How to choose a label material?
The label is the first surface of your product to speak on the shelf — but it's about more than looks. Material choice determines how colors sit, how the label reacts to moisture and oil, and the overall cost, all at once.
This guide summarizes the most commonly used label materials and which one to reach for in each situation.
Paper labels
Coated paper, with its vivid color and economical cost, is the standard for dry-shelf products. Textured papers, on the other hand, add a value you feel in the hand in premium categories such as olive oil, wine and cosmetics; they work very well with hot foil and embossing.
Paper's weak point is moisture and oil: for a product that will go in the fridge or be handled with oily hands, unlaminated paper struggles.
Film (plastic) labels
PP film — white, transparent or metallic — is resistant to moisture and oil; it's the choice for fridge products and the bath/cleaning category. PE film flexes with the surface on squeezable packaging.
Transparent film gives glass bottles and jars a "no-label look"; it stands out for modern brands that want to show the contents.
Consider the use case from the start
- Fridge / humid environment → film material + cold-suitable adhesive
- Oily surfaces → strong acrylic adhesive
- Outdoors and sun → UV-resistant film and varnish
- Frequent handling → matte varnish (won't show fingerprints)
Layers of visual impact
Matte or gloss varnish, soft-touch coating, hot foil and embossing must be planned together with the material. Every layer added later affects cost and lead time; the best result comes from deciding on material + layers during the design stage.
How do we decide?
Based on your product's surface, storage conditions, volume expectations and shelf goals, we put 2-3 material options with samples in front of you and, if needed, confirm with a physical sample. Wherever you're unsure, just tell us about your product.