Custom Plastic Labels: Where To Print Them?

where to print a plastic label

Printing plastic labels is a useful way to brand and label products, especially for food and beverage packaging. There are many companies that offer custom plastic label printing services, such as Pixartprinting, Inkable Label Co., PrintPlace, Signomatic, and Avery. These companies offer a range of options for label type, size, shape, cutting style, and finish, as well as providing online design tools and customer support. When printing plastic labels, it is important to consider the design, printer type, and paper size and type to ensure the best print quality and avoid common printing issues.

Characteristics Values
Ease of printing Online printing services are available, with some offering free online design tools
Cost Plastic label tooling costs are low, but costs may be cheaper on paper
Customisation Custom sizes, shapes, colours, finishes, and designs are available
Durability Waterproof, tearproof, oil-resistant, and weatherproof options are available
Use cases Product packaging, food packaging, homemade goods, cosmetic packaging, signage, warnings, branding, compliance labels, etc.
Application Self-adhesive, roll labels, slit back liners, etc.

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Online printing services

There are a variety of online printing services that allow you to print custom plastic labels. These services offer a range of features, including custom sizes, shapes, cutting styles, and finishes, as well as fast shipping and affordable prices. Some popular options include:

Pixartprinting

Pixartprinting offers a wide range of customization options for plastic labels, including materials, shapes, cutting styles, and finishes. They guarantee high-quality printing using cutting-edge technology and offer premium results at affordable prices. They also provide a free online design editor for customers who don't have their own design ready.

VistaPrint

VistaPrint allows you to print custom labels and stickers in a variety of materials, including white paper, white plastic, clear plastic, gold or silver foil, holographic plastic, and reusable film. They offer both die-cut sheet stickers and roll labels, with water-resistant options available. VistaPrint also provides a range of packaging items, such as mailer boxes, shipping boxes, paper bags, and envelopes, that can be used in combination with their labels and stickers.

PrintPlace

PrintPlace offers custom printed labels for bottles, packaging, shipping, and other product labeling needs. They have a wide range of sizes available, with custom sizes also available for roll labels. They offer quick printing times, with the option to have your labels printed in as little as one business day.

Inkable Label Co.

Inkable Label Co. specializes in custom plastic film labels, which are waterproof, tearproof, and oil-resistant. These labels have a pearlescent white finish and are flexible, making them suitable for both rigid and squeezable containers. Inkable Label Co. offers a range of coatings and laminates to enhance the durability and appearance of your labels, including matte and gloss finishes.

FedEx

FedEx provides online printing services for shipping labels, including bulk label options. They offer a convenient mobile app that allows you to create and print labels from the comfort of your home or at a nearby FedEx location.

These are just a few examples of the many online printing services available for plastic labels. Each service offers unique features and options, so it's important to choose the one that best suits your specific needs and requirements.

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DIY printing

If you want to print plastic labels yourself, there are a few methods you can use. One option is to use a dedicated inkjet roll printer, transfer printer, or direct thermal printer to create full-colour roll labels in various shapes and sizes. You can also try screen printing, which involves applying a mesh pattern over a substrate and then pressing ink onto it to create an image or text. Pad printing and laser etching are also viable options for small-scale printing.

When printing plastic labels, it's important to consider the type of plastic film you want to use. Plastic film is inherently flexible and waterproof, making it perfect for squeezable containers like shampoo or lotion bottles. It is also suitable for indirect food contact, ensuring a longer lifespan for your food and beverage labels.

To enhance the look and durability of your plastic labels, you can add a coating or laminate. Coatings improve the printing behaviour of plastic, allowing for more colour and contrast in printed images. They also make the labels slightly stiffer and more durable, protecting them against ink scuffing, moisture, and wear and tear. Common coating materials include pigments like chalk, clay, or talcum, as well as polyester, vinyl, polycarbonate, and polypropylene.

If you're looking for a high-shine finish, you can use Spot UV with a matte laminate to create an interesting contrast on your labels. For vibrant colours and a smooth finish, a gloss laminate will make your labels stand out.

When designing your plastic labels, consider the information you want to include, such as serial numbers, barcodes, property information, model numbers, brand names, logos, and instructions. You can also add visual elements like photos, promotional messaging, or a multicoloured logo to make your labels more dynamic and stylish.

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Label design

When it comes to label design, there are a few key things to consider. Firstly, the purpose of the label should dictate the design. For example, if the labels are for product packaging, branding and product identification are key. On the other hand, if the labels are for marking up items like shelves or apartment numbers, clarity and conciseness are more important than aesthetics.

The material of the label is another important consideration. Plastic film labels are flexible, waterproof, and ideal for squeezable containers. They are also food-safe and can be used for beverage labels. Clear plastic labels are a popular option as they offer transparency, durability, and oil resistance while showcase bold label designs. They can be used to create a "no-label" look, especially on glass, while still providing important product information.

