Do I Really Need Vinyl Labels ?

Many people (and printers) request Vinyl Labels? Why?

Well, it has less to do with the ‘best’ solution and more to do with what many printers often knew or used. Traditionally vinyl was used for its versatility, affordability and durability – but also because it was easy to print on their existing print technology and was also easy to trim or cut, especially with a guillotine or wide-format plotter.

Vinyl labels still have a place, but there are often more economic and suitable options. Vinyl is still used for many outdoor applications, especially with things like bumper stickers. The material is thick and soft so it can be helpful for these circumstances.

For product labels like cosmetics, electronics or food & beverages however, vinyl has been largely succeeded by options like PP (Polypropylene), PE (Polyethylene) or PET (Polyester or Mylar).  These materials are known as Synthetic (or Filmic) Face Stocks and these are plastic or filmic in construction. Synthetic labels are used when you need durability (from moisture, chemicals or temperature) and are very popular (read necessary) where bottles will be recycled or reused.

There are 3 main types of synthetic materials:

PE: Polyethylene (where squeezability is required)

PP: Polypropylene (durable and available in clear)

PET: Polyester (used for resistance to water, oil or chemicals)

When deciding on the label face stock you will discover that it can get complex, so here are the main things to help make it a bit easier to choose: 

•   budget: depending on the size of the job, the difference can be fairly minimal but you may need to choose between price & performance;
•   final appearance: certain stocks are only available in specific finishes, so you will have to choose from the options for glossy, matt, textured, clear or metallic looks;
•   performance: do you need to print on them, or are there special end use requirements?

Like many substrates (the sticker material) – understanding the end-use or application is really important to ensure the right material is chosen. We offer suggested materials and alternatives for vinyl labels for different applications, so don’t be afraid to ask Lulu for guidance.