When it comes to labels, they need to stick strong and look great doing it! Whether your label needs to adhere to glass, wood, plastic, cement, or metal, choosing the right label material makes all the difference. At Label Solutions, we’re here to take the mystery out of materials and help you find the perfect match for your label.
Paper Labels: A classic with character
- Matt paper gives a natural, earthy aesthetic—perfect for organic or handmade products.
- Semi-gloss paper is the happy medium, giving just enough shine to make colours pop—great for food packaging, beverages, or home care items.
- Cast gloss paper goes all out with a luxurious, high-shine finish. Ideal for premium packaging like for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
Coated papers (whether matt, semi-gloss, or high gloss) offer excellent surface strength and are great for labels using high-viscosity inks—typical for food, beverages, and home and personal care products. The paper’s toughness helps keep your label crisp and clean from production to purchase.
Shiny and strong: Metallised and opaque options
Want to add sparkle or cover up old branding? We’ve got you. Block out or opaque labels are your go-to for rebranding or relabelling. They act like blackout curtains—completely non-transparent—and are used widely in retail and pharma to cover up barcodes or outdated info.
Metallised papers, on the other hand, are glam and practical. They’re perfect for high-end spirits, cosmetics, or gourmet treats.
Durable films: synthetic labels
When things get messy, synthetic labels hold their ground.
- Polyethylene (PE) is soft, flexible, water- and chemical-resistant which makes it ideal for squeezable bottles like ketchup or shampoo.
- Polypropylene (PP) offers slightly more rigidity while still being moisture-friendly, perfect for curved bottles.
- Polyester (PET) is the superhero of label materials. Heat, chemicals, abrasion—you name it, PET can handle it. Great for electronics, industrial goods, and outdoor labels.
- PVC, though less common due to environmental concerns, still has a role in heavy-duty applications like outdoor advertising and battery labels.
Specialist label materials, adhesives and print
Looking for something extra special? From holographic and textured materials to labels that perform in extreme cold or heat, there’s a specialist label for almost every niche.
Adhesive options matter—permanent for staying power, removable for clean peels, and repositionable for when you just need a second chance!
Different print technologies need different label materials, too. UV inkjet loves smooth label surfaces. And when it’s time to finish it off, there is an array of laminate options to choose from to make your product pop.
Let’s talk sustainability
Sustainability isn’t a buzzword—it’s a necessity. And the label industry is stepping up. All of our label papers we use at Label Solutions are PEFC™ certified, so you know they come from sustainably managed forests.
For recyclability, let’s use wash-off adhesives that separate cleanly in PET bottle recycling. Looking to go green all the way? Growing in popularity is compostable and biodegradable label materials which are meeting European standards like EN13432. These are perfect for organic food packaging or eco-conscious brands. We’re also seeing thinner films and bio-based plastics enter the scene, combining durability with a smaller environmental footprint.
Stick with us!
From product safety to shelf appeal and sustainability, label materials matter more than ever. Whether you’re launching a new range, rebranding, or just unsure what sticks best—Label Solutions is here to help. Let’s find the perfect label that does your product justice, and the planet proud.
Have a specific product or project in mind? Reach out to our friendly expert team today.
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