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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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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

Choose MDO for flexible or squeezable packaging where flexibility and conformability are key.
Match your adhesive to your plastic type and storage environment, especially for slick containers or cold storage.
Clean and dry surfaces before applying. Let adhesives set for 24+ hours before exposure to moisture or cold.
Design labels to match the container’s shape; use rounded corners and consider tapering for curved or gusseted packaging.
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.

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Can Metallic Labels Be Used on Cans?

If you’re a beverage manufacturer, whether you’re producing craft beer, craft soda, cold brew, or ready-to-drink cocktails, you may be wondering whether metallic labels can hold up on aluminum cans. The short answer is yes. Metallic labels can look stunning and perform well when you choose the right adhesives and finishes for your fill process, storage conditions, and handling needs.

Metallic labels are especially well-suited for brands looking to highlight premium quality with added durability such as energy drinks, sparkling waters, or ready-to-drink cocktails.

Here’s what to consider:

Fit and Material Compatibility

Metallic labels, like metallized BOPP, flex well over curved aluminum cans. But there are other considerations to help them stay put. Here’s what to check:

Adhesive Strength

Use a cold-wet adhesive (formulated for condensation or cold-surface application) or a pressure-sensitive adhesive, the standard type most beverage companies use, made for chilled, condensation-prone surfaces. Cold-wet adhesives are designed to bond to cold, sometimes damp cans during application.

Pressure-sensitive adhesives stick on contact, no heat or water needed, and you can get versions that hold strong through cold, wet conditions.

Handling Cold, Moisture, and Abrasion

Chilled cans, ice buckets, and transport can provide some additional challenges when it comes to durability. Consider the following:

Film labels (BOPP, PET) handle water and cold well.
Durable PET film adds scuff resistance, especially when cans get jostled or stacked.
Don’t skip lamination. Gloss, matte, or soft-touch laminate protects your label from scratches, wet conditions, and handling damage.

Design and Visual Impact

Want to know how to get that metallic to pop?

Metallic labels give you foil-like shine without extra steps. Smart use of matte areas or spot varnish helps contrast and prevents everything from looking like a full mirror-like finish.
If you’re adding text or brand elements, underprinting white (white layer) on metallized surfaces is a must for legibility. Without that base layer, colors and text can appear translucent or washed out. Think of it as a primer; it helps your design show up clearly and consistently. As a rule of thumb, apply white ink beneath all design elements that you do not want to appear metallic. If you’re not sure, we can walk you through your options.

Recyclability and Environmental Considerations

If you’re concerned about sustainability, consider the following:

Removable film labels usually don’t cause problems, but it’s smart to check with your local recycler or packaging partner to be sure.
Some label material options are designed to separate cleanly from containers during recycling and meet APR and How2Recycle standards.
If your brand leans into environmentally-friendly messaging, call out how you’ve chosen materials that meet recycling center specs or that qualify for certain “recycle-ready” label standards.

Compliance and Label Specs

Don’t forget the essentials for compliance depending on your beverage type:

Alcoholic beverages need to meet all TTB labeling requirements, including brand name, alcohol % ABV, net contents, address, and a few more. The TTB still expects you to include all the usual info, no matter how shiny your label is.
For quick reference, you can review the TTB Beverage Labeling Guide to confirm you’re including all required elements such as government warning text and proper net content placement.
Keep fonts legible on shiny backgrounds by using white underlayers, high contrast, and bold text where needed.

Quick-Check: Will These Labels Work for You?

Condition	What You Should Do
Cold, moisture, condensation	Use film label, cold-wet adhesive, add laminate
Abrasion or shelf wear	Go with PET or add gloss, matte, or soft-touch laminate
Recycling goals	Choose peelable film, avoid non-removable sleeves
Labeling compliance	Stick with TTB rules. Legible information is still required

We’ve handled metallic labels for beverage brands that wanted that shelf magnet look without losing performance. If you’re ready to try it yourself, or just want a second opinion, contact us and we’ll walk through what works best for your cans.

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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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Can Paper Labels Be Used on Plastic Containers?

Considering paper labels for products in plastic bottles or jars? They can work, but only if you match the right materials to the right conditions.

