Material Alternatives for Food Product Labels

Businesses from all sectors have two main functions: innovation and marketing. Furthermore, product packaging is one of the most essential marketing elements that determine your sales volume. The design and material of your packaging are essential elements, and the appearance of a label can determine the impact it has on would-be clients. There are millions of labels on the market, each with its look, adherence ability, and feel. All labels include a face stock, adhesive, and liner.

When picking sticker labels for food products, several elements will determine your ideal pick from the options given by suppliers. These include the shipping, storing, and handling requirements as well as the regulations that dictate what should be included on the label. All in all, the face stock—the material on which you print a label’s details—is the most crucial part of your label. Its material will determine how well your label will hold up to external elements as well as natural wear and tear. The following are the material alternatives for the face stock of your product’s label.

Paper

This is the cheapest material for a label, but it is also the least durable. To boost the resistance of paper against different environmental elements, most manufacturers coat it with laminate or varnish. Based on the type of coating you choose, your paper label can be resistant to UV light damage, moisture damage, and smudges. The coating can also make your label rough, smooth, shiny, or matte to complement your product’s design. Uncoated paper labels are sometimes textured to generate a premium vintage look ideal for wine and other premium food products.

Polyester

looking at product at the grocery

This is a durable material ideal for products that are often exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Though they are more expensive compared to paper, polyester labels are fully recyclable and highly flexible. They can be clear, metalized, or white with matte or glossy finishes to meet your labeling needs. Most polyester labels have permanent adhesives that make them perfect for products with long shelf lives.

Vinyl

This is a durable label material resistant to extreme temperature changes, moisture, chemicals, oils, and UV light damage. Vinyl is extremely flexible, making it ideal for packages with an irregular shape. The two variants for the food industry include indoor and clear vinyl. Clear vinyl labels are quite durable and primarily used for products exposed to water. On the other hand, indoor vinyl works for waterproof applications but has a matte look.

Polypropylene

This material is as durable as polyester and vinyl when coated in specific ways. It is also cheaper than the previous examples and resistant to most environmental elements. Polypropylene labels are generally clear and have a mirror-like finish that allows the details of your product to show through. They are, however, not heat-resistant and thus primarily used for frozen and room-temperature products.

Several surveys have shown that over 85% of clients will base their buying decision on a product’s label. This proves the importance of getting the best-looking and most functional one available. Regardless of your label’s material from the above, you need to work with the best printing company for guaranteed top-quality labels.