Coated labels refer to labels that have a coating applied to their surface. The coating is typically made of materials like gloss or matte varnish, lamination, or UV coating. The purpose of the coating is to enhance the appearance, durability, and functionality of the labels.
Here is some general information including their advantages and disadvantages:
Areas of Use:
Coated labels find application in a wide range of industries and contexts, including:
- Product packaging: They are commonly used for labeling product packages, boxes, and containers.
- Retail: Coated labels are utilized in retail environments for price tags, promotional labels, and shelf labeling.
- Food and beverage industry: They are suitable for labeling food products, beverage bottles, and ingredient information labels.
- Pharmaceutical and healthcare: Coated labels find application in labeling medication bottles, prescription information, and medical equipment.
- Logistics and Shipping: They are used for a variety of purposes, from tracking to bar-coding to managing inventory.
Advantages:
- Enhanced durability: The coating provides an additional layer of protection, making the labels resistant to moisture, chemicals, UV light, and general wear and tear.
- Improved visual appeal: Coated labels have a smooth and glossy appearance (in the case of gloss coating) or a non-reflective, sophisticated look (in the case of matte coating), which enhances their overall visual appeal.
- Ink protection: The coating helps prevent the ink or printed content from smudging, smearing, or fading, ensuring the labels remain clear and readable for a longer period.
- Customizability: Coated labels can be easily customized with different designs, colors, and finishes, allowing for branding and marketing efforts to be effectively communicated.
- Versatile application: They can be used on various surfaces, including paper, cardboard, plastic, and metal, making them versatile for different labeling needs.
Flaws:
- Cost: Coated labels can be more expensive compared to uncoated labels due to the additional manufacturing process and materials involved.
- Limited writability: Some types of coating may not allow for easy writing or printing with certain pens or markers, restricting the ability to add additional information manually.
- Environmental considerations: Certain coating materials may have an environmental impact and may not be easily recyclable or biodegradable.
- Adhesive Compatibility: The coating on labels may affect the adhesion properties, potentially causing issues with the labels sticking firmly to certain surfaces.
Consider these advantages and disadvantages when deciding if coated labels are suitable for your labeling needs. Consider factors such as such as durability requirements, print quality, cost, and the desired professional appearance.