive Labels: Which Is Right for Your Product?

We’ve worked with thousands of brands, many of which ask this exact question: shrink sleeves or pressure-sensitive labels? Both options can help your product stand out, but the right choice depends on your product, container shape, design goals, and budget.

We put together this guide to break down market trends, key differences, compliance considerations, eco-friendly options, and questions to ask as you decide which path option fits your product best.

Shrink Sleeves vs. Pressure-Sensitive Labels

Consumer & Market Trends

Shrink Sleeve Label Trends

Shrink sleeves are a popular choice because they offer 360-degree, full-container designs, they can fit just about any container and offer built-in tamper-evident protection, they are resistant to moisture, and offer a number of eco-friendly material options.

Their popularity is especially strong in categories like beverages, nutraceuticals, and personal care. Consumers are drawn to shrink sleeves because they give products a “premium” look and often feel more modern.

For many brands, the choice comes down to aesthetics: if you want a full-covered can or bottle, shrink sleeves are typically the better option.

Pressure-Sensitive Label Trends

Pressure-sensitive labels continue to be a dominant choice across industries like beverage, food, health, and more due to their adaptability, affordability, and print versatility.

Consumers still want clear, legible, high-quality labels, and digital label printers can provide fast turnaround and a wide range of customization. Pressure-sensitive labels come in a wide range of materials and even offer some eco-friendly options for brands focused on sustainability. Brands can customize their label to appeal to changing consumer interests by using stocks with texture, foils, and finishes from matte to glossy, metallics, die cutting, and embossing.

Another advantage: pressure-sensitive labels can use specialty materials like glitter or holographic film. To achieve a similar effect with shrink sleeves, you’d need to use foil stamping.

Key Differences Between Shrink Sleeves and Pressure-Sensitive Labels

Here’s a side-by-side look at how shrink sleeves and pressure-sensitive labels compare:

Feature	Shrink Sleeves	Pressure-Sensitive Labels
Coverage	Full 360-degree design covering the entire container	Typically cover the front/back or wrap partially around the container
Container Compatibility	Great for unique or contoured shapes; works best on smooth container surfaces; works with glass, PET, HDPE, aluminum, and other rigid materials	Works best with flat or slightly curved surfaces; works across glass, plastic, cardboard, and metal
Embellishment Options	Gloss, satin, or soft touch varnish; screen printing; spot UV (most finishing techniques available, though effects like glitter/holographic require foil stamping)	Lamination, UV varnish, foil, embossing, spot UV, textured varnish, screen printing (plus unique stocks like glitter or holographic films)
Application Process	Requires heat application (special equipment)	Applied with pressure, simpler equipment or can be applied by hand.
Compliance Features	Easily integrate tamper-evident seals	Can incorporate tamper-evident closures, but often require additional materials
Sustainability	Typically harder to recycle, though recyclable shrink films are emerging	Eco-friendly material options (e.g., recycled, FSC-certified, compostable)
Cost Considerations	Higher application and material costs, but high impact (not cost-effective until you’re producing in the thousands; at that point, specialized application equipment like heat tunnels is usually required)	Cost-effective for small to large runs, flexible pricing options (a better fit for smaller operations running fewer than 1,000 labels, since application is simpler and doesn’t require heat equipment)

How Labels Handle Environmental Factors

Labels need to survive manufacturing, storage, shipping, and real-world use. Here’s a comparison of how shrink sleeves and pressure-sensitive labels compare in real-world conditions:

Product with shrink sleeve label

Shrink Sleeves

Perform Well: High-moisture environments (think refrigerated beverages, frozen foods, or bath products) where sleeves protect graphics under a film layer. They’re also scuff-resistant, making them ideal for shipping and handling.
Use Caution: Extreme heat in storage or transit can distort sleeves. Textured or flexible containers may not shrink evenly, leading to distortion.

Beer cans with labels

Pressure-Sensitive Labels

Perform Well: Dry, stable environments like pantry goods, shelf-stable beverages, or cosmetics. With the right materials and adhesives, they are more resistant to refrigeration, moisture, and even some oils.
Use Caution: Long-term exposure to condensation, freezing, or rough handling can cause edges to peel, wrinkle, or scuff.

Eco-Friendly Options

Both shrink sleeves and pressure-sensitive labels have eco-friendly options, with shrink sleeves increasingly adopting recyclable films and thinner materials, while pressure-sensitive labels currently offer a broader range of recyclable and sustainable choices.

Shrink Sleeves: Traditional shrink films are more difficult to recycle, but options like perforated sleeves that separate from containers are becoming more common.
Pressure-Sensitive Labels: These labels offer a wider variety of eco-friendly substrates, including recycled content, FSC-certified papers, and compostable materials. For brands prioritizing sustainability, pressure-sensitive labels often provide more options today.

Compliance and Safety

Certain products require features like tamper-evident seals or extra label space for regulatory information. Here’s how shrink sleeves and pressure-sensitive labels stack up:

Shrink Sleeves can double as both a label and a tamper-evident seal by extending over the cap or lid, which is a strong advantage for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical products.
Pressure-Sensitive Labels can also accommodate compliance features, but tamper-evident solutions may require additional materials, such as neck bands or secondary seals.

