Polypropylene

Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic. It is produced by polymerising propene. PP can be flexibly adapted according to the application requirements, e.g. by adding reinforcing and filling materials, additives or also by the processing methods.

In contrast to polyethylene, the plastic is harder, stronger and more resilient, although both materials are chemically very similar. PP is the second most important mass plastic, accounting for around 20 per cent of the total production volume, and has shown the strongest growth worldwide (since 2016).

Material: PE film + adhesive

Polyvinyl chloride

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the third most commonly produced plastic. After 1945, it was even the most produced plastic worldwide for a certain time. PVC has an enormous lifespan and we encounter it constantly in everyday life. It is an amorphous thermoplastic. Without plasticisers and stabilisers, the plastic is hard and brittle. Only by adding these substances does the plastic become supple and malleable.

The plastic is translucent or transparent, but can also be produced opaque and cloudy. PVC is flame retardant, absorbs water well and can also be coloured. A distinction is also made between hard PVC and soft PVC.

Rigid PVC is commonly used for window profiles, sewage pipes and roller shutters. Rigid PVC is therefore often used in mechanical and apparatus engineering as well as in electrical engineering. Soft PVC is equally suitable for artificial leather, furniture, bags and shoes. It is possible to process PVC into fibres. Thus, the material can also be used for home textiles, technical textiles and also for wigs.

Material: PVC film + adhesive

PET security labels

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is also a type of plastic and is particularly well known as a material for disposable and reusable bottles. PET comes from the polyester family. Other articles such as packaging, to-go salads or even thin films are also made of PET. PET is resistant to alcohols, fats and oils as well as diluted acids. It is also used for microwave trays, cups, snack and ice cream packaging. PET accounts for 6 per cent of the total amount of plastic produced. It is therefore not surprising that many people have to deal with the plastic on a daily basis.

Guide to the selection of suitable label film

Some factors for selecting the appropriate film and adhesive:

• Storage (weather, temperature range, UV stability, humidity, heat, cold, dirt, dust, contact with chemicals)
• Transport(seawater resistance, scratch resistance, ageing resistance)
• Container (surface tension, deformability)
• Further processing (thermal resistance, printing technology)
• Migration regulations(food labels)

The material of the product packaging and its properties are just as important as the label material itself. Especially for packaging made of low-energy plastics (e.g. PE film / PP film) or rough surfaces of other surfaces, extra strong adhesives with a high initial adhesion are preferable. Furthermore, the deformability of the immediate product packaging is decisive for the choice of film material.

Rough guide to choosing film for your labels:

• PE film  - for deformable containers that are not subjected to higher thermal stresses
  • Cost-effective, toxicologically safe, also suitable for fatty foods etc.
• PP film - For rigid containers that are not deformable and also have to withstand higher temperatures 
  • More tear-resistant than PE and PVC material
• • PVC film - For outdoor storage and for goods with long transport routes overseas or for longer standing times/delivery routes domestically.
  • UV stable, ageing resistant, resists seawater
  • Cuddly even on uneven surfaces
    
  • Not suitable for food without additional barrier layer due to migration of plasticisers

For which industries are the film labels suitable?

There is no industry in which labels are not needed. Labels, especially film labels, are used every day in the five largest industries in Germany. Millions of labels are therefore needed in the automotive industry, in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, in electrical engineering, in the food industry and in mechanical engineering. We would like to introduce you to some of the industries and their label use in more detail:

The information or writings on the labels must still be legible after several years. Therefore, the special labels made of film are required here, which offer the desired security and long-term usability. Paper labels are less appropriate here, as they tear more quickly and would not withstand the temperatures.

In addition, the labels must have other properties so that they can be used in the automotive industry. Among other things, the labels must be flame retardant, thermally resistant up to 180 degrees Celsius and resistant to oil and petrol.

It should be noted that in addition to food labels, shipping labels are also required in this industry. The food has to be shipped so that it can be sold. In the food industry, there are strict regulations that must be adhered to in order to ensure food safety. Film labels are also recommended here. These can be used flexibly and also meet various temperature requirements.

This is exactly what the film labels made of various plastic materials offer. It is also essential to comply with regulations and standards for chemical labels, predominantly for hazardous goods labels, seawater-resistant labels and GHS labels (Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals). The regulations are intended to ensure safety for humans, animals and the environment.

Advantages of film labels

The film labels from Labelprint24 are:

• tear-resistant
• robust
• moisture repellent
• dirt-resistant
• and scratch-resistant.

Accordingly, they have a very high resistance to water, oil, chemicals, grease and UV radiation. They are also popular in the industrial, cosmetics and chemical sectors, and some labels are also used in the food sector, for example in frozen food shelves. In addition, the film can be punched, folded, printed, glued and creased as desired. Our film labels even meet strict migration regulations, for example when handling food.

In addition, their robustness makes them suitable for outdoor use in transport and storage. Our film labels can be produced with different adhesives and plastics. This ensures the best hold and excellent quality in any environment.

Instructions of the ordering process for film labels

To help you choose the right film labels, we provide you with our product configurator. Through this you have the possibility to individually produce your labels step by step. First, select the type of label you prefer. We have a large selection of different labels from deep-freeze labels to blank labels.

Next, you will be redirected to our label calculator. In the label calculator there are various parameters that you can determine yourself. You can start with the number of quantities and types. There you enter the desired total quantity - the minimum order quantity is 10 per variety. The number per type is only requested at the end of the order when the data is uploaded.

Then you can choose your label material. We offer different film materials, e.g. PP, PE or PVC film. These label materials can be equipped with different material properties. For example, you have the choice between different adhesives, where you will also be shown application examples and areas of use.

In the next step, specify the format and the winding direction. Width, height and corner radius must not exceed or fall below the following dimensions:

The next step is the cutting die, which is created from the selected dimensions. You have the option of specifying the winding direction yourself or having us specify it for you. The core diameter of your label roll can be 26, 40, 50 or 76 mm.

Now you can determine the colours of your labels. Labelprint24 offers you a 4-colour print with the Euroscale - in addition, there are also special colours. Finally, you can choose a coating for your labels - there is a protective lacquer and a protective laminate to choose from. Then determine the production and delivery time.

You can now complete your order and access the shopping cart.

If you need help or have any questions, please contact our customer support.

Why order from Labelprint24?

At Labelprint24 we offer you comprehensive and competent advice on all matters relating to labels and packaging. If you have any questions or other concerns regarding our labels, please feel free to contact our service team. Whether by telephone or in writing by e-mail, our team will be happy to advise you. Together we will find the right solution for you.

With our product configurator, you can design your own film labels in a few simple steps. You also benefit from fast shipping and short production and delivery times.