Making Waterproof Labels for Bottles: Factors for Water Resistance

After investing time and money to create great labels for your products, it would be a shame for them to peel off your container. Certain products are destined to encounter moisture, whether they sit in a cooler, sweat after being refrigerated, or encounter water during the application process.

While the majority of product labels don’t play well with water, there are measures that companies can take to protect their designs from a sad, soggy ending. Let’s break down a variety of factors that can help your labels stay strong and look great even after they’ve been exposed to moisture.

The Truth About “Waterproof” Labels for Bottles

Before we get too far, it’s important to address the proverbial elephant in the room – there is no such thing as a truly waterproof bottle label. Water and other fluids will impact even the most water-resistant bottle labels at some point. As such, you can’t guarantee complete protection with a simple label material.

While complete water resistance isn’t attainable, that doesn’t mean there aren’t means to protect your packaging as much as possible. There are several to make your labels as water and oil-resistant as possible, including the following considerations.

  • Label adhesive
  • Label material
  • Environmental considerations

Find an Appropriate Label Adhesive

Water, oil, and other wet substances can put you in a bind when you choose an adhesive for your labels. Even if your label itself is water resistant, a label adhesive needs to be able to withstand those substances. Everything from regular moisture to complete submersion can pose problems. With the wrong adhesive, you’ll be stuck with a label that’s falling off the bottle.

One drawback is that the presence of water may eliminate certain types of adhesives from your selection. For example, humidity and wet environments can pose problems for removable labels, so you may want to avoid them if you want a truly waterproof label.

Fortunately, there are moisture-resistant label adhesives designed to specifically combat this issue. There are a variety of factors that will impact exactly which adhesive works best – the amount of exposure, how often exposure is expected to happen, which types of fluids will pose problems, etc. Once that information is identified, a label printing expert can help you pair the right adhesive with your product.

A collection of custom waterproof labels for bottles.

Choose a Label Material

There are a wide range of label materials available, but the majority of them fall under one of two categories: paper or film. Both groups offer various benefits, but one type typically fares much better against water and other fluids than the other.

Paper is a great choice for companies looking for a versatile, cost-effective material, but there’s one big problem – paper has a tendency to disintegrate in water. There are specific styles of paper with a higher wet strength that can slow water penetration. However, there is no waterproof bottle label paper and even the most resistant paper substrates will become fully saturated over time.

If you need water resistance, we strongly suggest sticking with film stocks. Unlike paper, film stocks won’t absorb water, making them as waterproof as you can get for a bottle label. From shrink sleeves to roll labels, there are a few different film materials that are much better fits for products dealing with moisture.

  • Polypropylenes (BOPP) – A rigid film that features high tear resistance and is a great fit for beverages and other products that will encounter moisture.
  • Polyester (PET) – A film designed for maximum durability that is great for products used outdoors.
  • Polyolefin – An extremely soft and flexible film perfect for squeeze applications, such as bottles that will end up in the shower or other wet environments.

Regardless of your choice, the simple logic is that film is much better at resisting water than paper. As such, a film label is a great start for any bottles that will encounter moisture either before, during, or after application.

A selection of six beer bottles using water resistant bottle labels.

Plan Around Your Environment

When there’s water and other fluids, there are other potential environmental issues that can create problems for your label. There are a few main considerations that you’ll want to make when it comes to you where your products will go.

  • Your applicating environment.
  • Shipping and storage environments.
  • Where and how your bottles are used.
  • The product itself.

Your application process makes a major impact on your choice of adhesive, label material, liner, and more. That is especially true if your bottles will be wet going into the applicating process. A wet-apply adhesive is a must in these scenarios. You also may need to factor in your product as well. For example, acidic or oily products can wreak havoc if you don’t account for them in the planning process.

Proper shipping and storage is another factor that can be easily overlooked. All waterproof product labels should be stored in a temperature-controlled environment. Exact temperature and humidity levels vary based on your exact label, but too much humidity in a shipping truck or a warehouse will pose problems. Shrink sleeves are especially sensitive to humidity and other environmental factors, so make sure to keep them safe before application.

