In Part 1 of our “Finding A Label Supplier” series, we discussed how your label supplier may offer guidance & design services, and talked about the wide variety of label shapes, sizes, and printer limitations, as well as considerations for small and large runs.
As you narrow in on potential label suppliers for your business, you’ll also want to consider additional factors – in what kind of environments will your labels be applied? Wet? Dry? Hot? Cold? Are labels the best fit for your product(s), or should you consider other options, like sleeves and wraps (and which label suppliers also offer those options)?
Here, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about applying your labels in special and unique circumstances.
Application Options
From adhesive type to application environment, there are a number of factors to consider when choosing your label adhesive. Will your labels need to withstand extreme temperatures? Wet environments? Adhere to difficult surfaces (like tire treads)? Will they need to be permanent or easy to remove? These are all things to discuss with your label supplier.
Wet vs Dry Label Application
Some products may require that labels be applied onto a wet surface. Beer cans and bottles for example, are filled with beer that is typically 33 to 34 degrees fahrenheit. Condensation immediately begins to form, and beer often spills over the top. These containers are then sealed, rinsed with water, and as soon as 10 seconds later, the label may be applied. This type of application typically requires the label to be a film material as opposed to a paper stock that can be used in dry label applications, features a special durable adhesive, and may use a top lamination or varnish to further protect inks and maintain the label’s design.
Dry label application means that your product’s label will be applied in dry environments, and that there is no chance of condensation forming or liquids spilling as the label is applied. Dry label application allows for a wider variety of label stocks, adhesives, and finishes than wet label application.
Learn more about Wet Label Application here.
Labels vs. Sleeves vs. Wraps
While labels are our focus in this particular article, it’s also important to note that in some cases, sleeves and wraps are a suitable (and sometimes preferable) alternative to labels. Wraps are often used for beverage bottles, such as water bottles,sports drink bottles, juice bottles, soda bottles, and more. Alpine’s durable and weatherproof wrap material is able to withstand peeling and smudging, and is engineered to retain its integrity throughout the supply chain; from shipping and delivery, to storage and stocking.
