Choosing the right labels for the production floor is a challenge that many of our

clients come up against. There are many variations and ultimately they want to
choose something that is going to be suitable for years to come.

Previously, we talked about Choosing Label Adhesives and the best adhesives for

different applications. Choosing a material for your barcode labels is equally as
important and also depends ultimately on what you intend to use them for and the
kinds of environments they will be exposed to.

THE COMMON TYPES OF LABEL MATERIALS

As with adhesives, there are many different types of materials suited to different
applications.

Paper labels: Paper is probably the most inexpensive and commonly used type of
material for general inventory, packaging and shipping labels. The work well in for
most common applications and non-specific environments, but tend to be less
durable than other types.

There are a number of variations when it comes to choosing a paper label:

 Thermal or laser-printed – the type of paper label you choose will also depend on
the type of printer you intend to use. Thermal labels require heat to print, while laser-
printed labels use ink.
 Coated or uncoated labels – coated labels are slightly more durable and resistant
to tearing than uncoated
 Gloss and matte coated papers – glossy coatings are not commonly used simply
due to the fact that they reflect light and may end up distorting a barcode
 Coloured papers – coloured paper can be useful for colour-coding, however colour
may affect the contrast of a barcode, making it harder to scan. White is usually the
best option
 Paper labels with wet-strength capacity – these labels are resistant to water and
damp making them a useful choice for a items that might be exposed to small
amounts of water such as in refrigeration.

Polypropylene Labels: Polypropylene is oil, water and tear resistant, making these

labels durable when not exposed to extreme weather or chemicals. They are only
slightly more expensive than paper labels making them a good choice for low level
durability.

Polyester Labels: Polyester labels are the most durable types of labels and the
ideal choice for heavy use and rugged environments. They are resistant to water, oil,
scratching and chemical exposure, but are relatively rigid, making them unsuitable
for curved surfaces. They are the ideal choice for outdoor use, harsh conditions, or
exposure to chemicals.
Polyethylene Labels: Polyethylene is also a less rigid material than polyester and is
ideal for use on curved surfaces such as bottles or vials. It is water and chemical
resistant.

Polyimide Labels: Polyimide is a polymeric plastic material that is designed

specifically for long-term durability at very high heat (in excess of 250°C). It is
thermally very stable, and a good choice for use in electronics.

Vinyl Labels: Vinyl labels with a strong adhesive are especially tamper-resistant,

breaking up into small pieces if removal is attempted.