Finally, you need to factor in just where your bottles will go once consumers get a hold of them. If your products are going to encounter ice buckets, coolers, or other cold storage places, you’ll need something stronger than a standard adhesive. A more aggressive, freezer-grade label adhesive will be able to withstand these conditions.

Other products may have very different issues, such as a bottle of conditioner. Certain health and beauty labels will sit in the shower and encounter other cleaning chemicals. These products needs to withstand a hot, steamy environment along with oils and other substances. Sunscreen bottles need waterproof capabilities at the beach or pool, but they also should have some form of UV resistance.

You should also consider whether the product itself may impact the label. For example, the oil found in products like sunscreen can affect the application and integrity of a label. Water-resistant capabilities are key, but you should always consider what will happen if some of your own product will leak out and interact with your label.

A whiskey bottle using a waterproof bottle label paper.

 

Find the Right Label Printing Company

Whether you need custom waterproof labels for bottles, jars, or any other container, it’s essential that your packaging showcases the quality of your products and brand. At Blue Label Packaging, we have the equipment and expertise it takes to not only make your labels as water-resistant as possible, but also enhance your design to make a lasting impressions on customers.

Ready to invest in the perfect bottle labels for your business? Contact us today to talk to one of our experts about high-quality, water-resistant labels.

What is a Release Liner and How Does It Impact Your Label?

There’s more to your labels than what your customers see. Every label is made up of multiple components that play a specific role. While most consumers will see your label material or decorative elements, there’s one key component that makes sure your labels get to where they need to go: the release liner.

What is a Label Release Liner?

To get to the bottom of a release liner’s meaning and role, it’s important to understand how a label is constructed. These are the four main layers of a label from top to bottom.
A breakdown of the different layers of a label, including the release liner.

As you can see, the release liner serves as the base layer for any roll of pressure sensitive labels. This release liner is a thin sheet with a silicone layer that allows adhesive to release the roll so that it can be applied to another surface. If it weren’t for the release liner, also known as a carrier, your labels would simply stick to each other or something else before you could transport it to the next application.

The Different Types of Release Liners

Like label materials, there are different types of release liners available for use. Each of these carriers have different advantages depending on your applicator and other product factors. While there are a variety of options, there are three types of release liners that are common for product labels.

  • PET (polyester)
  • Calendered Kraft paper
  • Polykraft paper

PET release liners

A PET release liner is made with polyester film to create a carrier that’s extremely smooth. A major advantage of PET release liners is that they don’t break as easily as a paper liner. That strength makes PET release liners a great choice for high-speed applicators.

Another benefit of PET release liners is that they’re great for wet applications. For example, beer cans are typically soaking wet by the time they reach the labeling line, so that added durability is a major positive for any adverse applicating environments. PET is also thinner than the usual release liner papers. As such, a standard 1.2 mm PET release liner will allow you to get more labels on a roll and take up less space during shipping and storage.

Calendered kraft paper release liners

While film release liners have their advantages, paper carries are still extremely common for labels in multiple industries. Super calendered kraft (SCK) papers are typically bleached white and are commonplace in the U.S. as many applicators are made to accommodate papers.

The reason why businesses commonly turn to SCK release liners extends beyond paper being an old standby for label carriers. A paper being “calendered” means that it’s polished, so an SCK is smoother than regular paper liners. That smoothness and the ability to work with the majority of applicators makes SCK a go-to option for product labels.

Polykraft release liners

A polykraft release liner is essentially a mid-point between PET and paper label carriers. Polykraft is a brown, unbleached paper that’s a little thicker and heavier than standard kraft papers. This extra heft and thickness is because polykraft has a very thin layer of polypropylene married to the paper.

The advantage of Polykraft is that the layer of polypropylene makes the material more stable and sturdy. These qualities help with moisture barriers while still allowing companies to invest in paper liners. As such, Polykraft is typically used in wine labeling and other industries that are used to paper release liners, but still need that added stability to deal with moisture.

Rolls of labels with different release liners.

How to Identify the Right Label Release Liner

While there are multiple label release liners available, there are a few different factors that can impact which one is best for your needs. To identify the right carrier for your labels, you’ll want to weigh the following considerations.

