Your product label is more than just a surface for information: it’s your silent brand ambassador, working around the clock to capture attention, communicate trust, and showcase your brand’s value. The right label material not only enhances your product’s appearance, it ensures your branding remains sharp, compliant, and consistent in any environment.
WHY LABEL MATERIAL MATTERS
First Impressions & Shelf Appeal: Eye-catching finishes and textures help your product stand out in competitive markets.
Durability & Readability: Prevent smudging, peeling, or fading so your message remains intact.
Compliance & Safety: Some sectors require specific materials and adhesives to meet strict regulatory standards.
Customer Experience: A premium tactile feel reinforces quality and encourages repeat purchases
Popular Materials by Market
Food & Beverage
Why it matters:
Labels must endure moisture, temperature shifts, and high-speed application lines while still looking flawless on store shelves.
Paper (Coated & Uncoated) – Versatile and cost-effective for shorter shelf-life products.
BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene) – Water-resistant and durable, ideal for chilled or wet environments.
Polyester (PET) – Premium durability for long shelf-life goods with a refined finish.
Key Considerations:
Will products face refrigeration, freezing, or humidity?
Do you need specialty adhesives for glass or textured containers?
Will the label be exposed to condensation during storage or transport?
Chemicals & Industrial
Why it matters:
Labels often carry safety-critical information that must remain legible in extreme conditions.
Polyester (PET) – Resistant to high temperatures, abrasion, and harsh chemicals.
Vinyl – Flexible and rugged, suitable for irregular surfaces and outdoor exposure.
Polyimide – Designed for extreme heat and industrial environments.
Key Considerations:
Will the product be stored outdoors or in direct sunlight?
Does it require chemical resistance or compliance with GHS/OSHA labeling rules?
Will it face mechanical wear, friction, or frequent handling?
Animal and Pet Products
Why it matters:
Packaging needs to hold up to frequent handling, potential moisture, and the vibrant branding that appeals to pet owners.
BOPP – Moisture- and tear-resistant for pet shampoos, treats, and supplements.
Polyethylene (PE) – Flexible for squeezable bottles and pouches.
Paper with Protective Overlaminate – Budget-friendly with added protection.
Key Considerations:
Will packaging be squeezed or flexed repeatedly?
Will labels be stored in humid or damp environments?
Do you want a soft-touch or matte finish for premium shelf appeal?
Flooring and Textiles
Why it matters:
Flooring and textile labels must withstand rough handling, warehouse storage, and installation environments while clearly
conveying branding and product details.
Sewn-In Fabric Labels – Durable and secure for carpets, rugs, and textiles that require permanent branding or care
instructions.
Thermal Transfer Labels – Resistant to abrasion and chemicals, ideal for product identification, lot numbers, and barcodes on
flooring rolls or boxes.
Iron-On Labels – Long-lasting application for textiles where adhesive won’t hold, maintaining branding through wear and
cleaning.
Key Considerations:
Will the label face friction, abrasion, or frequent handling?
Does it need to survive moisture, adhesives, or installation chemicals?
Do you need branding to feel premium (matte/soft-touch) or purely functional (high-contrast barcodes, instructions)?
APPLICATION MATTERS
Even the best label material will not perform well if it is not matched to the right application. The surface matters, whether you are applying to glass, plastic, metal, or a textured finish. Packaging shape makes a difference too, since curved bottles, squeezable tubes, and flat cartons each need the right material to stay smooth and secure.
Storage conditions are also important, especially for products kept in cold or damp environments where specialty adhesives ensure lasting bonds. High-speed application lines require durable materials that resist scuffs, peeling, or edge lift to keep your brand looking its best from production to the customer’s hands. One-way professional labelers help is by adding a final protective layer, which reinforces the label against handling and wear. Even a matte finish can benefit from this step, allowing your product to stand the test of time and continue looking amazing.
YOUR LABEL SHOULD LOOK AS GOOD ON DAY 1,000 AS IT DOES ON DAY 1
For short-term or seasonal products, paper-based materials provide an effective and budget-friendly option. Products with a long shelf-life benefit from PET, BOPP, and other synthetic materials that maintain integrity over years. Items stored or used outdoors, or in harsh environments, often require UV-resistant inks and protective overlaminates to prevent fading, peeling, or wear. In addition to durability, labels can be enhanced with variable data such as lot numbers, SKUs, barcodes, and QR codes, making it easier to track products, ensure compliance, and connect directly with customers.
We don’t just produce labels, we engineer solutions that protect your brand. With more than 30 years of expertise, our team knows how to pair the right material with the right application to ensure your labels perform in any environment. Our GMI-certified quality process guarantees consistent color and precise results across every run, giving you confidence that your brand will always look its best.
We also create custom solutions designed specifically for your industry needs, whether that means unique finishes, specialty adhesives, or added durability. To make the decision easier, we provide free material samples so you can see and feel the difference before committing.
