Ethan Clarke
Labelling plastic containers can be challenging due to the variety of plastic materials, casting techniques, and surface textures. The choice of adhesive and the treatment of the plastic surface are crucial factors in ensuring that labels adhere effectively and for a prolonged period. This guide will explore various methods and considerations for successfully labelling plastic containers, including understanding surface energy, addressing off-gassing, selecting flexible labels for curved surfaces, and enhancing adhesion through surface preparation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic type | Polyethylene |
| Surface energy | Low |
| Surface texture | Rough or matte |
| Off-gassing | Trapped gases or chemicals may cause bubbling under the label or weaken the adhesive |
| Adhesive | Heat treatment, acetone, alcohol wipes, packing tape, glue |
| Label material | Flexible, permeable |
| Label shape | Tailored to accommodate angles of the container |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right adhesive
Surface Energy
Plastics vary in their surface energy, which affects how adhesives behave. Low-surface energy plastics, such as polyethylene, present challenges in adhesive sticking and forming a strong bond. Understanding the surface energy of the plastic container will help you choose a compatible adhesive.
Matte vs. Shiny Surfaces
The choice between a matte or shiny finish on your plastic container will impact adhesion. Rough, matte surfaces offer more adhesion points for the adhesive to grip onto. However, on high-energy plastics, a rough surface may reduce the effective surface area available for adhesion.
Off-Gassing
During the manufacturing process, plastic containers may trap gases or chemicals within their material. Over time, these substances can slowly escape, leading to off-gassing. This can cause the formation of bubbles underneath your label or weaken the adhesive bond. To address this, choose permeable label materials and adhesives that allow gases to pass through, maintaining the integrity of the label and a strong bond.
Flexibility
If you're labelling flexible plastic containers, such as PET bottles, ensure your labels and adhesives can bend with the container to maintain their integrity. Low-temperature adhesives and flexible labels are ideal for these types of containers, ensuring successful application in varying conditions.
Surface Preparation
The surface of your plastic container can impact the effectiveness of the adhesive. Some plastics may have a naturally slippery finish, or they may have been treated with a release agent during moulding, making adhesion difficult. Using a solvent like acetone or rubbing alcohol to wipe down the surface before applying the label can improve adhesion by removing any contaminants or residual agents.
By considering these factors and choosing an appropriate adhesive, you can successfully label your plastic containers and ensure your labels stick firmly.
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Using packing tape
Step 1: Prepare the Surface
Before applying any labels, it is important to ensure that the plastic surface is clean and free of any dirt or oils. You can use a mild solvent, such as acetone or rubbing alcohol, to wipe down the area where you plan to place the label. This will help improve the adhesion of the tape. Allow the surface to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Create Your Labels
If you are using pre-printed labels, make sure they are the correct size and fit for your containers. If you are creating your own labels, use a word-processing program to type out the desired text. Print your labels on regular paper, making sure the text is legible and the correct size. Cut out the labels, leaving a narrow border around the text.
Step 3: Apply the Packing Tape
Cut a piece of clear packing tape that is slightly longer than your label. Place the label, text-side up, on a flat surface. Carefully lay the packing tape over the label, making sure the tape is centred and covers the entire label. Use a wooden spoon or a similar object to burnish the tape, applying pressure to ensure a strong bond.
Step 4: Attach to Container
Once your label is secured to the tape, carefully cut off any excess tape around the edges of the label. Now, you can attach the labelled tape to your plastic container. Smooth out any air bubbles and ensure the tape adheres well to the container.
Step 5: Optional - Add Cardstock
If you are concerned about the transparency of the plastic container affecting the visibility of your label, you can add a piece of cardstock or paper inside the container. Cut the cardstock to fit the size of the container, and place it behind the label.
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Considering the container's surface energy
The success of putting labels on plastic containers depends on the surface energy of the plastic. The surface energy of a material is a measurement of the amount of disruption of intermolecular bonds. The higher the energy, the more the molecules in the plastic are attracted to each other, and the easier it is for adhesives to spread across and cling to the surface.
Plastics used in packaging range from 29 to 50 Dynes per centimetre (Dyn/cm). Materials are considered to have high surface energy if they have more than 40 Dyn/cm. Glass ranges between 200 and 300 Dyn/cm, while aluminium has an energy of 840 Dyn/cm.
