The four most common product labeling methods are Printed Adhesive-Backed Labels, Screen Printing, Printed Shrink Sleeves, and In-Mold Labeling. But which labeling method is the best fit for YOUR product needs and for your budget limitations? To answer that question, we will first need to consider the following questions.
How complicated is your artwork? - Fancy blends and multi-colored hues may look great on your logo and label artwork on the computer screen, but they can be difficult to reproduce accurately on the side of a plastic bottle or tub.
How many labels will you need to produce? - There will be initial set up costs to produce your labels. The complexity, and need for specialized machinery vary depending on the method you choose. For this reason, most labeling companies have “Minimum Order Quantities” (MOQ’s), to make the project most cost effective.
Are you prepared for a substantial lead time? - Printed Shrink Sleeves, and In-Mold Labeling will require specialized set up and production. And can require weeks of time in preparation.
How will your product typically be stored? - Will your product containers need to be stored in a freezing environment? Or, be able to withstand extreme fluctuations in temperature? Will the label need to be able to withstand extreme flexing of the container walls due to pressure? Will the label need to be resistant to moisture and humidity?
What kind of extra, specialized machinery will I need? - Each of these four label printing methods have their unique advantages and strengths. And each of them also has unique requirements for printing, applying and preserving your label information onto the containers you chose for your product.
Finally, what will all of this cost? - Not only do you need to plan for the initial printing costs of your labels, but you will also need to plan for the costs to have the label physically applied to the containers. And possible storage costs for unused labels, materials and machinery..
Printed Adhesive Labels - Are ideal for reproducing high detail and brilliant color, and is the simplest, and least expensive of the methods we list. Your graphic artwork is printed onto flat, adhesive backed, and coated paper stock. Usually via 4-color ink printing process. (CYMK) Which uses combinations of tiny little multi-colored dots to create the appearance of nearly an infinite variety of color shades. Printed labels can be produced by the 10’s of thousands, and can easily be packaged up in boxes and stored away till they are needed. It’s important to pay attention to the type of adhesive that you use for the backside. We advise that you test how well the adhesive you chose will stick to the plastic material of your containers. Printed labels are probably the most cost-effective labeling method of the four listed.
Screen-Printing - Is a printing process that uses specifically chosen pigmented paints, (as opposed to inks that use 4-color process printing). And is printed directly onto the surface of the container itself. Screen-printing is fairly bright, durable, and can withstand the rigors of freezing or boiling temperatures very well. However, every color choice requires a specific paint. And it’s not unheard of for complicated screen-printed labels to have to use multiple different paint colors. (Each new paint color requiring set up time and adding expense to the total cost of the label. The most successful screen-printed labels are designed to be simple, and clear. The initial set up costs for the machinery needed to process your containers through the machinery requires a high MOQ. Which can force you to have to store large numbers of your unused containers till you are ready for them. Screen-printed labels are known for being bright, durable, and provide the advantage of allowing your customer to see through them to the product within.
Printed Custom Shrink Sleeves - Are, essentially large, printed shrink bands that are then slipped down over the body of a plastic or glass container. Heat is applied to the sleeve till it shrinks down around the shape of the container. Shrink sleeves are especially suited for oddly shaped bottles. As well as bundled bottle sets. Bound together via the shrink sleeve into a single unit. You can find Printed Shrink Sleeves on popular soft drink and sports drink bottles. The sleeves can accept high levels of printed detail. Provide additional security for tamper evidence, and are relatively easy to package into boxes and store for later use. However, they do require the use of a heat tunnel to apply the sleeves around the containers.
In-Mold Labeling (IML) - Is achieved via a pre-printed, film that is placed into a mold before the molten, plastic resin is injected into the mold cavity. The plastic essentially bonds with the pre-printed film to create a permanent cohesion of plastic container and label. IML allows for high resolution and bright colors. And is highly resistant to scuffing and rubbing since the printed label film has been literally bonded to the plastic of the container. In-mold labeling is completely recyclable. Since there are significant set up costs IML has large minimum order requirements.
Have more questions? - Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Give our specialized team a call! They will help you make a smart, informed choice for your labeling needs.