[Checklist] Questions to Ask Before Choosing

Does my container have a unique or contoured shape that might be better served by shrink sleeves?
Am I trying to maximize visual impact with full 360-degree coverage, or do I prefer a classic look with front/back panels or a label that partially wraps around the container?
What’s the aesthetic I want: bold, full-coverage graphics or a more traditional panel look?
What compliance requirements (tamper-evident seals, ingredient space) do I need to meet?
Is sustainability a major priority for my brand, and which material aligns better with that goal?
How many labels am I applying: fewer than 1,000, or in the thousands?
Do I have (or need to invest in) the right equipment, like a heat tunnel, to apply shrink sleeves?
What’s my budget for both label printing and application equipment?
How important is speed and ease of application in my production process?
What kind of environment will my product/label be exposed to?

Ready to Decide?

Shrink sleeves can be a better choice when you want bold, high-impact designs or need tamper-evident features built in. Pressure-sensitive labels remain the most versatile option, with more sustainable material choices and cost-effective production for a wide range of products.

The right fit comes down to your product, your container, and your brand. Need help deciding? Contact us and we’ll walk you through the options.

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Can Paper Labels Be Used on Cans?

Thinking about using a paper label on your cans? It’s possible and it can look great if you get the materials and application just right. Here’s what to consider before you commit.

Checklist Before Choosing Paper Labels

1. Can Surface & Shape Compatibility

Standard aluminum cans give you a smooth surface to work with, but things like condensation and spillage, it can still mess with label adhesion. Paper labels work well on gently curved cylinders. They’re not a great fit for tapered or sharply contoured shapes (see below).

2. Environmental Conditions

Paper without a protective finish struggles with moisture, cold, and friction.

Cold environments: Paper labels can start to struggle if your cans sit in cold storage (think under 40°F) for more than a quick chill.
Abrasion and handling: Labels can scuff, fade, or peel if not protected. A UV varnish or laminate makes a difference. (check out our guide to label durability for more info on this)

Paper needs a finish to survive distribution and refrigeration. That’s especially true for cans chilled before shelf display or used in ice buckets.

3. Finishing Options & Design Considerations

Paper gives you a lot of flexibility with look and texture, but without protection it won’t last in tough conditions.

You can improve both performance and presentation with:

UV varnish or gloss/matte lamination – a clear coating or protective film that shields your label from moisture, friction, and fading. See our lamination options.
Embossing or foil stamping – great options for coated or metalized paper

These finishes help keep moisture out, especially around the label edges where peeling or bubbling usually begins. They also help preserve that premium, hand-crafted texture that makes paper stand out.

4. Adhesive & Application Process

Not all adhesives behave the same on metal, especially in cold or wet conditions.

Acrylic-based adhesives generally hold up better in cold or humid environments.

It’s worth checking with your label provider to make sure the adhesive has enough tack time for your fill speed and conditions. If your line runs above 300 containers per minute or you’re applying labels to chilled cans, slower-tack adhesives can lead to labels shifting or lifting, especially if there’s condensation.

5. Regulatory & Food‑Safety Compliance

Any adhesive or ink needs to meet FDA indirect food contact standards. That means no harmful transfer if the label touches the product (like a wet can top contacting your mouth).

Your label also has to include everything required by the FDA or TTB: nutrition facts, identity statements, traceability codes, and allergen info, and it all has to hold up in real conditions without smearing or wearing off.

If you’re not sure how your label will hold up, ask about durability testing. There are standard ways to check for things like peel strength and moisture resistance.

6. Recyclability & Sustainability Trade‑Offs

Paper labels usually add about 1 to 1.5 grams to a standard aluminum can (around 8–10% of its total weight, depending on the material and finish). That can cause issues in some recycling systems that use weight to sort materials. For example, in parts of Canada, labels that add more than 1% to the can’s weight may keep it out of curbside recycling.

Removable adhesives can make things easier at the MRF (Materials Recovery Facility), but they don’t hold up as well in cold or wet environments and tend to tear more easily.

Quick Checklist: Can Paper Labels Work for You?

If you check all of these boxes, paper might be a viable option for your cans:

Label will be applied to a clean, oil-free metal surface
Can shape is gently curved—not heavily tapered
Environment does not include heavy refrigeration, condensation, or handling
You use coated paper with laminate or UV varnish for moisture and abrasion resistance
Adhesive is chosen for specific storage conditions
All inks and adhesives meet food-safety and traceability specs
You’ve considered recyclability and weight impact

Practical Use Cases Where Paper Works Well

You can expect paper labels to perform reliably when these apply:

Medium‑volume products stored in dry or ambient environments (like dry-mix cans)
Cans sold at room temperature or filled/packed with minimal chilling
Brands that want a natural or craft look but still need a label that sticks

In these situations, coated paper with a durable finish gives you a lower-cost solution that doesn’t sacrifice style or performance.

paper labels

When You Should Consider Film Instead

While paper can work on cans with all the right considerations, we typically recommend film labels, especially in high-moisture or cold-fill environments. Think about film labels in the following situations:

Your cans go into ice, freezers, or chilled displays for long periods
You handle large volumes that require consistent, high-speed application
Your can shapes include steep tapers or ridges where adhesion is tricky
Your product must be “infinitely recyclable” without residue

Film labels like BOPP, PET, or shrink sleeves are better suited for moisture, abrasion, and temperature extremes.

Bottom Line

Paper labels can work on cans, but only if you pair them with the right coatings, adhesives, and application process. When the conditions get tough (cold, wet, abrasion), film often becomes a safer bet.

If you’re ready to explore options or see samples, just contact us. We’ll walk you through how these materials perform in real-world conditions.