How to Prevent Label Curling and Cracking on Flexible Packaging

When your labels peel, crack, or curl, you risk relabeling costs, compliance headaches, and most importantly, a less-than-ideal-looking product. We’ll walk you through how to avoid those headaches with the right materials, processes, and practical design.

Pick the Right Material

We recommend MDO film for flexible or squeezable applications, especially where flexibility, durability, and container conformity are priorities. MDO film flexes in multiple directions, which makes it great for curved or squeezable containers. That’s why it’s often used for products like yogurt pouches, lotion tubes, and flexible household goods.

If you’re focused on recyclability or need serious barrier protection, a varnish might make more sense. It all depends on your priorities.

BOPP is a solid choice for flat, rigid containers where flexibility isn’t as critical.

Paper stocks don’t hold up well to moisture or repeated squeezing. They’re prone to tearing, curling, or ink smudging when wet.

Match Your Adhesive Carefully

Adhesives aren’t one-size-fits-all. If you’re labeling containers made from plastics with slick, waxy-feeling surfaces, such as LDPE or PP, you’ll need a high-tack adhesive designed to bond with that type of material. 

Where your product goes matters too. If it’s headed for a fridge, freezer, or just a humid warehouse, you’ll need adhesives built to handle cold, wet conditions without letting go. Think freezer meals, refrigerated dairy, or cold beverages stored in ice.

Prep the Surface

You’d be surprised how often oil residue, moisture, or dust causes curling. Always apply labels to clean, dry containers, like those free of lotion residue, condensation, or warehouse dust. And give the adhesive time to bond, ideally 24 hours, before refrigeration, freezing, or shipment. That window helps your label lock in properly and stay put.

Consider the Container Shape

Label shape impacts label and adhesive performance on flexible packaging. Sharp corners are more likely to lift, especially on curved surfaces. Rounded corners tend to hold better.

If your container has a tapered shape, like a squeeze tube or gusseted pouch, your label should be tapered too. Think of it like trying to wrap a square sticker around a tube of toothpaste. The edges will wrinkle or lift if the shape doesn’t match the curve. Designing your label to follow the shape of the container helps avoid peeling and bubbling.

Protect Your Labels Without Losing Flexibility

Laminates and varnishes protect your labels from scuffs, moisture, and abrasion, but not all finishing options behave the same.

We recommend flexible finishes like matte varnish or soft-touch varnish when labeling flexible packaging. These finishes move with the container and help preserve label integrity without making the label too stiff.

Soft-touch has a premium feel, smooth and velvety, often used on premium beauty products. Matte varnish delivers a clean, non-glossy finish that holds up well to scuffing and is common in food and beverage.

Not every finish fits every application, though. For example, soft-touch varnish may not hold up well in high-friction or moisture-heavy environments, such as refrigerated juice pouches where condensation builds up.

Quick Flexible Packaging Labeling Checklist

1. Choose MDO for flexible or squeezable packaging where flexibility and conformability are key.
2. Match your adhesive to your plastic type and storage environment, especially for slick containers or cold storage.
3. Clean and dry surfaces before applying. Let adhesives set for 24+ hours before exposure to moisture or cold.
4. Design labels to match the container’s shape; use rounded corners and consider tapering for curved or gusseted packaging.
5. Use flexible finishes like matte varnish or soft-touch, and know where each performs best.

Keep Your Flexible Packaging Labels from Cracking and Curling

You want labels that hold up through production, shipping, handling, and daily use. Choose MDO, pair it with the right adhesive, prep your surface, design smart, and finish it right. Do that, and your labels will stay put.

Not sure what label setup makes the most sense for your packaging? Contact us and we’ll help you figure it out based on real-world results.