Back to all

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.

Back to all

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.

Back to all

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

Back to all

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.

Back to all

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.
- Polyethylene (PE): More flexible, so it’s perfect for squeezable bottles or curved containers.
- Polyester (PET): Rigid and built to last, especially where labels might get knocked around.

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.

Back to all

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.

Back to all

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.

Back to all

How To Prevent Labels from Smudging in Humid Environments

If your product lives in or passes through humid environments like showers or even humid shipping trucks, the label can be susceptible to smudging or peeling. Fortunately, label smudging is preventable with the right combination of materials, adhesives, and protective techniques.

Here’s how to keep your labels looking clear, even in humid conditions.

Start with the Right Label Material

In humid conditions, standard uncoated paper labels can be problematic, especially without the right finishing techniques. Some wet-strength papers can hold up okay in light moisture, but they’re usually not built for high-humidity environments.

Synthetic materials are generally a safer bet:

BOPP and MDO (Polypropylene): Both are great for products like refrigerated beverages, personal care items, or household cleaners that deal with condensation; however, MDO may be the better option depending on the container.
PET (Polyester): Handles moisture and temperature swings; ideal for outdoor goods, frozen items, or cosmetic packaging.
Vinyl: Flexible and reliable on curved surfaces like lotion bottles or spray containers.
Welded Paper Stocks: If paper is required, wet strength or welded options will help lock out some of the humidity.

Each of these resists water absorption and ink bleed better than paper.

Products with labels in a humid shower environment

Match Adhesives to Humidity Conditions

The best label material won’t matter if the adhesive can’t hold up. High humidity can break down weaker adhesives, so it’s worth being picky here:

Permanent acrylic adhesives: A dependable choice for products stored in coolers, steamy bathrooms, or humid warehouses.
Freezer-grade adhesives: Designed to stick to containers that are cold, wet, or even frosty right off the line.

Protect Your Labels with Finishes and Coatings

Even durable label materials can use some extra protection. Protective finishes help lock in the ink and guard against water, scratches, and general wear and tear.

Lamination: A clear film that seals the label surface to protect it from water, oils, and friction.
UV or coatings: Lighter than lamination but still helpful for moisture resistance and visual appeal.

For anything going in a fridge, freezer, or damp environment, lamination is usually the safest bet.

Surface Preparation and Storage

A few good habits to avoid label failure from improper application or storage:

Store labels right: Keep unused rolls in a climate-controlled space (think 50% humidity and around 70°F). That’s the storage sweet spot that we recommend.
Apply to dry surfaces: Moisture or condensation can mess with adhesion and cause bubbling or peeling.

Labeling cold containers? Try warming them slightly or applying labels before cooling, if your process allows.

Test Before You Commit

Before you commit to a full label run, test how your labels actually hold up in humid environments. You don’t want surprises after you’ve labeled a few thousand units.

Here’s what we recommend:

Condensation tests: Apply labels to chilled containers, bring them to room temp, and watch for smudging or peeling.
Wipe tests: Run a damp cloth over the surface to see how the ink holds up.
Try a sample pack: Test a few options on your real packaging before you commit.

At Blue Label, we put our labels through rigorous testing in these real-life environments to make sure they stand up and stay on.

Quick Label Durability Checklist

Choose water-resistant materials matched to your product’s environment (don’t worry, we can help).
Use moisture-resistant adhesives.
Apply protective finishes like lamination or UV coatings.
Prepare surfaces properly and store labels in climate-controlled conditions.

Avoiding Label Smudging in Humid Environments

If you want your labels to survive humidity without smudging or peeling, you’ll need the right combo of substrate (material), adhesive, finish, and good application practices. Need help finding the right solution? Contact us and we’ll show you what works.

Back to all

What Label Materials are Best for Lip Balm and Lip Stick Tubes?

Choosing the right label material for lip balm and lipstick tubes comes down to looks and performance. Between tight curves, constant handling, and moisture exposure, your labels need to hold up without peeling, fading, or smudging.

Here’s a breakdown of the best (and not-so-best) materials for the job.

Lip lotion with custom labels

MDO (Machine Direction Oriented Film)

We recommend MDO for most curved lip balm and lipstick tubes, especially smaller-diameter formats like chapstick-style containers.

