Want more information on Pressure Sensitive Labels Paper? Feel free to contact us.
When buying labels, you might see references to &#;pressure sensitive labels.&#; But what are pressure sensitive labels, exactly?
As it turns out, pressure sensitive labels are what most people think of when they think of labels. They get their designation from their mode of application: Pressure sensitive labels are backed with adhesives that form a bond between the label material and the application surface when pressure is applied.
In other words, pressure sensitive labels are the kind of label you &#;stick&#; on without adding glue or solvent or applying heat.
Why Are Pressure Sensitive Labels So Common?
From product labels to industrial safety warnings, campaign stickers to promotional giveaways, pressure sensitive labels dominate the label landscape.
Pressure sensitive labels are the go-to choice for countless label applications for four main reasons:
- Pressure sensitive labels are easy to work with, combining everything required for a functional label within a single package: liner, adhesive, face stock, ink and top coat.
- Pressure sensitive labels are available with an immense variety of face stock materials. Want a natural look with an unbleached, recycled paper face stock? Or maybe your label needs to withstand harsh conditions, like cold or wet. Whatever your label needs, there&#;s a pressure-sensitive label face stock that will do the job perfectly.
- Pressure sensitive labels are also available with an immense variety of adhesives. When Dr. Horace Gray invented pressure sensitive surgical tape way back in , he used a rudimentary mixture of rubber, pine gum and turpentine. Nowadays, pressure sensitive label adhesives are scientifically formulated to perform specific roles under specific environmental conditions.
- Pressure sensitive labels are relatively cost-effective. With ubiquity comes affordability. Most label printers are well-stocked with a wide range of pressure sensitive label options. Practically any face stock material can be incorporated into a pressure sensitive label.
How Pressure Sensitive Labels Are Applied
One reason to choose pressure sensitive labels is that they work with nearly any application setup. Pressure sensitive labels are as easy to apply by hand &#; simply remove the liner and press firmly &#; as they are to use with the sophisticated application machinery typically found in high-speed filling lines.
Smaller desktop label application devices, labeling guns, and dispenser boxes also accept pressure sensitive labels.
Pressure Sensitive Labels vs Wet Glue Labels
We should mention that while pressure sensitive labels are by far the most popular label option, they are not the only game in town. Alternatives such as wet glue labels exist.
With wet glue labels, the label material is coated with an adhesive during the application process. Despite the extra step, applying wet glue labels can be almost as speedy as applying pressure sensitive labels &#; provided you have the proper equipment.
Nevertheless, using wet glue labels means choosing and purchasing the adhesive separately from the other label components, an added complication and expense many companies would prefer to avoid. (There are a few scenarios for which wet glue labels may be better than pressure sensitive labels. An experienced expert label printer can help you weigh the variables and make the right decision.)
Pressure sensitive labels can do almost any job wet glue labels (or any other alternative) can perform. Moreover, when you choose pressure sensitive labels, you know somebody else has already done the work of determining which face stock works with which adhesive, which application surface, under which conditions and so on. By contrast, wet glue labels may require a longer period of trial and error as you test label components to find the right combination.
Are Pressure Sensitive Labels Recyclable?
More and more companies and their customers are getting serious about sustainability, especially when it comes to product packaging. (Product packaging accounts for over 28% of the nation&#;s municipal solid waste stream.)
Eco-conscious brands are understandably concerned about the recyclability of pressure sensitive labels. Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer.
Pressure sensitive label adhesive is known to accumulate in conventional recycling equipment, gumming up the works and potentially contaminating the final product. However, small amounts of adhesive and non-recyclable material typically burn away during the recycling process. And the good news? Advances in adhesive and face stock combinations are happening every day, expanding your options for a more sustainable pressure sensitive label. (Your label partner should be equipped to provide you with these new and innovative options.)
Of course, labels are just one aspect to consider when assessing your product packaging&#;s overall recyclability. If your product packaging is not recyclable (or better yet, reusable), it&#;s unlikely your customers will remove the label and recycle it separately.