Here’s what to keep in mind to make sure your labels stay put:

What to Consider

Pressure Sensitive Labels on honey jars

1. Plastic Surfaces: Material, Shape and Texture

Plastic containers are usually smooth and non-porous. That means plain uncoated paper struggles to stick reliably. You need coated, flexible paper plus adhesives designed for plastics like polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP).

Note: You can see some of our coated paper options on our Materials page.

If your containers are curved, tapered, or squeezable, you’re likely better off with another material altogether, like MDO for squeezable containers or shrink sleeves for curved or tapered containers.

2. Product Environments and Label Performance

Your labels go through more than just the environment at application. Think about:

Application line – cold sensors or fast application speeds can impact adhesive bond
Warehousing – humid or cold storage may weaken paper labels or cause curling
Shipping/handling – scratching or abrasion can happen from friction in boxing, stacking, or retail displays
End-user use – exposure to moisture, oils, refrigeration, or grease can smudge, smear, or damage labels

Coated paper offers improved moisture resistance, but it’s not waterproof.

If your packaging is exposed to refrigeration or wet conditions, you’ll definitely need to use a laminate or UV coating for protection. For products like this, we often recommend tougher label materials like BOPP for these types of environments.

Body butter jars with custom labels

3. Design & Finishing Options That Work on Paper

Paper labels do offer premium print performance and support embellishments like spot UV, matte or gloss lamination, hot‑foil stamping, screen printing, and embossing.

Spot UV works well on coated paper and adds contrast or glossy accents, perfect for brand names or logos. It also gives scratch resistance when used selectively.

Finishes like foil or embossing can elevate the look of paper labels, but in high-friction or moisture-heavy environments, you’ll want to protect those surfaces with lamination or varnish to maintain shelf appeal and label integrity.

4. Regulatory and Compliance Considerations

If your product falls into food, beverage, cosmetic, or health categories (even if the label doesn’t directly touch the product) you’ll need materials that meet FDA guidelines for indirect food contact.

That means the paper, adhesive, and inks must all be safe to use under FDA rules like this one for adhesives and this one for paper coatings. We can help you sort through the right choices.

5. Sustainability & Recycling Impacts

Paper labels can interfere with plastic recycling, especially with PET bottles.

During recycling, bottles are washed to remove labels. If leftover paper fibers mix into the recycled plastic, they can mess with the clarity or consistency of rPET.

The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) recommends keeping label coverage under 60–70% and avoiding metallic inks or foils that complicate sorting.

Paper labels are often easier to remove than film labels, which can help with container reuse or composting. If recyclability is a priority, film labels made from the same type of plastic as your container (like polypropylene on polypropylene) can be a better match.

6. How to Match Adhesive, Facestock & Container Type

Matching your coated paper label to the correct adhesive makes all the difference. Here’s a general starting point:

Container Plastic	Suggested Paper + Adhesive Pairing
Polypropylene (PP) or HDPE	Coated paper + high‑tack adhesive designed for low-energy surfaces
PET	Standard coated paper + acrylic adhesive
Curved or squeeze bottle	Shrink sleeves for curved containers or MDO for squeeze bottles (no, they’re not paper, but they’re better options)

Final Thoughts

Paper labels can be an option for plastic containers as long as you know where they work and where they might fall short (or fall off). With the right materials and adhesives, they can hold strong and look great doing it.

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

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How to Prevent Labels from Scratching or Abrasion During Shipping and Handling

If your labels look great coming off the line but arrive damaged at their destination, friction and abrasion during shipping and handling are likely the culprits. Fortunately, you can solve these problems by choosing the right materials, adhesives, and finishes.

Here’s what you need to consider to protect your labels from scratching, rubbing, and peeling.

Beer cans with labels

Pick the Right Label Material for Your Packaging Type

Not all label materials handle friction equally, and the right choice depends on your packaging and environment:

Polypropylene (BOPP): Flexible and moisture-resistant. Great for bottles, jars, and pouches in food, beverage, and personal care.
Polyester (PET): Strong, chemical-resistant, and built to take a beating. A go-to for electronics, home goods, or anything with a rough transport.
Vinyl: Very flexible, used for curved surfaces or squeeze containers. Should be paired with a strong finish.

