The main focus when choosing a label tends to be on the facestock material whilst adhesive choice is often overlooked. Choosing the right label adhesive can make or break your product presentation, packaging integrity, and even regulatory compliance. Here's a guide to the most common types of label adhesives and their best uses.

1. Permanent Adhesive

Typically most labels we supply have a permanent adhesive. Permanent adhesives are designed to create a long-lasting bond with a surface. Once applied, they are not meant to be removed without damaging the label or the substrate.

Best For:

• Product packaging
  
  
• Shipping labels
  
  
• Barcode tracking
  
  
• Asset labelling

Pros:

• Strong initial tack and long-term hold
  
  
• Works on many surfaces (glass, plastic, cardboard)
  
  

Cons:

• Difficult to remove cleanly
  
  
• May not work well on low-surface-energy plastics and other difficult surfaces
  
  

2. Removable Adhesive

Removable adhesives allow labels to be peeled off without leaving residue or damaging the application surface. Removable adhesives are ideal for temporary labelling needs. You often see removable adhesive labels used on greeting cards. When you purchase a greeting card, you are able to tell when a removable adhesive label has been used as the label easily peels off, compared to other greeting cards where label removal can be really difficult and damage the card below.

Best For:

• Retail pricing labels
  
  
• Reusable containers
  
  
• Temporary signage
  
  

Pros:

• Clean removal
  
  
• Good for short-term use
  
  
• Reduces damage to surfaces
  
  

Cons:

• Lower adhesion strength
  
  
• May lose tack over time or in humid environments
  
  

3. Repositionable Adhesive

These adhesives strike a balance between permanent and removable. They allow for the label to be applied, lifted, and repositioned during application.

Best For:

• Hand-applied labels
  
  
• Manual product labelling lines
  
  
• Reusable items or changing displays
  
  

Pros:

• Flexible application
  
  
• Reduces waste from misapplied labels
  
  

Cons:

• Less durable over long periods
  
  
• Not suited for high-moisture or high-friction environments
  
  
  

4. Freeze Permanent Adhesive or Cryogenic adhesive

Engineered to perform in ultra-low temperatures, these adhesives maintain tack even in frozen or cryogenic environments.

Best For:

• Laboratory specimen vials
  
  
• Frozen food packaging
  
  
• Pharmaceutical cold storage
  
  

Pros:

• Excellent cold-temperature performance
  
  
• Moisture and frost-resistant
  
  

Cons:

• Typically more expensive than standard adhesives

5. High-Tack Adhesive

High-tack adhesives should be used when labels should strongly adhere to a surface for a long time, particularly surfaces that are difficult for standard adhesive to attach to.

Best For:

• Rough or textured surfaces
  
  
• Low-energy plastics (e.g., HDPE)
  
  
• Outdoor or industrial settings
  
  

Pros:

• Aggressive bonding
  
  
• Stays in place in harsh environments
  
  

Cons:

• Limited removability
  
  
• Can be tricky to reposition
  
  

6. Wash-Off Adhesive

Wash-off adhesives are engineered to maintain a strong bond during use, but release easily when exposed to hot water or industrial washing processes. Commonly used in returnable or recyclable packaging.

Best For:

• Beverage bottles (especially returnable glass)
  
  
• Reusable containers
  
  
• Recyclable packaging
  
  

Pros:

• Clean removal during wash cycles
  
  
• Facilitates recycling and container reuse
  
  
• Complies with sustainability practices
  
  

Cons:

• Not suitable for prolonged submersion before washing
  
  
• Limited use cases outside of controlled wash environments
  
  

7. Void Adhesive (Tamper-Evident)

Void adhesives are designed to leave a visible mark (such as the word "VOID" or a checkerboard pattern) when the label is removed. These adhesives are ideal for tamper-evident security. There are two types of void adhesive, there is void-residue which leaves a void mark on the application surface and there is also a void non-residue adhesive which leaves a void mark on the label itself. Our blog on the different types of tamper evident labels explains this in more detail.

