Author: Shamika | Read Time: 4 minutes
Overview
Choosing the right label for your product involves understanding three key factors: material composition, visual appearance, and adhesive properties. Each product type and operational environment demands different label characteristics.
Label Materials
Paper Labels
Description: The least expensive and most basic type of labels, paper labels work best in clean, dry environments but lack water and oil resistance.
Best For: Indoor products, sealed containers, non-perishable goods
Laminated/Vinyl Labels
Description: Recommended for cold storage environments, these handle refrigeration and freezing conditions exceptionally well.
Best For: Meat and dairy products due to oil resistance, frozen foods, products requiring moisture resistance
Kraft Labels
Description: Made from recycled paper with permanent adhesives, kraft labels appeal to eco-conscious brands but lack water and oil resistance.
Best For: Premium products in sealed containers, eco-conscious branding
Wine & Specialty Labels
Description: Require special high-adhesive formulations with water resistance, functioning at approximately 0°C minimum temperatures.
Best For: Beverages, refrigerated specialty products
Design Considerations
Color Contrast & Readability
Labels must maintain visibility and readability through color contrast with containers. For premium products, cream-colored textured labels convey luxury. Transparent labels work well on see-through packaging, offering modern aesthetics and building consumer trust.
Container Shape Impact
Flexibility matters—vinyl labels suit irregularly shaped containers better than paper. For high-volume industrial operations, metal labels with riveted fasteners withstand repeated washing conditions without degradation.
Adhesive Selection
Food-grade adhesives must meet specific safety requirements and regulatory compliance. EVA hot melt adhesives work well for non-food items, offering quick-set properties and temperature flexibility.
Making Your Choice
The right label depends on your product type, storage conditions, brand positioning, and operational requirements. Consider the environment where your product will be stored and handled, and select materials accordingly to ensure your labels remain legible and professional throughout the product's lifecycle.