We usually recommend PET or BOPP for anything that’s going to get tossed, stacked, or bumped in transit.

Match Your Adhesive to Your Packaging and Conditions

A mismatched adhesive can cause labels to lift or curl, making them easy targets for abrasion. Here’s how to make sure yours sticks:

Permanent acrylic adhesives are solid choices for corrugate, plastic, or glass.
High-tack adhesives grip tight to tough surfaces like HDPE (think: detergent bottles).
Cold-temperature adhesives are good in refrigerated or frozen environments.

Tip: Apply labels in clean, dry, and temperature-controlled conditions. If a label isn’t stuck down properly, it’s more likely to rub, shift, or catch, which can lead to damage.

Skincare products with custom labels

Add a Protective Finish That Matches Risk and Budget

A good finish is like body armor for your label—it helps it survive the bumps, scrapes, and scuffs that happen after it leaves your hands:

Lamination (polypropylene or polyester): The go-to for rough shipping environments like pallets or cold chain logistics. See our lamination options.
High-rub varnish: Perfect for rigid containers and folding cartons. It holds up well for day-to-day handling without the higher price tag of full lamination.
UV varnish: A solid middle ground if you want extra protection against moisture and chemicals while keeping the label look intact.

Comparing Protective Finishes

Checklist: Prevent Label Abrasion

Choose abrasion-resistant materials (BOPP, PET)
Match adhesives to your packaging material and conditions
Apply lamination or high-rub varnish based on product exposure
Check about abrasion testing with your printer
Apply labels in clean, controlled conditions

What to Ask Your Label Printer

You don’t have to figure it out on your own. Ask these questions to make sure your printer understands what your packaging is up against:

Which label materials and adhesives fit my product and shipping conditions?
What protective finishes do you recommend for scratch-prone surfaces?
Can I compare varnish and laminate side by side?
What durability tests have you done on these combinations?

If you’re experiencing label abrasion issues or just want to avoid them in the future, contact us and we’ll walk you through the right materials, adhesives, and finishes for your products.

Tier	Construction	Use Case	Why It Fits
Good	BOPP + gloss varnish	Dry shelf goods with minimal rubbing	Budget-friendly, moderate protection
Better	BOPP + high-rub matte varnish	Retail items with light handling	Increased scratch resistance
Best	BOPP or PET + full laminate	Cold chain, rough shipping, pallets	Highest durability under harsh conditions

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White Vinyl: An Ideal Option for Outdoor and Water-Resistant Product Labels

If you’ve been searching for durable label materials, you might have come across white vinyl as one of the top options. It’s a type of vinyl used for product labeling in commercial and industrial applications, including food and beverages, outdoor, health and beauty, home, and industrial products.

White vinyl is a good material choice for many reasons. It’s water-resistant, flexible, and thicker than other label options—all thanks to its powerful polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin composition. This makes white vinyl an ideal material for both indoor and outdoor products.

Should you use white vinyl labels for your product label? Let’s take a look at some of the considerations, benefits, and uses of white vinyl, along with some of its limitations.

What Is White Vinyl?

White vinyl is best known for its water resistance and protection from UV light and has a smooth, glossy finish. If you’re looking for a label that maintains its integrity and appearance even in the face of tough environments, white vinyl may be a good choice.

Water Resistance and Performance of White Vinyl Labels in Humid or Wet Environments

If your product will encounter moisture or humidity, white vinyl might be a good choice of material. As we’ve mentioned, it’s known for its exceptional water resistance. While white vinyl will maintain its integrity when exposed to moisture, other materials like paper labels can deteriorate or peel when wet.

While a product with a peeling or deteriorating label isn’t a good look, beyond that it’s important for labels to stick to maintain important product safety, compliance, and even ingredient information.

Some of the industries that commonly use white vinyl for their product labels include:

Beverages: Labels for beer, water, juice, and other drinks are commonly exposed to ice, moisture, and spills from the liquid inside.
Food: Labels for jars, cans, and other containers that need to be refrigerated, frozen, or may be exposed to spills from contents.
Cosmetic Products: Labels for lotions, shampoos, and other bathroom essentials that live in humid bathroom environments or are susceptible to oils from the product inside.
Cleaning Supplies: Labels for detergents, sprays, and other household cleaners need to withstand moisture and mist from the products inside.