If you are concerned about how pressure sensitive labels will affect your product&#;s sustainability, ask your label printer about recycling-compatible label adhesives (such as the ones the U.S. Postal Service uses). You might also consider reducing your label&#;s size &#; and therefore its need for adhesive &#; to reduce the burden on recycling infrastructure.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Pressure Sensitive Paper.
Two Common Misconceptions About Pressure Sensitive Labels
In this article, we&#;ve established that pressure sensitive labels are an excellent choice for nearly any label application. Pressure sensitive labels are flexible, affordable and easy to apply &#; but that doesn&#;t mean you can mistreat your pressure sensitive labels without impacting their performance.
First of all, &#;pressure&#; means pressure. You can&#;t just slap on a pressure sensitive label and expect it to hold. A certain amount of gentle and consistent force must be applied around the entire label surface.
Second, it&#;s important to recognize that no adhesive will last indefinitely in storage, especially not under adverse conditions. Over time, heat, humidity, dust, and dirt will degrade just about any label adhesive. So, if you plan on storing your pressure sensitive labels for an extended period, prepare a clean, dry location with a suitable ambient temperature.
The right label printer can help you ensure the longest life from your pressure sensitive labels and help you decide whether pressure sensitive labels are the best choice for your label application.
How can you find a label printer whose expertise you can rely on? Start by asking the right questions. Launch your label printer search on the right foot with your copy of our free guide, &#;10 Questions to Ask When Evaluating a Custom Label Printer.&#;
When considering labeling options for your product packaging, pressure sensitive labels are a popular choice. Pressure sensitive labels are also known as adhesive-backed labels. They&#;re suitable for any packaging size and shape. With the right labeling system, pressure sensitive labels are an efficient way to meet labeling requirements and establish your brand.
Here&#;s what you should know about pressure sensitive labeling.
Components of pressure sensitive labels
Pressure sensitive labels are made from a variety of materials. Certain materials are better for specific applications, such as labels that will be exposed to extreme temperatures, UV radiation or liquids.
There are five components of pressure sensitive labels. The liner is the backing material, which is either paper or plastic film. The label is peeled off from the liner during application. This is aided by the release coat, a slippery layer which separates the label from the liner.
All pressure sensitive labels have an adhesive, which ensures the label stays on the container despite environmental conditions and handling. There are multiple types of adhesives, including permanent adhesive, removable adhesives and specialty adhesives, including special varieties that can survive water, heat, cold and other environmental considerations.
The front of the label is called &#;face stock,&#; which is the material the actual label is made from. This is typically either paper, plastic, fabric or foil. The type of face stock you choose depends on product packaging requirements as well as budget and aesthetic needs. Finally, there&#;s a top coat, which protects the pre-printed label.
Your adhesive and face stock choices are the most likely to change from product to product. For example, shampoo bottle labels must survive exposure to water, while labels for wine and beer need to be flexible enough to survive cold temperatures.
Benefits of pressure sensitive labels
Pressure sensitive labels offer a few key benefits. Most importantly, they can be adjusted for compatibility with any size or shape of container, regardless of the material. Pressure sensitive labels are equally effective on plastic and glass as paper and foil. Because you can choose specific label components to match environmental conditions, design choices and container material, a pressure sensitive labeling system can handle multiple product lines.
Because pressure sensitive labels already include adhesive, there&#;s no need to add glue or heat to bond the labels to the packaging. Pressure sensitive labeling systems often use airflow to ensure a wrinkle-free application. The label is peeled from the liner and held in place with a vacuum. When the product is ready, the air flow reverses to blow the label onto the container. Some systems also utilize brushes or tampers to finish the job.
Explore Quadrel&#;s pressure sensitive labeling systems
If pressure sensitive labels are right for your product line, Quadrel offers multiple options for your labeling needs. Whatever you plan to package, our labeling systems can deliver fast and flawless labeling solutions. Reach out to our team today to learn more about our pressure sensitive systems and custom options.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit holographic paper printing.
All Comments ( 0 )