Labels are available in an array of adhesive and material combinations offering varying levels of durability, needed image quality, tear resistance, and overall appearance. Paper is the most common and cost-effective material. For applications where durability is required (such as outdoor use or exposure to water, chemicals, sun), synthetic materials often can provide significant operational benefits.

If the labeling needs require label removal from an item, SATO offers repositionable, removable, wash-away, and high-tack removable solutions which allow a label to be removed with varying degrees of difficulty during different points in the process and life of the label. Here are a few terms to be familiar with:

Dry edge labels with no adhesive under the border is printer friendly (reduces potential adhesive ooze) and by having no border adhesives, this facilitates a cleaner application of the label (less adhesive residue on fingers or gloves).

“Pattern adhesives” feature the placing of adhesive strategically on only portions of a label underside and are often used to prevent damage to merchandise.

For scenarios where you or your consumer wants to remove a portion of the label, internal perforations (vertical or horizontal) can be included. For example, the pricing may be removed by the consumer for gift –giving. A removable adhesive with internal perforation is the most cost effective way to remove a portion of the label.

Perforations between labels allow easy division of labels after printing.

Color is a great way to support processes by offering visual identification. Color can be printed full tint, blocks, or images. If you require consecutive numbering (or other variable data printing) and the values are predetermined, this information can be printed during label production, eliminating the need for in-house printing.

When possible, designing the form to include multiple labels across offers more efficient printing and therefore operational costs savings. Forms can also include multiple parts, for example combing a shipping label, return label, and packing list into one form to reduce matching errors and increase productivity.

Visit our tag considerations or how to select the right ribbon page to keep learning.