Your label applicator

The biggest factor in which release liner you should use depends on how you’re going to apply those labels. An applicator reads the gap between labels to know when the applicator should dispense a label. Once the sensor reads a gap, it will dispense a label so that it catches a can, bottle, or any other container. However, the wrong release liner can lead to label application issues.

Simply put, some applicators aren’t made to read clear liners. New applicators are built to accept clear release liners, which means PET carriers shouldn’t pose problems. However, you would need to opt for SCK, Polykraft, or some other opaque release liner if your application process isn’t made to handle clear carriers.

Environmental factors

The applicator isn’t the only potential challenge during the application process. You also need to make sure your release liner works with your applicating conditions.

Different application environments pose certain problems for your release liners. Wet conditions are the biggest issue, especially for paper carriers. If a beer can or some other container is soaking wet, that can cause carriers without enough moisture resistance to tear. As such, you’ll need to invest in a PET release liner or another solution that can hold up to your applicating environment.

Clear labels

Some liner issues are less obvious than others. While the carrier is removed before your labels are applied, it can still have a visual impact on clear labels if you’re not careful.

If you want to use clear labels, its best to use some form of film release liner. The reason for this is that running a clear label on a paper liner can make the label look cloudy. This cloudiness occurs because the label adhesive takes the shape of the carrier. Even a super calendered paper has small fibers that can impact the adhesive. Because of this, it’s best to use a PET release liner that has no imperfections and will enable true clarity.

 

Invest in the Perfect Labels from Top to Bottom

While they don’t end up on your products, different types of release liners play a pivotal part for your labels. That’s why Blue Label strives to provide the perfect labeling solution for your products. Our experts work with you to uncover any opportunities and potential issues to make sure every layer of your label is perfect for your needs.

Ready to invest in the right labels for your products? Contact us today to talk about your next label project.

Label Considerations for Squeeze Bottles and Other Containers

Whether you’re trying to brand a flexible pouch, a lotion bottle, or some other squeezable container, you need a label that’s flexible enough for the job. These types of products require a labeling solution that’s both rigid and conformable enough to keep its shape with every use. Here are three factors you should consider to make sure you squeeze the most value out of your product labels.

Use a Squeezable Label Material

When it comes to labels for squeezable containers, there’s one go-to option: an MDO film. An MDO is a machine directed orientation BOPP film that is preconditioned to being squeezed and stretched. Essentially, the fibers in MDO films are stretched in all directions. This makes it so the material doesn’t have nearly as much tension as typical materials. As such, the MDO is more likely to return to its original state when squeezed or wrinkled, whether it’s a semi-squeeze film used for a container with slight compound curves or full-squeeze film made for complex squeeze bottles that expand and contract with every use.

An MDO’s ability to balance rigidity and conformability makes it a natural solution for applications with containers or packaging that’s made to grip, squeeze, or contort in some way. The tradeoff for this conformability is that MDOs are a little thinner than other label materials. However, MDOs can still provide the same level of resistance to sun, abrasion, and other problem areas as it’s less flexible counterparts.

An example of an MDO film use for squeeze container labels.

Factor in Container Design

While MDO label materials go a long way toward preventing peeling, wrinkles, and other issues for contoured or squeezable containers, you still need to factor in the design of your container into your label. Labels for contoured containers still need to be adjusted to prevent application issues.

MDO films do offer more flexibility than other materials, but a rectangular label isn’t going to cut it for a non-rectangular packaging. To accommodate the contours of your packaging, design your label around the shape of your container. Tapering your labels will allow you to stay ahead of the curve and help your labels adhere properly to your container.

Plan Adhesives Around End Use

While you may think squeezable packaging may need stronger glue than less hands-on packaging, MDOs typically use less adhesive than common label materials. The reason for using less adhesive is because MDO films are thinner than other options. Less adhesive makes it so adhesive won’t ooze out as people squeeze the container.

While squeezable labels don’t need higher performance adhesives than typical materials, that doesn’t mean that you don’t need to consider other adhesive factors. For one, you’ll want to figure out which adhesive is best for your container. Squeezable plastic containers can vary in surface energy, so certain materials may need a stronger adhesive than others. In addition, curved surfaces generally require a stronger adhesive than flat ones. The stretched out fibers of an MDO will help prevent the need to peel back.