Low-surface-energy plastics, such as polyethylene, present challenges in adhesive sticking and forming a strong bond. Adhesives may repel the surface, forming a sphere that minimises surface contact. To address this, you can choose labels with stronger adhesives, such as aggressive white matte labels, or use techniques like heat treatment to enhance wetting on these surfaces.
Additionally, the choice between matte and shiny surfaces is important. Rough surfaces offer more adhesion points, but on high-energy plastics, this may reduce the effective surface area.
Another factor to consider is off-gassing, which can occur when small voids or spaces within the plastic material trap gases or chemicals during the manufacturing process. Over time, these substances may slowly escape, leading to the formation of bubbles underneath the label or affecting the adhesive bond. To address off-gassing concerns, you may choose permeable label materials and adhesives that allow gases to pass through, maintaining the integrity of the label.
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Addressing off-gassing
Off-gassing is a common issue with plastic containers, especially those that are synthetic or have undergone chemical processes. It occurs when gases or vapors are released from the material into the surrounding environment. In the context of labelling, off-gassing can cause the formation of bubbles underneath the label and weaken or break the adhesive bond, leading to label detachment.
To address off-gassing concerns, it is recommended to use permeable label materials and adhesives. Permeable labels allow gases to pass through, maintaining the integrity of the label and ensuring a strong and durable bond between the label and the plastic surface. This is particularly important for flexible plastic containers, where the label must bend with the container to maintain its integrity.
Another factor to consider is the surface energy of the plastic. Low-surface energy plastics, such as polyethylene, present challenges for adhesive sticking and forming a strong bond. Adhesives behave differently based on the surface energy, similar to how water beads on a waxed surface. Techniques like heat treatment or using an adhesion promoter can enhance wetting on low-surface energy plastics.
Additionally, the choice between matte and shiny surfaces is important. While rough surfaces offer more adhesion points, they may reduce the effective surface area on high-energy plastics. Pressure can also enhance wetting and adhesion, ensuring a stronger bond.
By addressing off-gassing through the use of permeable labels and adhesives, and considering the surface energy and characteristics of the plastic, successful and durable label applications can be achieved.
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Using a label maker
Choose the Right Label Maker:
Start by selecting a suitable label maker that fits your needs and budget. Popular options include the Brother P-touch and the Rhino label maker, which offer various features and price points. Consider the type of labels you require, such as shrink-wrap, cloth tape, or vinyl labels, and choose a machine that accommodates those options.
Plan Your Labels:
Before designing your labels, decide on the placement and coverage. Determine if you want full or half wraps and measure the dimensions of your containers accordingly. Use a fabric tape measure or paper ruler to get accurate measurements along the contours of the container.
Design Your Labels:
Most label makers allow you to design your labels using a computer or mobile app. You can choose from various fonts, colours, patterns, and illustrations to create unique and personalised labels. Some label makers even let you print via Bluetooth, offering added convenience. Take the time to explore the design options and create labels that meet your aesthetic and functional needs.
Print and Apply the Labels:
Once you're happy with your label design, it's time to print. Ensure you use the correct type of labels that are compatible with your label maker and plastic containers. After printing, carefully peel off the backing paper, position the label on the container, and press it down smoothly. If using transfer tape, use a scraping tool to push the letters onto the container, then peel back the tape.
Maintain and Update Labels:
Label makers offer the convenience of being able to remove and replace labels as needed. If you need to make frequent changes, a label maker is an excellent option. However, proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure the longevity of your labels. Consider factors such as sun exposure, temperature, and humidity, which may affect the adhesion and durability of the labels over time.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to get labels to stick to plastic containers. You can use a combination of labels and packing tape, such as clear packing tape, blue painter's tape, or masking tape. You can also improve glue adhesion by wiping the plastic with acetone or alcohol wipes before applying the label. Additionally, choosing the right adhesive for the type of plastic is important. For flexible plastic containers, low-temperature adhesives and labels with the right flexibility are necessary.
There are a few inexpensive ways to label plastic containers. You can use paper gift tags, chalkboard clothespins, or a label maker if you already have one. You can also use a marker, such as a Sharpie, and write directly on the container or on tape.
When choosing a label for a plastic container, it is important to consider the type of plastic and its surface energy. Some plastics, such as polyethylene, have low surface energy, which can make it challenging for adhesives to stick and form a strong bond. Additionally, the texture of the plastic surface and the presence of any contaminants or off-gassing can impact the adhesion of the label.
