Tough applications demand tough label solutions. When your customers need labels that will be exposed to moisture, chemicals, frequent handling or otherwise challenging environments, choosing the right label facestock makes all the difference.
The facestock is the outermost layer of the label and the surface to which inks, adhesives and topcoatings are applied. To ensure long-lasting performance, the facestock must be compatible with the application surface and suited to the environment and conditions the label will face throughout its lifespan. When durable labels are needed, it often means looking beyond paper facestock options and stepping up to synthetic facestocks.
What’s the difference between paper and synthetic (film) label facestocks—and when should you recommend each? Let’s break down the basics:
Paper vs. Synthetic Label Facestocks
Think of the facestock as the foundation of a label. It helps determine the label’s durability and performance in its intended environment, as well as its aesthetic appeal.
Paper facestocks, made from wood pulp, are the most common type of label facestock. They’re cost-effective and compatible with most printing technologies, but low in durability. When exposed to moisture, chemicals, rough handling, extreme temperatures and other harsh conditions, paper labels are more likely to tear, smudge or fail.
For this reason, paper labels are typically recommended for short-term applications in controlled environments, such as retail or shipping barcode labels.
Synthetic or film facestocks are made from materials such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester or vinyl. These highly durable films are specifically engineered to withstand the challenging conditions that typically degrade paper label facestocks.
- Polyethylene is a tough yet flexible film that offers good resistance to both moisture and chemicals. It also holds up well against tearing and puncturing.
- Polypropylene steps up the durability with stronger chemical and tear resistance. It’s also better suited for outdoor applications than polyethylene.
- Polyester and vinyl are the most durable (and premium-priced) film label options available. They offer the best resistance to tearing, chemicals, temperature extremes and UV exposure, making them ideal for long-life labels that must perform in demanding environments and applications.
Film facestocks make the most sense when your customers need durable labels that must endure exposure to moisture, chemicals, temperature swings and frequent handling at any point in the production, shipping and storage process.
Some common applications for film facestocks include:
- Chemical drum and container labels that face harsh elements, solvents, water immersion, oils or grease.
- Healthcare labels that undergo sterilization processes, chemical, water or solvent immersion and freezing/thawing cycles.
- Work-in-process container labels that hold up after repeated handling in the manufacturing plant.
- Food and beverage labels that move in and out of freezers or are stored in warehouses with fluctuating temperatures.
- Industrial labels exposed to elements like humidity, rain, snow, ice, UV, wind or temperature extremes.
Keep in mind, synthetic labels aren’t necessary for every application. Paper facestocks are a more cost-effective choice for short-term label applications, such as shipping and logistics labels.
When quoting custom label solutions, be sure to ask your customers key questions about their intended application and the environment.
- What kind of surface will the label be applied to?
- Where will it be stored?
- How often will it be handled?
- What kinds of conditions will it be exposed to?
- How long does it need to last?
Knowing these details will help determine the facestock needed to deliver the best label performance for a given application.