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Art of labels / Graphic design

How can the material of your label make a big impact?

Self-adhesive labels are a great choice for packaging and product marketing. They offer a great flexibility for application, storage, design and communication options. Plus, a variety of materials to choose from to match the product with buyers’ expectations, but as well with legislative and your company values.

How can the material of your label make a big impact?

Self-adhesive labels (“stickers”) are constructed with layers of base line with “release”, glue and the top material. Each of these layers has many variations. Our focus now is on the top one, that actually communicates directly to your customer. Message can be delivered not only by the graphic design of your label, but as well other aspects (see our blog for considerations). The material you choose actually shows as well values of your company and needs to be matched best with the legislation on packaging materials too.

Self-adhesive labels (“stickers”) are constructed with layers of base line with “release”, glue and the top material. Each of these layers has many variations

Choose from foil, paper and metallic material options

Design of your labels depends the most on the top layer material. Choose either plastic foil, paper options or a metallic label material. Consider the use scenarios for your product packaging. Does it get in contact with water, or undergoes significant changes in temperature, or does it get in contact with situations that can damage it easily? Is the product a value purchase, or and expensive one? Don’t forget as well about “the life after“ for the packaging, once it leaves hands of your customer.

Apart from the practical considerations related to the product, there are aspects to consider in customer preferences and legislation related to the packaging itself.

Material of your labels can have a big impact

Customers realize the negative impact packaging waste leaves on the environment. They hear of it, they see it, yet not everyone can, or is willing to change their behaviour to change that. Mostly they hope someone will adjust to this situation for them. Often, they choose a product whose packaging solves the dilemma for them.

EU legislation is focusing on reducing the negative ecological impacts on the environment. As in other regions, the pressure is often on the producers with related tax implications. That way your choice in label material can lead to an optimalization on this front as well.

So, what are your choices for an ecologically friendlier label material?

Recycled materials

Your labels can easily be reworked on a recycled material – either plastic, or paper. Often versions offered look the same as versions from raw materials. Supplier even guarantees the same conditions for print and handling (labelling, storing, etc.). And the price is mostly very similar.

Materials made from renewable resources and organic additives

Can your label be made from waste and still proudly present your product? Easily yes when it’s for example made from wine grapes for wine, or from barley ideal for beer and spirits. There are even versions with citrus, apples, sugar-cane, weed… Materials made this way are comparable with standard paper versions, or even similar to plastic.

An interesting choice is a silk-like material resembling of paper with properties of plastic foil. It is made of dust from marble processing, and it doesn’t require any whitening, or as much water as paper production. And it can be recycled too.

Materials for more effective recycling

EU issued a regulation in 2019 calling on Member States to use at least 25% of recycled packaging materials by 2025. But to do so, innovation is needed in the use of raw materials use too. We offer plastic materials that enable more effective recycle already. Even for glass bottles with labels innovative glue enables easier recycling, which brings 97% savings of the raw materials. Not to mention there are compostable materials for labels you can use if your packaging applies for this processing.

Options for new materials bringing more ecological packaging are opening ways for your creativity. It pays off to consider these not only due to legislation changes that will require more environment responsible solutions. We are here to consult on specific solutions that may bring your business the best solution.

For example a semi-gloss recycled paper material needs 20% less raw materials and 3% less water to be produced with 5% less electric energy used and the CO2 side-production is 10% lower too (source: Avery Dennison, 2020).
For example a semi-gloss recycled paper material needs 20% less raw materials and 3% less water to be produced with 5% less electric energy used and the CO2 side-production is 10% lower too (source: Avery Dennison, 2020).
Foil made of recycled plastic materials decreases consumption in fossil raw materials for 29% less, 10% less water is needed and 11% less electric energy is used with 6% lower CO2 side-production! (source: Avery Dennison, 2020)
Foil made of recycled plastic materials decreases consumption in fossil raw materials for 29% less, 10% less water is needed and 11% less electric energy is used with 6% lower CO2 side-production! (source: Avery Dennison, 2020)

Ethanol made of sugar-cane is base for the „biobased PE“ foil. It requires almost no raw-materials and can be recycled too. (source: Avery Dennison, 2020)
Ethanol made of sugar-cane is base for the „biobased PE“ foil. It requires almost no raw-materials and can be recycled too. (source: Avery Dennison, 2020)
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Older posts

Redizajn etikiet Hubert
Art of labels / Graphic design

Tips from a complex redesign of labels with Hubert J.E.

Our long-term partner Hubert J.E. underwent a gradual re-design of labels in 2021. However, we started the whole process together in 2019. We entered this process in many points as a consulting business partner from the beginning. This way we could help not only make the result a beautiful print, but consult on the cost of new labels and their practical use as well. Get inspired by tips from this complex change!

Zmeňte dizajn etikiet pre nový trh s nami
Art of labels / Graphic design

Change your labels graphic design with us!

The consumer market is constantly changing, not only with significant external changes or entry into a new segment. Not to mention changes in cost of production. If the changes have “caught up” with you, it is a good time not to be afraid, to think about your product and to innovate packaging design as well. This makes it easier to reach new customers. At the same time, when redesigning, you can opt for technologies and materials that will replace the existing ones. Whether on the way to an ecological alternative or optimization in a simpler design. Consult with our colleagues. We also have solutions for graphic design.

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