You’ll also want to plan ahead for your applicating environment and end use. If your labels will need to deal with wet surfaces, extreme temperatures, UV light, or potential contamination, you may need to use a certain adhesive to accommodate those conditions and prevent label failure.

A white squeezable MDO material used in labels for squeeze bottles.

Invest in Squeezable Labels that Conform to Your Needs

If your containers are made to squeeze, it’s time to look for the best, most cost-effective labels for your products. At Blue Label, we’ll work with you to determine a labeling solution that both looks great and performs under pressure. From identifying the perfect label adhesive to uncovering new ways to make your label design shine, we can help your products stand out among the competition.

Ready to invest in a new batch of labels? Contact us today to talk to one of our experts about your project or request some label sample to check out materials for yourself.

4 Key Candle Label Considerations

Whether your candles are sold at your local farmers market or in stores across the country, high-quality candle labels play an important role in the success of your brand. Candle labels may seem simple at first, but there are several factors that can make your investment go up in smoke. Here’s what you should consider when investing in new labels for your candles.

Include Valuable Basic Information

While various products need to share different information depending on the nature of the components, there are some details that are pretty standard for every product label. As such, you’ll want to start by including the following pieces of information on your candle labels:

  • Product name
  • Company name and logo
  • A unit of measurement (in this case, candle weight)
  • Contact information/website

Once those are covered, there are some candle-specific details you should add. The following information will provide consumers with some specific details that will help them decide which of your products is right for them.

  • Candle scent
  • Type of wax used
  • Projected burn time (hours the candle will last)
  • Container specifications

Four candles with custom labels.

Add Recommended Fire Safety Details

While candles aren’t as closely regulated as products like alcohol, CBD/THC goods, or other items, there are some label standards in place. As the major trade association representing U.S. candle manufacturers and suppliers, the National Candle Association (NCA) notes that every candle should include the following three fire safety rules included on its packaging:

  • Burn within sight
  • Keep away from things that can catch fire
  • Keep away from children

The NCA isn’t too specific on where this information should be listed, so the label, a tag, or even a dust cover are acceptable places for listing the warnings. In addition to the three rules, the NCA also suggests adding graphic safety symbols to represent each rule. Those symbols are available for downloaded on the NCA site.

While the fire safety rules and graphics are a good start – and mandatory for any NCA members – it’s also good practice to include some form of manufacturer instructions for burning your candles properly. Candles are tested according to the ASTM F2417 Fire Safety Standard, which will allow you to provide customers with instructions about burn length, which type of container to use (if one is not provided), and other important details.

Optimize Label Placement

Between branding and information, you may reach a point where you’re tight on label space. Fortunately, you may be able to utilize the size, shape, and packaging or your candle to improve your branding.

It’s no surprise that the side of your candle – or the container it sits in – is a prime spot for label placement. However, you shouldn’t overlook the underside of your product. While the side of your panel is a great spot for basic product info and special design elements, you can include fire safety and other less brand-heavy details on a separate label applied to the bottom of your candle or container. Container lids also offer more potential for labeling space. If it has a surface, there’s an opportunity for branding as long as your label can survive in that space.

Identify the Right Label Material and Adhesive for Candles

Your customers aren’t the only ones who need to be careful with fire. The heat created by your candles also plays a direct role in your choice of label material and adhesive. While you don’t have to stay close to the flame, your label doesn’t have a choice. This close proximity to the heat the flame emits means your label needs to withstand temperatures up to 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit depending on your product.

In addition, candle labels must handle repeated fluctuations in temperature, i.e.when your candle is lit or put out. The right choice of material and adhesive can help prevent premature label failure. For example, a thick biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) material and an acrylic adhesive is more likely to withstand the heat.

Your application surface and process also plays a part in your choice of materials and adhesive. Every surface creates different challenges. For example, the wax of a candle has a different surface energy and adhesive needs than a glass jar. Your choice of hand or machine application will also play into which labels are right for you (along with other key details like unwind direction that can impact application).

