Choosing pressure sensitive adhesives for labels plays a key role in ensuring successful label application. The consequences of inadequate labelling can diminish product visibility leading to increased costs from material waste and significant disruptions in production schedules. Unlike conventional adhesives, pressure sensitive adhesives are designed to adhere when slight pressure is applied without requiring solvent, heat, or water for activation. The effectiveness of pressure sensitive adhesives is influenced by various factors such as material composition, surface texture and environmental conditions. Additionally, the speed and accuracy of label placement, are critical determinants of adhesive performance.
Troubleshooting Challenges With Your Labelling Process
Several factors that can influence labelling effectiveness:
- Environmental Conditions
Temperature and humidity level play a crucial role in adhesive performance. Wide temperature fluctuations can impact the adhesive’s consistency and adhesion strength, resulting in inadequate adhesion. Labels may peel off or fail to adhere if the environment is either too warm, or too cold, and humidity levels can introduce moisture, causing labels to curl and detach by weakening the adhesive grip. Maintaining optimal environmental conditions is essential to preserve label integrity.
- Equipment Settings
By finding the pressure setting is important in ensuring that the adhesive will spread evenly and bond effectively with the container surface. Ensuring the right labelling equipment as well as regular calibration and maintenance will ensure that equipment errors are prevented. Selecting the right adhesive type will guarantee proper adhesion as well as effectively supporting your product’s overall presentation and appeal and your brand’s image and messaging.
- Material Composition and Surface Texture
Inferior quality materials or labels that are not suitable for the product’s packaging material can impact the effectiveness of label adhesion. Considerations such as shipping, storage and display conditions must align with the label’s composition to ensure optimal performance.
Understanding the strengths of different adhesive types can help enhance your product labels.
For example, Acrylic Adhesives are designed to endure harsh conditions such as UV exposure, and fluctuations in temperature and moisture. This type of adhesive maintains a robust bond, making it ideal for situations that require strength and resilience against environmental stressors.
Rubber or Resin Adhesives are particularly effective for packaging of various shapes as it offers instant adhesion when applied. This type of adhesive is well suited for high-speed labelling and can form strong bonds with metals, glass and plastic. It is ideal for disposable packaging or for applications where harsh environmental conditions are not the concern.
Hot Melt Adhesives are thermoplastic and become fluid when heated, quickly solidifying upon cooling to create strong bonds with various packaging materials. This adhesive is suitable for products needing freezer storage or immediate sealing. It is particularly ideal for faster packaging runs where efficiency is crucial, although precise temperature control is necessary to ensure optimal labelling and to prevent any damage to labels or products.
As well as being the Australia and New Zealand Distributor for Pack Leader Labellers, Packserv supplies, services, and distributes Labellers for Semi-Automatic, Fully-Automatic, Wrap Around, Wipe On, Double Sided, Tapered, Neck, Orientation and just about everything else.
Industry Requirements
The adaptability and extensive application of pressure-sensitive adhesives highlight their indispensable role in product packaging across a range of industries. Yet, it’s imperative to fine-tune their usage to align with the varied demands and regulatory standards unique to each industry.
FMCG Industry
Pressure sensitive labels provide flexibility for a wide range of packaging requirements spanning from straightforward box labels to intricate designs. Adhesive selection should balance cost-effectiveness with performance, enhancing brand visibility and information dissemination without detracting from product presentation.
Read more about Food and Beverage Packaging Machinery.
Cosmetics Industry
In cosmetics, label appearance directly influences consumer perception of product quality and luxury. Pressure sensitive adhesives must adhere to diverse surfaces without bubbling or wrinkling, resisting the effects of oils and creams to preserve label clarity and brand image. Due to the compact size of containers and diverse packaging shapes, Pressure Sensitive Labels need to adhere to varying services avoiding any bubbling or wrinkling.
Learn more about Cosmetics Packaging Machinery.
Craft Brewing Industry
Within the craft brewing industry, labels are required to withstand cold temperatures and moisture while maintaining strong adhesion and readability. Besides serving as a branding tool so that the product can stand out on the shelf, labels also play a vital role in conveying essential information to customers including alcohol content, brewing specifics and ingredient details.
Learn more Craft Brewing Labelling Equipment.
Pharmaceutical
Labels must adapt to changing regulatory requirements. Pressure Sensitive Adhesives facilitating clean removal and reapplication enable swift updates without compromising packaging integrity, ensuring compliance and cost-effectiveness.
Learn more about Pharmaceutical Packaging Machinery.
