PRINTED LABELS

Printed labels are a marking solution produced on specialized materials to enable product identification, information display, and traceability throughout the goods circulation process. Thanks to their clarity, versatility, and high applicability, printed labels are widely used across various industrial and commercial sectors.

1. What Are Printed Labels?

Printed labels are a type of tag manufactured from various materials with a surface designed for information display using specialized printers. They support businesses in product management, traceability, item identification, and maintaining consistency across operational systems in a convenient, fast, and cost-efficient manner.

2. Structure of Printed Labels

Printed labels consist of multiple specialized layers engineered to provide strong adhesion, clear print visibility, and resistance to damage during storage and transportation. This ensures that product information remains intact even when exposed to harsh environmental conditions.

2.1 Facestock (Base Material)

The facestock of printed labels is commonly made from paper or synthetic film, offering a stable surface, moderate water resistance, and high mechanical durability. This allows printed information to appear sharp and easy to read, while minimizing peeling or tearing caused by friction during handling and distribution.

2.2 Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Layer

The adhesive is specifically formulated to bond to various surfaces such as metal, plastic, glass, and wood. It keeps the label firmly attached throughout its service life, prevents early detachment, and maintains stability even in humid environments or under fluctuating temperatures.

2.3 Topcoat / Protective Coating

The protective coating helps shield the label from UV rays, dust, and chemicals, preserving color quality and print contrast over time. This ensures quick identification and prevents fading, surface peeling, or deformation when labels endure pressure during storage or transit.

3. Practical Applications of Printed Labels

Printed labels are widely used across industries due to their flexibility, rapid information delivery, and compatibility with barcodes, QR codes, and various coding formats. They help businesses optimize goods management processes while enhancing traceability and product transparency in the market.

3.1 Retail and Commerce

In retail and commerce, printed labels provide essential information such as pricing, product codes, barcodes, and expiration dates. This supports quick barcode scanning at checkout, improves service efficiency, and reduces errors in inventory management.

3.2 Industrial Manufacturing

In industrial environments, printed labels are used to mark components, classify batches, and support quality control. This ensures clear product traceability and minimizes risks of mix-ups or loss throughout complex production processes.

3.3 Warehousing and Logistics

In warehousing and logistics, printed labels display waybill/barcode numbers, origin–destination information, and tracking data for each shipment. This enables fast automated scanning, reduces storage time, and increases accuracy in distribution operations.

3.4 Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare

In the pharmaceutical and healthcare sector, printed labels ensure clear visibility of batch numbers, shelf life, storage instructions, and usage warnings. This helps hospitals, pharmacies, and regulatory units manage product quality effectively and reduce the risk of misuse or incorrect dosage.

4. Common Types of Printed Labels

Printed labels come in various types suitable for different usage environments, including versions with heat resistance, chemical resistance, and strong adhesion. These range from retail applications to heavy-duty industrial use, ensuring effective and stable management operations.

4.1 Paper Labels (Paper-Based Decal)

Paper labels are the most common due to low cost and sharp print quality, suitable for fast-moving consumer goods. However, their limited water resistance and lower durability make them appropriate mainly for dry environments.

4.2 PVC Labels

PVC labels offer high durability, resistance to impact, moisture, and mild chemicals—helping maintain print quality over time. They are ideal for environments requiring superior durability and abrasion resistance, especially in industrial manufacturing.

4.3 Direct Thermal Labels

Direct thermal labels do not require ink; they rely on heat-sensitive coating to form print. This reduces operating cost and increases printing speed, making them suitable for supermarkets, warehouses, and fast-labeling systems.

4.4 Chemical-Resistant Labels

Chemical-resistant labels feature enhanced protective coating designed to withstand exposure to solvents, acids, or alkalis, ensuring print clarity in specialized environments such as laboratories, chemical warehouses, or material-processing lines.

5. Key Considerations When Choosing Printed Labels

When selecting printed labels, businesses should consider factors such as the usage environment, product characteristics, exposure to liquids or chemicals, and printer compatibility. This ensures long-lasting performance and optimal management value.

5.1 Usage Environment

For goods stored outdoors or transported long distances, labels should offer water and UV resistance to prevent fading or peeling, ensuring information remains intact throughout the storage cycle.

5.2 Abrasion Resistance

For products exposed to frequent friction, labels require a durable protective layer that prevents scratching and maintains high print contrast—ensuring accurate barcode scanning at all control checkpoints.

5.3 Printer Technology Compatibility

Businesses must select labels compatible with the printing technology in use, such as direct thermal, thermal transfer, or laser printing. This helps avoid surface damage and reduces equipment maintenance costs over time.

5.4 Product Storage Requirements

For products stored in cold, humid, or frozen environments, specialized adhesive is required to maintain strong bonding at low temperatures and avoid peeling or cracking during sudden temperature changes.