No Pity for Paper Labels

"Corona treatment, top-coating, tension (and its affect on registration), lower curing speeds, static elimination requirements, and the type of ink system used are all items that need to be considered when running film label constructions," Mackura added.

The simplicity of printing and converting paper labels, and their affordability, makes them an attractive option. Bailin said: "Paper is … well suited for a majority of labeling applications. Advantages … include better printability than plastics, more efficient converting (lower heat sensitivity, higher diecutting ability), and the ability to be run at faster speeds. Paper can also be treated with plastic or metallic coatings to enhance its aesthetic and performance characteristics."