MDO is a film stretched in one direction during manufacturing, which gives it added flexibility, ideal for wrapping around small, curved surfaces.

Why it works:

Conformability: MDO is semi- to fully-conformable, which makes it one of the most reliable options for wrapping around tight curves without bubbling or peeling at the edges (what’s known as “edge lift”).
Durability: Resistant to oils, water, and abrasion, which is key in bathrooms, purses, and pockets.
Print Quality: Excellent surface for high-resolution printing, foiling, and varnishes.

Finishing compatibility:

Gloss or matte lamination
UV spot varnish
Foil stamping (use shallow depth for curves)

Best for:

Small cylindrical tubes
Brands prioritizing label longevity and sustainability
Designs requiring tight-wrap performance with premium finishes

BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene)

We also recommend BOPP, especially for standard-sized tubes or slightly flatter surfaces.

Why it works:

Durability: Water-resistant, oil-resistant, and UV-stable, BOPP performs well in common product environments like handbags, bathrooms, and refrigerated storage.
Printability: Delivers sharp graphics and vibrant colors.
Material Options: Available in white, metallic, and clear (which creates a “no-label look,” where the label blends in with the container like it was printed directly on it).

Finishing compatibility:

Ideal for foil stamping, screen printing, gloss/matte laminates, and spot UV

Best for:

PET (polyethylene terephthalate, or a type of plastic), polypropylene (another type of plastic), or metal lip balm tubes with moderate curvature
Brands needing that premium shelf presence
Products going into fridges, handbags, or humid environments

PET (Polyester Film)

If you’re working with a rigid container and need maximum durability, PET can be a strong option.

Pros:

Extremely resistant to heat, moisture, and abrasion
Strong dimensional stability
Excellent print surface

Cons:

Rigid, not suitable for tight curves
Higher cost than MDO or BOPP

Best for:

Flat or slightly curved surfaces
Premium products where durability outweighs cost

Paper

Paper labels have their place, but they’re rarely the right fit for lip care products.

Pros:

More embellishment options
Great print quality (initially)

Cons:

Not moisture- or oil-resistant
Can scuff, peel, or warp over time depending on handling
In most cases, you’ll need to laminate it just to keep it from breaking down during regular handling

Best for:

Dry, indoor environments
Products with low handling or short shelf lives

Quick Reference Guide

Use Case	Recommended Material	Why It Works
Tight curved lip balm tubes	MDO	Flexible and conformable without edge lift
Standard lip balm or lipstick tubes	BOPP	Rigid, durable, and print-friendly
Premium rigid containers	PET	Maximum durability and temperature resistance
Budget-conscious indoor products	Paper	More embellishment options but Poor performance in high-handling environments

Final Thoughts

For most lip balm and lipstick tubes, MDO and BOPP are your best bets. They offer the right mix of durability, print quality, and application performance. Both are commonly used in FDA-compliant packaging when the label might come close to the product like on a lip balm tube.

Not sure which one fits your tube best? Contact us and we’ll walk you through it.

Back to all

What Label Materials are Best for Pre-Roll Tubes?

If you’re trying to figure out what label material will actually hold up on your pre-roll tubes, you’re in the right place. We’re talking about high-quality, professionally printed label materials that hold their shape, stick through friction and humidity, and make your brand look good on a shelf or in someone’s hand.

Pre-roll labels

BOPP Labels: Durable, Versatile, and Cost-Effective

We recommend BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene) labels for the majority of pre-roll tube applications.

BOPP is a strong, flexible plastic film that’s stretched in two directions, which makes it clearer, tougher, and more resistant to tearing and moisture. We’ve printed thousands of pre-roll labels for cannabis and wellness brands, and BOPP consistently delivers, from production to shipping to dispensary shelves.

Why BOPP Works So Well for Pre-Roll Tubes

Moisture & oil resistance: BOPP repels humidity, resin residue, and oily fingers without curling or peeling.
Print clarity: It handles fine lines, small compliance text, and vibrant colors extremely well.
Flexible adhesives: Available with tight-radius adhesives designed specifically for small-diameter tubes (like pre-roll packaging).
Multiple finishes: Clear (for the no-label look), white, or metallic, plus options for gloss, matte, or soft-touch laminate.
Cost-effective at scale: It performs like a premium material without the premium price tag.

