In the process of self-adhesive label production, the choice of printing materials directly affects the appearance, quality and performance of the label in various application scenarios. As a self-adhesive label manufacturer, choosing the right printing material is a key step to ensure label performance and market competitiveness. However, faced with many types of materials and customer needs, how to choose the best printing material has become a core skill that every manufacturer must master. This article will discuss in detail the key skills of self-adhesive label manufacturers in selecting printing materials to ensure that the products meet the needs of different customers and markets.
1. Clarify the application scenario of the label
The application scenario of the label determines the direction of material selection, and the requirements for labels in different scenarios vary greatly. Before choosing printing materials, we must first clarify the specific use environment of the label:
Food industry: Food labels must comply with food safety standards, so it is necessary to choose environmentally friendly, non-toxic and degradable materials. At the same time, the labels must have waterproof, oil-proof, low-temperature resistant and other characteristics to adapt to refrigerated or humid environments.
Cosmetics industry: Cosmetics labels focus on beauty and texture, and the materials need to have high-end appearance performance, such as matte, glossy or transparent films. In addition, cosmetic labels are often used on bottles and tube packaging, so the material needs to have good adhesion and water resistance to prevent the label from falling off or fading during use.
Electronic products: Electronic product labels need to use high temperature and chemical corrosion resistant materials to ensure that the label can still maintain clear identification in the high temperature environment of the equipment operation.
Understand the specific application environment of the customer's product to help manufacturers better select printing materials that meet standards and requirements.
2. Choose a suitable substrate
The substrate of the self-adhesive label is an important factor affecting the performance of the label. Manufacturers should select it according to the functional requirements of the label when selecting. Common substrates include:
Paper substrate: Paper labels are usually suitable for short-term use or non-high-demand scenarios, such as express labels, commodity price labels, etc. Paper substrates are relatively cheap and have good printing effects, but they are poor in water resistance and wear resistance, and are not suitable for long-term or humid environments.
Synthetic material substrate: Synthetic materials such as PE, PP, PET, etc. have better waterproof, scratch-resistant, high temperature and chemical corrosion resistance, and are often used in labels for cosmetics, daily chemical products and industrial products. The advantage of synthetic materials is good flexibility and can adapt to the needs of pasting on irregular surfaces.
Metal substrate: Metal foil labels are often used in high-end product packaging, such as wine and luxury labels. They have high gloss and wear resistance, which can enhance the grade of the product.
Manufacturers should choose a suitable substrate according to the purpose of the label to ensure that the label maintains good adhesion and appearance during its life cycle.
3. Consider the choice of adhesive
Adhesive is an important factor in determining whether the label is firmly attached. Its selection should also be determined according to the usage scenario:
Permanent adhesive: It is suitable for scenarios where you want the label to be permanently attached to the product, such as product labels, pharmaceutical packaging, etc. Permanent adhesives are difficult to tear off once they are attached, and are suitable for products that require long-term use.
Removable adhesive: This adhesive allows users to easily tear off the label when needed without leaving residual glue. It is suitable for temporary identification, promotional labels or other label scenarios that need to be replaced regularly.
High temperature resistant adhesive: For products that need to be used in high temperature environments, manufacturers should choose special high temperature resistant adhesives to prevent the label from falling off or deforming at high temperatures.
Different adhesives determine the service life and adhesion of the label. When choosing, you need to consider the actual needs of the customer and the use environment.
4. Choose the right printing method
The printing method also has a great impact on the applicability of the material and the printing effect. Manufacturers should consider the appropriate printing process when selecting materials:
Flexographic printing: Flexographic printing is suitable for mass production and is suitable for paper labels and some conventional synthetic materials. Flexographic printing can ensure the printing quality under high-speed production and is often used for food labels, logistics labels, etc.
Digital printing: Digital printing is more flexible and suitable for small batch customized labels, which can quickly respond to customers' personalized needs. It is more flexible in the choice of materials, especially suitable for high-quality and high-precision cosmetics labels or other high-end product labels.
Screen printing: Screen printing is suitable for printing special effects, such as three-dimensional effect, metallic luster, transparent effect, etc. It is often used in cosmetics and luxury labels, and the thick coating makes the label more textured and wear-resistant.
Different printing methods have different requirements for the adaptability of materials. Manufacturers need to consider the matching degree with the printing process when selecting materials.
5. Environmental protection and sustainable development considerations
With the increase of environmental awareness, more and more companies and consumers require labels to meet the standards of sustainable development. Manufacturers should give priority to biodegradable and recyclable materials, such as FSC-certified paper materials or environmentally friendly synthetic materials. This is not only in line with industry trends, but also helps customers improve their environmental image.
Summary
When selecting printing materials, self-adhesive label manufacturers need to comprehensively consider application scenarios, substrate types, adhesive properties, printing processes, and environmental protection requirements. These techniques can not only ensure the quality and function of labels, but also provide customers with cost-effective products that meet market needs, thereby improving the competitiveness of the factory. In future production, label manufacturers should continue to optimize material selection according to technological development and market changes, and maintain product innovation and high standards.