Durability and Suitability of White Vinyl for Outdoor Use

While other materials may be more likely to fade, crack, or peel under harsh weather conditions, white vinyl is more likely to maintain its appearance and adhesion to its container.

Outdoor products that commonly use white vinyl for their product labels include:

Lawn and Garden: Whether its lawn tools or fertilizers, durable vinyl labels withstand outdoor storage conditions.
Sports Equipment: Labels for outdoor gear like bicycles, surfboards, and kayaks need the durability of a material like vinyl.
Outdoor Furniture: Labels for chairs, tables, and umbrellas need to endure sun and rain on patios and decks.

Adhesive Performance of White Vinyl on Different Surfaces

In addition to their durability, white vinyl is also known for having strong adhesive properties, making it a suitable label choice for a wide range of container and product surfaces.

Different sizes and materials of containers

Here are some of the many suitable surfaces that white vinyl works with:

Plastic: For bottles, containers, and even products made from plastic, white vinyl will adhere well.
Glass: Bottles, cleaning supplies, and even windows, white vinyl works on transparent and translucent products or containers.
Metal: From outdoor machinery to tools, white vinyl adheres well especially on smooth and clean surfaces.
Wood: Home goods, furniture, and even tools, white vinyl has good adhesion on smooth, treated wood surfaces.

While white vinyl is versatile in many ways, it does have its limitations. The material won’t perform well on rough, textured, oily, or greasy surfaces. It may also degrade under extreme heat.

Permanent vs. Removable Adhesives

White vinyl will work with both permanent and removable adhesives as long as the surface has been prepared appropriately. Not sure which adhesive is right for your application? Consider this:

Permanent: Best for long-lasting applications that need to stay in place for a product’s lifetime. These will be difficult to remove without leaving residue.
Removable: Better suited for temporary labels that will come off clean without damaging the surface of leaving residue.

Printing Quality and Capabilities of White Vinyl Labels

You might be thinking “since white vinyl is so versatile in its durability, there must be limitations in print quality…” In fact, white vinyl labels happen to be known for their high print quality as well.

The smooth and glossy surface of white vinyl helps to enhance the vibrancy of label designs. This surface actually makes the material an excellent choice for high-res graphics, detailed text, and vivid colors.

Available Shapes and Sizes of White Vinyl Labels

White vinyl labels are available in different sizes and shapes to suit labeling needs in different environments. Depending on your intended use, you can get white vinyl labels in shapes like:

Oval

Square

Rectangle

Circle

White vinyl labels can also be die-cut to virtually any shape or size to accommodate customized designs and specialty container shapes.

Safety and Compliance Considerations of White Vinyl Labels

With any label or packaging material, it’s important to be aware of each industry’s compliance and regulatory requirements. Industries like food and beverage and health and beauty tend to have more regulatory standards that should be considered.

Compliance With Food Regulations

When white vinyl is used for food products, make sure that it’s made from materials that are FDA-approved for food contact.

If the label will have direct contact with food, it must meet specific safety standards to avoid contamination. This would include labels of fresh produce, meat packaging, or any item where the label directly touches the food.

If the label will have indirect contact (i.e. labels on the exterior of food packaging), it must still meet FDA regulations to ensure it doesn’t leach harmful substances into the food product.

Compliance With Health and Beauty

Once again, these labels must comply with FDA regulations. That means the labels must be free from harmful chemicals that could affect the product or, ultimately, the consumer.

Ready for More Information?

As you’ve seen, white vinyl is a workhorse material that’s not only durable, but can provide excellent print quality for a variety of product applications. Whether you have a product that will be exposed to moisture and humidity, or a product that will be exposed to the elements outside, white vinyl can help ensure your label remains intact and legible over time.

Ready to discover if white vinyl is right for your labeling project? Learn more about the materials that Blue Label offers, or contact us to talk to our experts about the perfect material for your products.

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How To Prevent Labels from Peeling in the Freezer

Labels that peel, wrinkle, or become unreadable in freezer conditions can throw off production, waste product, and frustrate your customers. Making sure your labels stick (and stay that way) comes down to a handful of decisions about materials, adhesives, and how everything’s applied.