The finish of the label is also a key design element. A gloss finish can give a seamless look and make colours more vibrant, while a matte finish can provide a soft touch and a frosted appearance. Spot UV can be used with a matte finish to create interesting contrasts and highlight certain parts of the design. Coatings can also be applied to enhance the visual and tactile characteristics of the label, improve print quality, and add protection.

When designing plastic labels, it is important to consider the text size and font legibility. The background colour should highlight the text properly, and any pictures or graphics should be used sparingly and only if they add value to the label. It is also crucial to consider the environmental factors the label will encounter, such as temperature, moisture, and wind, to ensure the label material and adhesive are suitable.

Finally, it is worth noting that custom labels can be ordered online with fast shipping and technical support. Some websites offer free online design editors and templates to help create the perfect label design.

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Label materials

When it comes to label materials, there are a variety of options to choose from, depending on your specific needs and requirements. Here are some commonly used label materials:

Plastic Film Labels

Plastic film labels are a popular choice for custom labels due to their flexibility, durability, and water-resistant properties. They are often used as "prime labels" or primary packaging for products. The material is not rigid, making it suitable for both rigid and squeezable containers. Plastic film labels can withstand changes in temperature, moisture, and frequent handling, making them a versatile option. They are also specified for indirect food contact, ensuring a longer lifespan for food and beverage labels.

Paper Labels

Paper labels are a cost-effective and versatile option commonly used for general-purpose identification, barcode labelling, and indoor applications. They are not as durable as plastic labels and may require additional coatings to make them waterproof. However, they offer a wide range of finishes, such as cast gloss paper, machine-coated paper, and uncoated paper, providing different textures and looks to suit various applications.

Polyester Labels

Polyester labels are made from synthetic materials and offer durability, versatility, and excellent printability. They are commonly used in product labelling and outdoor settings, providing resistance to moisture and chemicals. Polyester labels are known for their clarity, making them suitable for applications where visibility is crucial.

Polyethylene Labels

Polyethylene labels are made from durable plastic and are ideal for applications requiring water resistance and outdoor exposure. They are commonly used in industries such as logistics and outdoor equipment labelling, adhering well to different surfaces.

Vinyl Labels

Vinyl labels are made from durable plastic and are known for their flexibility and moisture resistance. They are commonly used for outdoor signage, safety labels, and branding. Vinyl labels adhere well to curved surfaces and are often used to add aesthetic qualities to the label, such as a textured, matte, or glossy finish.

These are just a few examples of label materials available. Other options include polyolefin, nylon, polycarbonate, polyurethane, and synthetic label materials. The choice of material depends on factors such as budget, aesthetic preferences, application method, and the environmental conditions the label will encounter.

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Label uses

Plastic labels are highly versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes. Here are some common uses for plastic labels:

Product Packaging and Branding

Custom plastic labels are commonly used for product packaging and branding. They can be printed with vibrant colours and sharp details, allowing businesses to showcase their brand name, logo, and product information effectively. Plastic labels are ideal for packaging due to their flexibility, making them suitable for various container shapes, including squeezable bottles for shampoo or lotion. They are also waterproof and oil-resistant, ensuring the labels remain intact and legible even with frequent handling.

Warning and Compliance Labels

Plastic labels are an economical choice for warning labels, compliance labels, and informational labels. They are durable and can withstand extreme temperatures, moisture, and wind, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Warning labels are essential for hazardous products, such as poisons or flammable liquids, to ensure the safety of consumers. Compliance labels, on the other hand, provide important information about standards, regulations, or instructions that must be followed.

Food and Beverage Labels

Labels for food and beverage products typically include critical information such as ingredients, allergy risks, shelf life, and disposal instructions. Plastic labels are suitable for this purpose as they can withstand changes in temperature and moisture. They also resist oil and frequent handling, ensuring the information remains accessible to consumers.

Identification and Asset Management

Plastic labels can be used for identification purposes, such as notebook labels that indicate the owner and purpose or mailing labels that identify the sender and recipient of a package. In industrial or military settings, asset labelling is crucial for clearly identifying equipment or inventory for maintenance and operational purposes. Plastic labels can include barcodes or serial numbers for efficient tracking and management.

Custom Stickers

Plastic labels can also be designed as custom stickers, allowing for unique shapes, colours, and designs. These stickers can be used for various purposes, including promotional activities, branding, or decorative elements. They are easy to apply to a wide range of surfaces, making them versatile for different industries and applications.

Frequently asked questions

You can print custom plastic labels online through various printing companies. Some companies that offer this service include Pixartprinting, Inkable Label Co., PrintPlace, Signomatic, and Avery.

Plastic labels are waterproof, tearproof, and oil-resistant, making them ideal for product packaging. They are also flexible, which makes them suitable for squeezable containers. Additionally, plastic labels are more durable and long-lasting compared to paper labels.

When designing plastic labels, it is important to consider the size, font, and background colour to ensure that the text is easy to read. It is also crucial to keep the content within the safety area to avoid any design spillage onto other labels. Additionally, consider the coating or laminate to enhance the visual and tactile characteristics of the labels.

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