Choosing the right packaging type makes a lot of difference. You can always choose between either of these options – wrap the container in a roll-fed film label, or apply a die-cut pressure-sensitive one. The right choice is determined by factors like line speed, order size, container shape and the environment that the product will be in a few days down the line, especially after it leaves the plant. In this guide by Fortune Pack, we talk about the two options and whether you need to consider working with wrap around labels suppliers for a bottling line or asking their options in self-adhesive ones.
What Are Wrap Around Labels?
Wrap around labels are often printed on a continuous roll. The labelling machine punches each label out of the roll, wraps it around your container and then glues it or heats to keep it in place. The material choices for this labels are polypropylene, polyethylene and PET films. BOPP is a popular polypropylene film that is the most common choice for drinks, oils etc. As it is a wrap around model, it allows 360° space for branding, along with your product details.
How Pressure-Sensitive Labels Work
A pressure sensitive label has three parts: a face material, an adhesive layer and a release liner. Pressure sensitive labels can be directly applied to the container. There is no need for heat, water or solvent to activate the adhesive. They can be die-cut into virtually any shape and applied by hand or machine.
Differences in Label Construction and Application Methods
The key difference lies in how they are stuck to the container or bottle. A wrap around label does not contain any adhesive – the glue is added to the label by the machine as the label is wound onto the bottle. With a pressure sensitive label the adhesive and the liner are part of the label already. This means they are cheaper to produce. However, the downsides are that you cannot try out many design options and they require more sophisticated application machinery.
How Container Shape Influences Label Selection
Wrap arounds are perfect for cylindrical containers because they can cover any container height. These are widely used for juice bottles, oil bottles, water bottles, cans and straight-sided jars. Pressure-sensitive labels would be ideal for slightly curved bottles with irregular surfaces. You can easily use them for square tubs and oval bottles.
Comparing Label Materials, Adhesives, and Finishes
These labels are mostly made from OPP and BOPP films while paper is also used. Pressure-sensitive labels can also be made from paper. It is the adhesive choice that matters more for pressure-sensitive labels. Hot-melt rubber adhesives are water resistant and they set quickly. They have a strong hold on low-surface-energy plastics like polyethylene. Foil stamping and embossing are finishes that are almost exclusively used on pressure sensitive labels.
How Each Label Type Performs on High-Speed Packaging Lines
Volume is what wrap around labels are designed for. Roll fed labels work well for fast moving beverage and food lines. A single roll can contain many labels – around 25,000 labels on an average roll. When the packaging volume is low, using pressure-sensitive labelling would be a better idea. If the number is quite less and you are opting for labelling by hand, this would be the best choice.
Understanding Material Usage and Label Coverage
Wrap arounds just wraps itself around the container and hence has no release liner. But pressure-sensitive labels leave a liner behind after application. So you can say they generate less waste.
As for coverage, it is mostly for what works for your brand. It will cover the entire circumference of the bottle, making it easy for you to include all the information that you need and artwork too. A pressure-sensitive label will carry lesser information because it covers just the front panel.
How Moisture and Storage Conditions Affect Label Performance
When you deal in chilled products, then you have to think about the moisture and condensation factors. It is important to get film and waterproof materials rather than standard paper if you are looking to resist moisture. Storage is a factor too because heat and humidity affect finished labels more than cool and dry conditions.
Which Label Type Suits Bottles, Jars, and Other Packaging Formats?
Wrap arounds are perfect for PET water and juice bottles, edible oil containers and HDPE household items because they need high volume runs. Pressure-sensitive labels are more suitable for smaller batches, mixed shapes, premium finishes and packs that need hand application.
Production and Application Factors to Consider Before Ordering
Before considering your options, here what you need to consider
- Dimension of Containers and Overlap Required by Your Labeller
- Labeller make, roll size, core size and unwind direction
- Expected annual volume and typical batch size.
- Material : PET, HDPE or glass
- Filling and storage conditions, including chilling
- The type of finish
- Regulatory text to be included
It is always advisable to go for a sample run before choosing one.
Why Choose Fortune Pack in the UAE?
Fortune Pack Labels Industry provides wrap around sleeves that are printed roll to roll using flexographic, UV-flexo and digital printing, in OPP and BOPP films. Our labels can be used for the following industries: food and beverage, edible oil, home and personal care, pharmaceutical and chemical products.
Conclusion
Choose wrap arounds if your container is cylindrical, high volume and needs to be cost-efficient. Opt for pressure-sensitive labels if your container is not cylindrical, you need shorter production runs, or you’re using a decorative label finish.