Quick Checklist: Preventing Label Peeling in Freezers

Choose freezer-grade adhesives that match your packaging and storage needs
Use facestocks that holds up to cold, moisture, and handling
Make sure surfaces are clean, dry, and label-ready
Add finishing options that protect the print and edges
Test in real-world conditions before full rollout

1. Choose the Right Freezer-Grade Adhesive

Adhesives are often the culprit behind labels falling off in the cold. Many standard options stop working when the temperature drops. Instead, you’ll want to choose adhesives designed specifically for frozen environments.

Also, make sure your adhesive pairs well with your container material, whether that’s plastic, glass, or something else, and meets any required food safety regulations.

Here’s a quick reference guide:

Plastic containers (like HDPE, LDPE, or PP): These are low surface energy materials, so you’ll want a high-tack adhesive like a freezer-grade hot melt or specially formulated acrylic.
Glass jars or bottles: Most freezer adhesives bond well, but rubber-based or acrylic adhesives offer good clarity and adhesion when surfaces are clean and dry.
Corrugate and paperboard: Acrylic adhesives work well thanks to their quick grab, even on rough surfaces.
Foil or metalized film pouches: Choose an adhesive that accommodates slight surface texture and expansion, typically a flexible acrylic or rubber-based formula.

2. Use Durable Label Materials

Freezer environments are tough on materials. Moisture, cold, and physical handling can cause lower-quality materials to degrade fast. Synthetic face stocks are your best bet:

- BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene): Moisture-resistant and stable, great for flat or round, rigid surfaces.
- Welded Paper Stocks: Combines the tactile appeal of paper with a BOPP film core for moisture protection and excellent opacity.

Uncoated paper usually isn’t a great fit unless it’s laminated and used in dry freezer settings. It just doesn’t hold up well in moisture-heavy environments.

3. Prepare Surfaces Correctly

Even the best label setup will fail if the surface isn’t ready. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

Clean and dry the surface: Any moisture, frost, grease, or dust can prevent adhesion. If you can see condensation or residue, wait until it’s clear.
Apply at the right temperature: Many freezer-grade adhesives need to be applied at a certain temperature to bond properly.
Use firm, even pressure: This helps the adhesive stick fully and prevents peeling or bubbling later.

A common mistake? Labeling products right after they’ve been washed or frozen. Moisture ruins the bond.

4. Apply Finishing & Protective Techniques

Once your label is stuck on, you want it to stay readable and intact. That’s where finishing comes in:

Lamination: Adds a tough layer that resists moisture, scratches, and friction, ideal for freezer aisles and products that get handled a lot. Explore lamination options.
UV Varnish or Overcoat: A lighter option for some moisture and scuff resistance.
Label shape matters: Rounded corners can reduce the chances of edge lift, especially on curved or flexible containers.

5. Conduct Testing

Spec sheets only go so far. It’s helpful to test labels in the real conditions they’ll face:

Adhesion tests: Apply labels to your actual packaging and check adhesion after 24–48 hours in the freezer.
Freeze–thaw cycles: See how the label holds up to repeated storage and temperature changes.
Print durability: Make sure barcodes, lot numbers, and branding stay readable and scannable, even after condensation or handling.

Whenever possible, test a few different label constructions side-by-side to see what performs best.

Final Takeaway

If your products need to survive the freezer, your labels need to be up for the challenge. That means choosing the right adhesive and material, prepping your surfaces, protecting your print, and putting everything to the test.

Ready to find a label that sticks? Contact Blue Label Packaging to explore custom freezer-grade label solutions built around your needs.

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Can Foil Labels Be Used on Wine Bottles?

Foil labels can add a bold, eye-catching look to your wine bottles, but only if they’re made to last through bottling, cold storage, and everything in between. Whether you’re using Bordeaux or Burgundy bottles, here’s what to keep in mind before going with foil.

