Label materials
Label materialspaper or film?
Label materials come in two main groups: paper (art, gloss, kraft), which is economical but not waterproof, and plastic film (PP, PE, PET, PVC), which stands up to water, oil and cold. The right one depends on the pack surface, what the product goes through and the look you want. We stock both label stocks and shrink films.
Our materials
PP labels
The most popular film: waterproof and oil resistant, in gloss white, matte white, clear, pearl and silver.
PE labels
Soft, conformable film that flexes with squeezing without wrinkling or lifting.
PET labels
Very clear, stiff film with a premium look and good heat and chemical resistance.
PVC labels
Water, oil and chemical resistant film for gallons, paint cans and outdoor products.
Paper labels
Economical and beautiful to print, for dry goods and boxes; coat them against moisture.
Kraft labels
Brown natural-fibre paper for an organic, handmade image.
Synthetic paper
Looks and feels like paper but is made from plastic, so it's waterproof and hard to tear, even in chillers or outdoors.
Gold & silver labels
A shiny metallic base used on spirits, gifts and cosmetics.
Hologram labels
Multi-dimensional reflective film that catches the eye and deters counterfeiting.
Shrink films PVC / PETG / OPS
Films that shrink with heat, used for 360° shrink sleeve labels.
Label adhesives
How long a label stays on comes down to the adhesive. Choose permanent, removable, freezer-grade or high-tack to suit the surface and conditions.
Sustainable materials
Options that make bottles and labels easier to recycle, for brands with environmental goals.
| Material | Water | Oil / chemicals | Flexibility | Clarity | Relative cost | Used on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art / gloss paper | Low | Low | Low | – | $ | Boxes, dry goods |
| Kraft paper | Low | Low | Low | – | $ | Organic goods, bakery |
| Synthetic paper | High | Medium | Medium | – | $$ | Paper-look labels that must be waterproof, hang tags |
| PP | High | Medium–high | Medium | Clear option | $$ | Sauce bottles, cosmetics, water |
| PE | High | High | High | Clear option | $$ | Squeeze bottles, tubes |
| PET | High | High | Low | Very clear | $$$ | Premium clear labels |
| PVC | High | High | Medium | Clear option | $$ | Gallons, industrial goods |
| Gold / silver (metallised) | Medium–high | Medium | Low–medium | – | $$$ | Spirits, gifts, premium |
| Hologram | High | Medium | Medium | – | $$$ | Security labels |
| Shrink film PVC/PETG/OPS | High | High | Shrinks to shape | Clear | $$ | Shrink sleeves |
Sustainability
We measure our organisational carbon footprint to see where emissions come from and plan reductions systematically: energy use, less make-ready waste and material choices.
For brands with sustainability targets, we suggest options such as films that are easier to recycle, thinner materials and print-run planning that cuts waste.
For paper labels we offer FSC-certified paper (Forest Stewardship Council), which confirms the fibre comes from responsibly managed forests rather than illegal logging, helping brands meet the sustainable purchasing policies of retailers and consumers.
Organisational carbon footprint measured (CFO)
FSC-certified paper for paper labels
Less make-ready waste through print planning
Advice on easier-to-recycle materials
Why brands trust us
Every run is printed under our ISO 9001:2015 quality system, in a plant certified to GHP and HACCP, and we measure our organisational carbon footprint to reduce our impact. Ask for certificate copies for your vendor registration.
See our standardsISO 9001:2015
Quality management across every production step
GHP
Good Hygiene Practices to food-grade standards
HACCP
Critical control points for food packaging safety
CFO
Organisational carbon footprint measured, with reduction plans