Sweet strawberry candles with custom labels.

Invest in the Best Labels for Your Candles

From design to application, there are several variables that can impact the success of your labels. However, it can be difficult to identify the right solution for your exact product without an expert.

Fortunately, Blue Label can help you figure out how to get the most out of your candle labels. Our experts can work with you to not only determine the right materials and adhesives for your labels, but also how to enhance your designs through special printing capabilities. Contact us today if you’re ready to invest in custom candle labels for your business.

Hot or Cold? The Role of Temperature in Label Durability

If your products will get hot or cold, it’s important to make sure your choice of label is just right. Whether your containers encounter hot or cold temperatures during application or sometime after, temperature can play a prominent role in identifying the right label for your situation. Here are some specific problems where hot and cold temperatures can wreak havoc with the durability of your product labels.

Heat or Cold Can Make Some Adhesives Fail

Behind every good label is some very important ‘glue’ – literally. Without the adhesive, you’d be stuck with some really nice leaflets to hand out with some blank containers. Unfortunately, hot or cold temperatures can be a dividing force that tears your containers and labels apart.

Temperatures issues can happen right away during the application process. Label adhesives have varying minimum application temperatures. If you apply a label with a certain adhesive outside of its recommended temperature range, it may not have the tack or adhesion necessary to stay on a container. For example, an acrylic adhesive may be a good choice for products that are hot-filled or exposed to higher temperatures, but it may pose problems in colder applicating conditions.

Different temperatures can also cause adhesives to fail at some point after initial application. For example, extreme cold or heat can cause removable label adhesives to break down. After a stay in the freezer or some time in direct sunlight on a summer day, your labels may start to peel off or fall off their containers altogether. In these instances, it would be better to opt for a permanent label designed to handle difficult, environmental factors.

A cold, wet beer can with a pressure sensitive label going through a filling machine.

Some Face Stocks Can’t Face Certain Temperatures

In addition to your adhesive, there’s another critical layer of your label that can be negatively affected by hot or cold temperatures: your face stock. Certain label materials can run into performance issues when forced into environments that are too hot or cold. Fortunately, a little planning can make sure your choice of substrate is perfect for your exact needs.

The first step is to think about exactly where your products and their labels will be in the future? Are they a bottle label that will end up in a refrigerator or a cooler? Will these products end up sitting out in the hot sun or a steamy bathroom? Will they potentially sit in a storage space for a while? Each environment can pose it’s own temperature issues, along with other environmental factors like moisture, humidity, and sunlight.

When it comes to face stocks, film substrates offer better resistance to heat and other damaging elements. Utilizing a material like a BOPP or PET substrate can help give you more peace of mind if your product will encounter any environmental hazards in its future. While paper stocks don’t have quite the durability of their film compatriots, UV varnishes or thicker paper materials can help mitigate the impacts of various temperatures and other issues.

Heat and Cold Can Make Shrink Sleeves Warp

Pressure-sensitive labels aren’t the only labeling option affected by varying temperatures. Shrink sleeve labels also require some care and planning to protect your investment.

While shrink sleeves are a great option for anyone looking for a label that provides 360-degree coverage, one downside is that these labels are very sensitive to environmental factors before application. If shrink sleeves get too hot or cold before they’re applied, they can warp. Not only can this destroy part of your design, it may ruin some shrink sleeves altogether.

To solve this, you’ll want to make sure that your shipping and storage situation can accommodate your shrink sleeves. Depending on the time of year and your location, that can mean temperature-controlled shipping or utilizing temperature gauge labels to check a shipment before you apply damaged sleeves. As for storage, you’ll want a climate-controlled space – or at least one that won’t become freezing cold or sweltering hot when the weather shifts.

A six-pack of beer with durable product labels sitting on a storage space floor.

Invest in the Durable Labels for Your Environments

There’s a lot more to a label than just the design. From the liner to the top coat, every part plays a role in your label. When you work with Blue Label, we help you invest in durable labels designed for your specific performance and budget needs – all while ensuring that your design dazzles your customers.