What to Consider Before Choosing Foil Labels

Bottle Shape & Label Fit

Wine bottles come in a variety of shapes: Bordeaux, Burgundy, Alsace, Champagne, and more. Each bottle shape brings its own label considerations:

Bordeaux bottles have tall, straight sides that typically work well with foil labels.
Burgundy bottles have gentle curves that can cause labels to lift at the edges if the wrong material or adhesive is used. A paper stock with the right adhesive, or a polyester (PET) film, is often the safest bet here. Paper provides a classic look, while PET adds extra flexibility and strength to contour to curves.
Alsace bottles are taller and more tapered, which can be even more challenging. For these, using a narrower label or a custom die-cut shape can help ensure full contact and a smoother application. Narrower shapes reduce the amount of stress on the edges, helping avoid wrinkles.
Champagne bottles often have pronounced curves and subtle texture, requiring extra care in both design and material choice. Textured papers with strong adhesives can handle these surfaces, minimizing bubbling and lifting.

Most wine labels are printed on paper stocks designed specifically for wine and spirits. These papers can be coated or uncoated and are compatible with foil stamping. For added durability, polyester (PET) film is another strong option that resists tearing and handles curves well. Both materials are widely used in the wine industry and work effectively with foil embellishments

If you’re unsure, ask us to test-fit the materials on your actual bottles. It can save you a major headache, and a lot of wasted labels, down the road.

Moisture, Cold, & Real-World Handling

From the time your bottles hit the bottling line to chilling in ice bins and shipping, your labels will almost certainly face moisture and abrasion. That’s why we recommend wine-grade paper stocks with wet-strength treatments or polyester (PET) film that resist moisture, won’t break down in cold or wet environments, and are fully compatible with foil stamping.

To protect the foil, finishes like gloss or matte laminates work well with PET materials, while varnishes and protective coatings are often paired with paper labels. Gloss laminates help colors pop and are best for vibrant designs, while matte laminates give a softer, upscale look. Varnishes can also be used, but they’re better for spot treatments or short-run bottles where heavy abrasion isn’t a concern.

These coatings help your foil resist water, scuffs, and handling damage, so your label stays crisp from bottling to the final pour.

Foil Compatibility with Other Finishes

Foil gives your label a nice shimmer, but there’s more than one way to achieve this look. Think about how foil behaves with other finishes or materials. For example:

Hot foil uses heat and pressure to apply metallic foil, creating sharp, reflective accents.
Spot UV adds a high-gloss coating to specific areas like your brand name or logo for contrast and emphasis.
Soft-touch is a matte finish that adds a velvety feel, often paired with foil to create a high-end tactile effect.

We’ve seen hot foil combined with soft-touch stocks on wine labels to highlight logos. This creates a striking contrast of shimmer against a velvety background. This kind of pairing delivers premium shelf appeal and reinforces the sense of quality.

In our experience, foil often pairs well with bold typography or custom die-cut shapes that emphasize contrast and precision.

Regulatory & Legibility Requirements

Wine labels have to meet TTB and FDA standards, such as listing alcohol content, sulfites, and vintage.

Metallic surfaces can sometimes make fine print hard to read, especially in low light. It’s important to test your label under different lighting and distances to make sure everything’s easy to read. For example, check it in bright retail lighting, dim restaurant settings, and natural daylight. Then double-check that it lines up with TTB rules on things like font size and layout.

Sustainability Considerations

If sustainability is part of your packaging goals, here are a few ways to make foil labels work in that direction:

Choose substrates with wash-off adhesives that let labels come off cleanly during the glass recycling process.
Use FSC-certified papers if you’re working with paper-based labels. Many of these are now designed for wine applications and are compatible with foil.
For film-based options, recyclable PET is a better choice than other plastics since it can be processed in more recycling streams.
Think about how foil placement or backing materials affect recyclability.

Quick Checklist: Will Foil Labels Work for Your Wine Bottles?

Before you commit, here are a few questions worth running through with your label printing partner:

Is your label material, whether paper or PET, flexible enough to stay flat on curved or tapered bottles without lifting?
Have you picked a protective finish that works with foil and stands up to cold and moisture if required?
Does your design use foil in a way that highlights key elements without sacrificing readability?
Have you checked how your foil label looks under different lighting conditions such as retail stores or restaurants, and at shelf distance?
Have you looked into foil-compatible papers and PET films that support recyclability, if this is important to your brand?

