Film labels are comprised of plastic, which makes them a durable and flexible material compared to paper. Film substrates are relatively new, having come into existence around 60 years ago. The innovative solution these film labels provide provides a good option for labeling benefits that can be applied to various needs.
Advantages of Film Labels
Flexibility
Films have greater flexibility compared to other labels such as paper labels. Film labels can easily adapt to their surroundings, which makes them perfect for shaping containers that are differently shaped and subject to squeezing (lotion tubes, shampoo bottles, toothpaste)
Better resistance to environmental conditions
Various film materials can withstand harsh conditions such as fading, extreme temperatures, water, and tearing. They are best for heavy-duty uses. However, as a precaution, users should remember that not all film materials are weatherproof. Some film-based clear inkjet materials do not provide water-resistant properties.
"No label look"
Film labels are suitable for creating the present “no label look” for packaging products. Crystal clear or clear gross materials are modern additions to tin and see-through containers. This is in order to present what is behind the label. A frosted finish characterizes clear matte labels to partially tint and obscures the surface for an elegant look.
Disadvantages of Film Labels
Cost
Film substrates are more expensive to produce compared to their paper counterpart. However, if the durability is significant for the application, this can save time, money, and headaches in the long run.
Challenges when printing film labels
Printing film labels have corresponding challenges. The reason behind this is that some materials are not suitable for printing substrates. Different factors determine the printing characteristics of surfaces. These include surface tension and the extent to which a water drop will spread on it.
Inks have the tendency to run on untreated film surfaces. This is a challenge when it comes to printing on smooth and non-porous materials that include plastics. Numerous plastics that are utilized in the production of film labels are characterized by a water-repellent surface and a non-polar surface on which inks find it difficult to adhere.
There must be pretreatment on the side on which they are to be printed to have good results on printing on film labels. The standard techniques in practice involve two processes. These include the application of a permanent top coat and the more cost-effective corona treatment. The former exposes the film surface to a high-frequency discharge that both increases the surface tension of the material and improves its bonding characteristics. A smear-resistant text can be used to permanently print on such pretreated films. The issue is that there is a decrease in the bonding capacity of the material when as the surface energy decreases over time. The good news is that this can be resolved. In order to obtain optimal printing results, special corona systems can be used to replenish the surface energy of corona-treated materials immediately before printing.
Film labels vs paper labels
Different materials comprise film labels and paper labels. Thus, both types provide advantages and disadvantages when compared one to another. The results are the following:
Film labels are composed of films. Films provide greater resistance and durability than paper.
On the other hand, paper provides better adhesion in ink than film. However, film adhesion can be improved through the corona treatment.
In terms of cost, film labels are costly compared to paper labels.
Applications of Film Labels
Film labels are characterized by their strength and modernity. These are appropriate for outdoor or moisture-rich environments, frequently used products and long-term applications.
Benefits of Paper Labels
One of the greatest paper labels is its cost-effectiveness and these do not become a major expense for the brand.
It is easier to print on paper thus it is easier to create labels. These labels do not need a special printer for printing. Thus, the label will remain intact regardless of whether labels are designed for a cold beverage.
Paper labels can easily be removed which makes it easier to be reused in boxes or bottles. There is sustainability when it comes the use of paper labels.
There are varied kinds of paper labels that include gloss labels, thermal labels, high gloss labels, and fluorescent labels. A shiny film characterizes gloss and high gloss labels that provide them a glossy and smooth look.
Disadvantages of Paper Labels
There are also disadvantages when it comes to the use of paper labels. This involves when paper labels can get moist if a product packaging is exposed to a wet or hot environment. An example would be that if a paper label is used, a beer bottle can get wet and the label will become moist and can be removed easily.
Conclusion
Choosing the right labeling material requires considering the needs of the project. It also requires checking the advantages and disadvantages of such labeling material. Both film labels and paper labels have their own benefits and disadvantages that can be a basis for the choice of labels.
Signwell is a company that is into the production of different labels. It is one of the leading companies that manufacture these labels. Our staff is highly trained and can ask any queries that your business needs to be answered. You can contact us and be confident that your needs will be answered. Contact us today!