Want to work with a company that can provide you with quality, cost-effective labels that can stand the heat (or cold)? Contact us today about your next label printing project.

Common Labeling Mistakes to Avoid: Application Issues

Before your labels can wow anyone, you need to apply them to your products. However, improper application can make your labels stick out for all the wrong reasons.

Application issues come in many forms and lead to a range of problems. Misapplication could lead to tearing, wrinkling, flagging, or peeling. Other factors can wreak havoc with the actual application process itself. No matter the problem, you can take measures to prevent each problem ahead of time. Here are some notable reasons why you’d encounter label application issues.

Your Label isn’t Right for Your Container Surface

What you apply your labels to can play as much of a role in label issues than the application process itself. Each surface has its own challenges, which can call for a different adhesive or label material. For example, a glass wine bottle has a different surface energy and adhesive needs than a polyethylene pouch for candy. This means that you need to identify potential surface issues to ensure that your labels stay on your products during – and long after – the application process.

Custom product labels printed out for rolls.

The Applicating Environment Poses Problems

Even if you have the right label material and adhesive for your container, they may not be a good fit for your applicating environment. There are a variety of factors that impact label application. Certain adhesives won’t work nearly as well at different temperatures, which can be a major issue if application is performed in a hot or cold environment. As a result, you’ll want to take these conditions into consideration when selecting the right label adhesive.

There’s also potential for contaminants like dirt, dust, and moisture to prevent proper adhesion. The product itself can even pose a problem for the application environment. Spilled oil or soap won’t make it any easier for an adhesive to take hold. No matter the potential problem, it’s important to try and keep your containers and environment as clean as possible for application.

The Unwind Direction is Wrong

Even if you have the right label adhesive and your applicating environment is clean, you can still have major issues if your rolls aren’t oriented correctly. Since your labels are printed on rolls, it’s crucial that you consider both how those labels are printed on the substrate and how they’ll be applied to your container. If you don’t, you’ll likely end up with an incorrect unwind direction that results in improper label placement.

Simply put, the unwind direction is the orientation of your labels as they come off a roll. Depending on your container or application equipment, you will need a specific unwind direction. For example, one machine may dispense labels on the left side first or require your design to be turned 90 degrees for proper placement. It’s key that you take the application process into account and visualize how your labels are applied to your product. That way you can communicate the correct unwind direction to your printer so that you avoid issues before they happen.

Spirit bottle labels printed with the right unwind direction.

Your Label Rolls Aren’t Right for Your Equipment

Unsurprisingly, your applicating equipment could be the source of application issues. Certain machines only handle certain roll sizes. That means equipment designed to use 8-inch rolls won’t accommodate larger sizes. As a result, improper roll sizes can cause your application process to come to a complete stop.

Incorrect roll sizes are fixable, but it still requires your printer to resize and rewind them. In turn that costs you more time and money for an entirely preventable problem. Whether you use your own equipment or work with a co-packer, make sure you know what size rolls your equipment can handle. This size issue is typically referred to as “maximum outer diameter” or “max OD,” That way you can communicate these sizes to your printer and be proactive in preventing issues.

Work with the Right Label Printing Company

No matter the application issue you want to avoid, a good printer can help you find potential solutions to your label problems. That’s why Blue Label develops a collaborative relationship to work with our customers so that we understand their needs and identify ways to avoid issues ahead of time.

Ready to talk about your next custom product label project? Contact Blue Label today to get in touch with one of our experts.

The Shelf Life of Labels: 6 Factors That Impact How Long Your Labels Last

Nothing lasts forever, and that includes your product labels. Even the most attractive packaging can lose its luster over time, whether it’s because of a preventable accident or an unavoidable change. Damaged or outdated labels won’t help your business, so it’s important to know the factors that can impact the lifespan of your labels so that you make sure you get the most out of your investment.

Sunlight

You may enjoy a sunny day, but long-term exposure to the sun is a problem for your labels. Ultraviolet rays break down the chemical bonds found in inks over time, which essentially has a bleaching effect. As a result, exposure to sunlight causes your label designs to fade.