Can Foil Labels Be Used on Wine Bottles?

We’ve seen winemakers use foil to create a more high-end, polished look that helps their bottles stand out on the shelf. When you pair the right materials and finishes with a design that works, foil can hold up through bottling, chilling, and everything in between.

Not sure which type of foil or finish makes the most sense for your bottles? Contact us and we’ll walk you through it.

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Can Vinyl Labels Be Used on Plastic Bottles?

If you’re trying to figure out whether vinyl labels will actually work on your plastic bottles, here’s what you need to know.

What You Should Consider

Plastic bottle shapes and sizes

Bottle Surface & Shape

Vinyl labels are thicker, more stiff, and perform best on flat or mildly curved surfaces.

If you’re labeling PET beverage bottles (the clear, rigid plastic used for things like water and soda), HDPE bottles (the sturdy plastic often used for personal care and household products), or LDPE squeeze tubes (the softer, more flexible plastic you’ll see in things like lotions or gels), vinyl labels may wrinkle or lift.

BOPP labels, on the other hand, are thinner and conform easily to cylindrical containers. And if your container is squeezable, a material like MDO is likely the way to go.

Questions to ask yourself:

Is your bottle curved, textured, or flexible?
Does the label wrap around tapered shoulders or full body?

Cleaning products in plastic bottles

Product Exposure

Vinyl holds up really well against water, oils, sunlight, scratches, and even chemicals. It’s often used in harsh wash-down or outdoor environments.

BOPP also performs great in most everyday settings, especially for beverages, cosmetics, and products stored at room temperature or in the fridge. Vinyl might be the better choice for products like outdoor-use cleaning sprays, automotive fluids, or industrial degreasers that face frequent handling, UV exposure, or contact with harsh chemicals that could break down BOPP over time.

Consider:

Will the product be susceptible to heavy scuffing?
Is there exposure to oil, chemicals, friction, or sunlight?
Will the bottle go through sanitizing or heavy handling?

If you expect any of those, vinyl might be the way to go.

Print Quality & Visual Design

Vinyl has a slightly textured surface, so fine detail, transparent graphics, or sharp text can sometimes look a little soft.

BOPP, for comparison’s sake, has a smoother surface that gives you sharper print quality and better compatibility with high-end finishes. Finishes like spot UV (that glossy highlight on logos or text) or cold foil just stand out better on BOPP.

If your design includes:

Clear “no-label” look
Foil accents, embossing, fine typography
Spot UV or matte/gloss laminate

Then BOPP or MDO is likely a stronger fit.

Compliance & Recycling

Vinyl (PVC) adhesives often carry higher VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can affect indoor air quality during label application and may not align with clean label initiatives. The film itself isn’t accepted in most curbside recycling streams.

On the other hand, BOPP is compatible with APR (Association of Plastic Recyclers) guidelines, meaning it can stay on PET or HDPE containers during recycling without causing problems. It also typically uses lower-VOC adhesives.

Ask yourself:

Will these bottles enter consumer recycling systems?
Do you need food-safe or skin-contact approved materials?
Are VOC emissions a concern?

Quick Decision Checklist

Factor	Vinyl	BOPP
Bottle Shape	Best on flat or moderate curves	Fits cylindrical bottles
Moisture & Chemical Exposure	Excellent	Good for most consumer products
Print Quality & Finish	Good saturation; less sharp detail	High clarity, supports embellishments
Regulatory & Food Compliance	Acceptable when certified	Widely accepted for food & cosmetics
Recyclability & VOCs	Poor (not recyclable, higher VOCs)	Recyclable, lower VOC footprint
Cost & Efficiency	Higher cost, heavier material	Lower cost, easier application

Why We Usually Recommend BOPP

We’ve labeled thousands of consumer products, so we’ve seen what sticks and what doesn’t. Unless your product lives in a rugged or industrial space, BOPP consistently gives you:

Clean applications on bottles
Superior print results
Recyclability
Strong performance under moisture and shelf life demands

Bottom Line

Yes, you can use vinyl labels on plastic bottles. But unless your application demands extreme durability (like marine, industrial, wash-down environments) we recommend BOPP for most consumer and retail products.

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