All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier
(13419 products available)
Ready to ShipSelf-adhesive plastic labels are vital for many sectors, including food and beverage, chemicals, and transportation. They resist water, chemicals, and abrasion so that they can function in tough environments. Numerous printing methods allow for exact designs and diverse labelling needs. Below are the different sorts of self-adhesive plastic label printing methods, each with advantages.
Flexographic printing stands out for its efficiency in producing labels in large volumes. The method employs flexible photopolymer plates, which allow for fast printing on diverse surfaces, including plastic. It's renowned for its precision in delivering vibrant colours and sharp designs.
This self-adhesive label printing method is gaining traction. It results in reduced set-up times and costs, making it ideal for small batches or custom orders. Advanced digital presses can produce intricately designed labels without sacrificing quality. The labels produced by these presses also contain unique characteristics, such as resistance to water, scratches, and chemicals, which make them fit for various applications.
Usually known to be the best for its graphical quality, offset printing can produce self-adhesive plastic labels that are very clear and detailed. It provides consistent colour accuracy and is primarily used for medium to large label production.
Another printing method is rotogravure. It is often used for high-volume production runs. It uses engraved cylinders, allowing for deep ink transfer. This method produces labels that are highly durable and simple to use in various applications.
If label designs require thick inks or special materials, screen printing is the best option. This technique is flexible, making it perfect for labels with unique textures, metallic finishes, or glow-in-the-dark elements. It is labour-intensive and not cost-effective for large production runs, but it excels in producing highly customisable labels.
Choosing self-adhesive plastic labels greatly depends on their intended use. Labels that have to pass through critical environments, such as the outdoors or industrial areas, need sturdy support meant for such conditions, hence the use of plastics and adhesives. Plastics, including vinyl, polyester, and polyethylene, are chosen for their durability and flexibility. Polyethylene labels are known for their toughness and water and heat resistance. At the same time, polyester labels retain their shape and print even in severe temperatures. Vinyl labels are popular due to their water resistance and adaptability, making them suitable for curved surfaces.
Ink adhesion and printing method determine the label's aesthetic qualities. Flexography and digital presses use specialised inks that bond well to plastic surfaces, preserving colour vibrancy. A good design for self-adhesive labels needs to consider aspects such as brand identity, regulatory information, and environmental impact. Labelling plays a critical role in brand recognition and customer engagement, so successful designs incorporate elements of the brand and eco-friendly materials.
This makes it another reason for adopting labelling, for instance, made from recyclable materials, to contribute to sustainability efforts. The self adhesive plastic labels come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from die-cut custom shapes to standard rectangular or cylindrical designs. Here, standard and custom label sizes are important, as they improve practical use and posh appearance.
Smaller labels, for instance, may be used on small containers, while larger ones may be used on boxes or bulk storage units. Adjusting the size of the label helps ensure the printed material fits well on the surface it is meant for without distorting the information conveyed therein.
Label stock is selected based on several factors, such as whether the label will be applied to a smooth or textured surface, the environment within which it will be stored, and the characteristics of the adhesive that is to be used. Another important aspect is the protective laminate. This layer prolongs the labels' lives by preventing scratches, fading, and other damages, further enhancing their suitability for hard conditions.
Labels hear a crucial role in product branding, communication, and efficient operations in large capacity and small ventures. Plastic labels with self-adhesive backing are treasured for their invulnerability to moisture, heat, and different environmental factors. Below are some common situations where these labels prove best, bearing in mind their applications and distinct requirements.
In the food and beverage industry, labels perform more than just an aesthetic function. They offer crucial information about the contents, nutritional facts, and usage instructions. Therefore, utilizing waterproof yet durable self-adhesive plastic labels is imperative, as such environments will be susceptible to moisture during washing, humid conditions, and refrigeration. These labels remain intact despite exposure to water, heat, and other environmental conditions, making them fit for food packaging. These self-adhesive plastic labels are often applied to glass containers, plastic bottles, and metal cans.
Usually found in labelling products such as household cleaners, chemicals, and industrial products, plastic labels are among the most popular due to their chemical-resistant properties. Such readily available products are usually harsh chemicals and thus need to be packaged with labels that can resist such exposure without disintegrating or fading. Printing materials that are chemically resistant, such as polyethylene and vinyl, are used in self-adhesive plastic labels to survive these environments. Plastic labels also feature essential safety information, user instructions, and hazard symbols in this industry.
Shipping and logistics plastic labels are available in different configurations, such as barcodes, tracking numbers, addresses, etc. Plastic labels must be weatherproof, tear-resistant, and lightweight yet strong enough to withstand rough handling and varied shipping conditions. Plastic labels make identifying shipments accurately and consistently easier.