While you can’t completely protect you labels from sunlight, you can delay its effects. Label laminates and UV coatings add a layer of protection that lessens the effect of sunlight, like how sunscreen shields skin. While fading will still occur over time, these solutions notably slow down the process so your labels stay vibrant for as long as possible.

Bottle labels protected from sunlight by a UV coating.

Water and Other Fluids

Paper labels don’t play well with water, which is a serious problem for any labels that are refrigerated, encounter water during the application process, or interact with any other slippery situations. Even paper stocks with higher wet strength will absorb water and other fluids over time. This can cause them to distort and even fall off eventually. For this reason, it’s strongly suggested to use film stocks and laminates for any labels that need some degree of water resistance.

Scuffs and Scratches

The quality of your product packaging says a lot about your goods. A big scratch or scuff on your labels won’t send the right message to potential customers. Instead of dealing with damage when it happens, there are ways to shield your labels from unwanted friction that can occurs during shipping and handling. Laminates and varnishes add a layer of protection so that your product labels can endure more wear and tear and customers pay attention to your branding instead of unsightly damage.

Adhesive Material

No company wants to get stuck with labels that don’t stick to its products. There are a variety of factors that can impact the long-term success of a label adhesive. Some adhesives are better suited for use with water, whether it’s for a product that’ll sit in a steamy bathroom or get submerged in a cooler full of ice. Sometimes the containers you use are better suited for a strong acrylic-based adhesive. No matter the environment, it’s important to work with a label expert who can identify which adhesive makes sense for your products.

Label Regulation Changes

Depending on your product, you’re not the only person who has a say in what goes on your label. Various government organizations have specific compliance standards for a wide range of products, covering everything from food and drink to beauty products and vape juice. These regulations can change over time, which means what were once completely compliant cannabis product labels could become obsolete after new legislation. As a result, it’s important to stay up to date on label compliance and to work with a label printing company that provides order flexibility.

Rebrands or Other Label Changes

Change isn’t always an unexpected development. At some point, you may decide that your business is due for a rebrand, or you may simply refresh your product label designs. In this case, you’ll need to transition from your old labels to new ones to show off your new logo, color scheme, or other design change you’ve made to the aesthetic of your packaging. Fortunately, you can plan for these changes and work with a printing company to have new, eye-catching labels ready when it’s time to update your labels.

Three variations of a product labels with different materials and varnishes.

Prepare for the Future with Long-Lasting, Durable Labels

Whether you need to guard your packaging or prepare for the unknown, it’s important to work with the right printing company to get the most out of your labels. Thanks to an investment in state-of the art digital label printing equipment and technology, Blue Label offers both protective label capabilities and order flexibility to help you prepare for long after your product labels go out to market.

If you need quality, cost-effective product labels that are made to last, we can help. Contact Blue Label today to talk to one of our experts about how we can help you get the most out of your durable labels.

What to Consider When Selecting a Pressure Sensitive Label Adhesive

A container and a label each play pivotal roles in selling your product, but the adhesive is literally the glue that holds it all together. However, there really isn’t one standard option. There are many different types of label adhesives, and each of them can offer certain advantages and drawbacks.

There are many different factors that can help you determine which type of adhesive would be best for your pressure sensitive labels, such as environmental and material concerns. Here are some things you should consider when choosing which adhesive would be best-suited for your label’s needs.
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The Different Types of Pressure Sensitive Label Adhesives

When people think about labels, they often consider what goes on the front. A great label design is critical, but it won’t do much good without a good adhesive on the back.

Types of adhesives for pressure sensitive labels are generally soft, viscous substances that are sticky to the touch. As you’d expect, these adhesives are applied to a surface—in this instance, a label material (paper, polypropelene, vinyl, etc.)—which will then adhere to the surface after pressure is applied, causing the label to stick to its intended container.

There are a variety of factors that can differentiate label adhesives. These include what it’s made of, how it’s applied, and if it’s permanent or removable.
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Designing Beer Labels: Other Design Considerations

Sizing and color selection are two critical parts of label design, but there are several other factors that can impact how you design beer bottle labels and beer can labels. Elements such as custom shapes, mandatory information, and label adhesives are all important to the success of a label. Here’s what you should consider about these features when you design your beer labels.
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