Finishing Options for BOPP

Lamination (gloss for shine, matte for a softer look, or soft-touch for a premium feel)
Spot UV (adds a glossy contrast on top of matte finishes)
Screen printing for bold, high-opacity ink effects

What to Watch Out For: If your tubes have an unusual shape or texture, testing is important to ensure the adhesive performs well.

Bottom line: If you need a label that holds up in high-touch, humid, or oily environments (sound like any dispensaries you know?), BOPP is a smart, scalable choice that balances durability and cost.

Shrink Sleeves: 360° Branding + Built-In Tamper Evidence

If your pre-roll tubes need full-wrap graphics, tamper-evident features, or a truly premium look, shrink sleeves are your best bet.

Why Shrink Sleeves Are a Strong Choice

Full 360° coverage: Unlike pressure-sensitive labels, shrink sleeves conform to the entire shape of the tube, including curves and caps.
Tamper-evident by design: Built-in perforations can eliminate the need for extra seals or stickers and help meet cannabis packaging regulations.
High-impact branding: You can get photo-quality graphics printed around the entire tube.
Durability: Resistant to water, abrasion, and friction during shipping and handling.

Finishing Options for Shrink Sleeves

Spot gloss or matte varnishes (for highlighting logos or accents)
Cold foil accents
Reverse printing (on the inside of the sleeve) to protect ink from scratches or moisture

What to Consider

Shrink sleeves require specialized equipment, typically a heat tunnel or steam applicator. These range from benchtop machines for small operations to full tunnel systems for larger production runs.
Artwork needs to be “pre-distorted,” meaning it’s intentionally adjusted (stretched or warped slightly) in the design file so it appears correct after the sleeve shrinks to fit the tube (don’t worry, we can help with this).
Typically more expensive per unit than BOPP, especially for smaller quantities.

If you’re planning to sell through dispensaries or retailers, where shelf presence and tamper resistance matter, shrink sleeves offer unmatched real estate and visual impact.

Vinyl Labels: Extra Tough for Niche Use Cases

Vinyl labels are extremely durable and flexible, but for most pre-roll tubes, they offer more performance than necessary and come at a higher cost.

When Vinyl Might Make Sense: If your tubes will face extreme handling, heavy abrasion, or wide temperature swings.

Drawbacks to Vinyl

Higher cost: typically 25–30% more per unit than BOPP.
Less environmentally friendly due to its non-recyclability and higher VOC emissions during production.

Vinyl can be useful in rugged conditions like outdoor storage or heavy handling, but most pre-roll brands just don’t need that level of durability.

Paper Labels: Great for Texture, Risky for Moisture

Paper labels give you that natural, textured feel, but they can be higher-maintenance.

Where Paper Labels Fit

Premium or artisanal brands that want a textured, organic look.
Tubes that are sold in multipacks or secondary boxes where labels won’t be touched as often.

Why Paper Can Be Problematic for Pre-Rolls

Even with lamination, paper absorbs moisture over time, which can lead to wrinkling or adhesive failure, especially in refrigerated settings or humid climates.
Easier to scuff, tear, or wrinkle in shipping or on display.
Adhesives may struggle to bond with smooth plastic tubes unless specially formulated.

If you love the look of paper, we can recommend specialty coatings or hybrid materials to help protect it, but be prepared for some tradeoffs.

Label Material Quick Guide for Pre-Roll Tubes

Use Case	Best Material	Why It Works
Most common / all-around use	BOPP	Moisture-resistant, cost-effective, reliable for small tubes
Premium retail branding + tamper evidence	Shrink Sleeve	Full-wrap visuals, built-in perforations for compliance
Rugged environments or outdoor use	Vinyl	Ultra-durable, but often unnecessary and higher cost
Natural, artisanal brand positioning	Paper	Textured appearance, but requires protection from moisture

Final Thoughts

For most pre-roll tubes, you can’t go wrong with BOPP or shrink sleeves. They both check the boxes for durability, branding, and compliance.

If you’re not sure what material is right for your tubes, contact us and we’ll help you see the difference firsthand.