How to Choose the Right Label Stock for Your Industry
News 21 Nov 2024
Selecting the right label stock is more than just a design decision—it’s a strategic choice that impacts your product's performance, compliance, and overall brand perception. At Smith & McLaurin, we understand that every industry has unique requirements, and choosing the right label material can make all the difference. Here’s a guide to help you identify the best label stock for your specific needs.
1. Understanding Industry-Specific Requirements
Each industry has its own set of challenges and expectations when it comes to labelling. Here’s a breakdown of some common industry-specific needs:
Food & Beverage
Key Considerations: Food safety, moisture resistance, recyclability, and aesthetic appeal.
Recommended Solutions:
- AdaptEco: Sustainable label materials like FSC® certified papers and wash-off adhesives to align with sustainability goals, comply with food safety standards and crucially – take avoidable plastic out of packaging.
- AdaptVivant: Premium textured or metallised papers for wine, spirits, and gourmet food labels to enhance shelf appeal.
Logistics & Transport
Key Considerations: Durability in harsh environments, adhesion to difficult surfaces, and traceability.
Recommended Solutions:
- Block-out labels for barcode corrections.
- Metal-detectable labels for safety and traceability in production lines.
- Thermal labels for barcoding and tracking
Retail
Key Considerations: Branding, shelf visibility, and ease of use.
Recommended Solutions:
- MicroPeel: Resealable labels for promotional or seasonal packaging.
- Tailored self-adhesive materials to enhance product branding.
2. Defining Your Application Needs
Choosing the right label stock involves identifying the specific conditions your labels will face:
Surface Type: Are you applying labels to glass, plastic, cardboard, or metal? For instance, uneven surfaces require adhesives with higher flexibility.
Environmental Conditions: Will the labels face moisture, extreme temperatures, or exposure to chemicals? Waterproof solutions or durable adhesives are ideal for such environments.
Recyclability: Is sustainability a priority? Materials from the AdaptEco range help meet environmental goals while ensuring functionality.
3. Matching Materials to Your Goals
The materials you choose play a pivotal role in achieving the desired functionality and look. Smith & McLaurin offers:
Face Materials: Options range from textured and gloss papers to filmic materials designed for durability.
Adhesives: Select from permanent, removable, deep freeze, wash-off, and specialised adhesives based on your application.
Liners: Choose liners that provide optimal release properties for your application and ensure compatibility with your production line.
4. Leveraging Customisation for Competitive Advantage
In highly competitive industries, customisation is the key to differentiation. At Smith & McLaurin, our AdaptUltra range provides endless flexibility by allowing you to mix and match face materials, adhesives, and liners. This bespoke approach ensures your label stock solution fits your specific needs and helps your brand stand out.
For example:
- Metal-Detectable Labels: Ideal for food production, these labels enhance safety and traceability.
- Flexipeel Labels: Multi-use labels that double as promotional tags or coupons.
- Block-Out Labels: Perfect for price corrections or concealing outdated information.
5. Partnering with Smith & McLaurin for Success
When it comes to label stock, choosing the right partner is just as important as choosing the materials. With over 175 years of expertise, Smith & McLaurin is uniquely positioned to deliver tailored solutions for any industry. Our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and customisation ensures that you’ll find a label stock solution that aligns perfectly with your goals.
Whether you need durable labels for harsh environments or eco-friendly options to enhance your brand’s sustainability credentials, Smith & McLaurin has the expertise to deliver.
📞 Call us today on 01505 707700
Or explore our website to explore our product ranges and discover how we can help your business thrive.