Labels that are scratch-resistant, tamper-proof, and germinative are desirable in the healthcare space. Plastic labels vibrantly print and affix information, such as drug dosage, patient instructions, and safety notices, in tough medical environments. They are resistant to sterilisation chemicals and avidly cling to smooth surfaces such as syringes, catheters, and medical devices.
Labels are crucial in retail for establishing a brand's visual identity and guaranteeing product integrity through label tamper-proof systems. Often, a variety of custom plastic labels are offered, which include decorative features like spot UV, metallic ink, or transparent finishes. Retail environments expose labels to sunlight, increasing their need for cost-effective labelled materials that can survive UV exposure without colour fading. This industry prominently uses self-adhesive plastic labels for price tags, hang tags, merchandise labels, and promotional applications.
Waterproof plastic label printing is fast becoming a staple as demand increases, mainly due to its numerous benefits over paper labels. Though most labels do not need label print maintenance, doing so will avoid hiccups like peeling, fading or tearing, which may lead to the label needing to be replaced. Plastic labels are a great way to cut down on paper waste as they can be recycled and reused several times. Below are some specifications and maintenance instructions for self-adhesive plastic labels. These ensure labels maintain their integrity and appearance over time. The specification and maintenance include the following;
Label Materials
Plastic adhesives are applied to different label materials, such as vinyl, polypropylene, and polyester, depending on the requirements of the environment where they will be used. Vinyl labels are thick, flexible and waterproof, making them ideal for outdoor applications and curved surfaces. Polypropylene labels are known for their chemical resistance and typical use in food and beverage applications. Due to their stability and endurance, polyester labels are regarded as the best for electronics and industrial labelling.
Label Adhesives
The right type of adhesive is crucial for label performance, especially when planning to put them in extreme wet and dry conditions. These labels feature universal all-purpose adhesive for standard applications and must not survive harsh environments. Other copies include permanent adhesive for products that need to have a label affixed and removable or repositionable kinds for products that require the label to be fixed but can be replaced, such as inventory containers.
Label Finishes
Self-adhesive plastic labels can be classified into glossy and matte, as some enhancements are applied to them. Glossy finishes enhance the label's colour and make the label resistant to moisture, making it suitable for the food and beverage industry. Conversely, matte finishes have a subdued surface sheen that resists fingerprints and smudges, making it ideal for high-touch merchandise or products requiring easy-to-read labels.
Proper Application
Ensure the label is applied correctly so that it can last long. Ensure there is no dust or moisture on the surface where the label is to be placed. Also, align the label properly before making it stick. Starting from the middle of the label, apply pressure from the centre to the edges to eliminate air bubbles.
Storage Conditions
Store self-adhesive plastic labels in a shaded, temperate location to preserve their integrity; do not expose them to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Protect the labels in storage from moisture and keep them in a dry atmosphere. Another thing to remember is they should not be stacked to avoid it being stuck or bent.
Cleaning Before Application
Before applying a label, always clean the surface where the label will be placed to enhance its sticking ability and longevity. A dry cloth may be used to clean dust off, but a cloth dampened in plain water or mild detergent to clean sticky residue or tougher grime may work better. Never apply the label to a damp or dusty surface.
Avoid Overlapping
While applying multiple labels, ensure they do not overlap to avoid them being floury or chicso. If they overlap, one label will wear out faster than the other due to tearing. If necessary, trim the edges of adjacent labels so they do not touch and cause peeling or chipping at the edges.
A1. Plastic labels printed with label printers are made, including vinyl, polypropylene, and polyester. Vinyl is famous for its flexibility and durability, thus fitting for outdoor applications. Polypropylene is economical and widely used in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical sectors due to its chemical resistance. Polyester is the material mostly used in the electronic and manufacturing fields due to its stability and durability.
A2. Self-adhesive plastic labels can last several years, depending on the environment where they are used. Commonly, they are used outdoors and are exposed to harsh chemicals. They can survive from 4 to 7 years. In less severe conditions, they can survive even longer. They are waterproof, scratchproof, and UV-resistant to enhance their longevity.
A3. They come with environmental benefits. Some of them are made from recyclable materials, which help to minimize waste. Companies increasingly choose plastic label materials and adhesives that can be recycled. Additionally, efficient printing methods that cut down on plastic material wastage contribute to more sustainable labelling solutions.
A4. The plastic label printing methods are flexible enough to produce large quantities of self-adhesive plastic labels. Many printing presses can produce large quantities of labels without incurring significant costs. Moreover, modern digital printing has the added advantage of being able to print unique labels for each print run, thus not restricting the quantity printed.
A5. Self-adhesive plastic labels require minimal maintenance. Wash the labels and treat the surface where the label is applied to ensure longevity. Use a mild detergent with moisture on a dry cloth to clean it. Avoid harsh chemicals on the label material. Store labels in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight to avoid their deterioration.