Best For:

• Security seals
  
  
• Warranty void labels
  
  
• Pharmaceutical and electronics packaging
  
  

Pros:

• Provides clear evidence of tampering
  
  
• Enhances product integrity and consumer trust
  
  

Cons:

• Cannot be reapplied once removed
  
  
• Not intended for repositioning or removal
  
  

Choosing the Right Adhesive: Key Considerations

• Surface Type: Smooth, rough, curved, or textured—each has different adhesive needs.
  
  
• Environment: Will it be exposed to moisture, UV, heat, cold, or chemicals?
  
  
• Duration: Is the label temporary or permanent?
  

The right adhesive is essential for your label’s success. Whether you're labelling a shampoo bottle, a shipping box, or a cryogenic vial, there’s a tailored adhesive to meet your needs.

Need help choosing the perfect label?

We can help you find the ideal solution tailored to your business needs. Contact us today!

The labelling industry is evolving rapidly, driven by advancements in technology, sustainability efforts, and the increasing need for personalised consumer products. Businesses must stay ahead of these trends to remain competitive and compliant. Here are the key labelling trends to watch in 2025.

Smart Labels & IoT Integration

Smart labels are labels that incorporate technology to hold more information than a traditional barcode. Smart labels with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), NFC (Near Field Communication), and QR codes are being increasingly used across many industries. These technologies provide real-time data tracking, enhanced security, and interactive customer engagement. Businesses can use smart labels for inventory and asset management, anti-counterfeiting measures, and consumer transparency.

Sustainable Labelling Solutions

Sustainability remains a top priority and businesses are increasingly looking for more sustainable labelling solutions. This increased demand comes from consumer pressure as well as more stringent environmental regulations. In 2025, expect to see:

• Label materials enabling re-using, recycling or composting of packaging
• Label materials containing recycled or renewable content
• Label materials that demonstrate they have been responsibly sourced
• Minimalist packaging with smaller labels

Regulatory and Compliance Changes

New regulations on product transparency, sustainability, and consumer safety are influencing labelling practices. In 2025, businesses should prepare for:

• Stricter ingredient and allergen labelling requirements.
• Enhanced traceability regulations in food and beverage industries.
• Standardization of digital labelling formats for better consumer understanding.

Personalization at Scale

With digital printing advancements, brands can now offer highly personalized labels tailored to individual preferences. Trends include:

• Variable data printing (VDP): Allowing mass customization of labels with unique names, messages, or designs.
• On-demand printing: Reducing waste and allowing brands to create seasonal, regional, or promotional labels quickly

Tamper-Evident and Security Labels

Security and consumer safety concerns are driving increased demand for tamper-evident labels, this is especially true in industries including pharmaceuticals and luxury items . Key developments include:

• Void and destructible labels: Indicating when a product has been tampered with.
• Holographic security seals: Providing an additional layer of authentication to tackle counterfeiting

The future of labelling in 2025 is marked by a blend of technological innovation, sustainability, compliance, personalisation and security. Brands that embrace these trends will be well-positioned to meet the evolving demands of the market and foster stronger connections with their customers.

When ordering labels it can be easy to rush the process to achieve the quickest delivery date but minor mistakes in labelling can lead to costly errors, missed sales, and even legal challenges. Here we look at five common labelling mistakes to avoid so you can get the right labels from the get go.

1) Incorrect Information

A common mistake that customers make is ordering labels with incorrect information.  This may include inaccurate ingredients, product specifications, instructions, or even wrong contact information. Misinformation not only confuses customers but also damages trust and can lead to regulatory consequences. Before a label job goes into production we always send customers a PDF artwork proof to check for any inaccuracies. We advise customers to carefully check all content on your artwork proof and when possible, have a second person review for accuracy.

2) Design Issues

A well-designed label draws in consumers and clearly communicates essential information. However, poor design choices—such as cluttered layouts, hard-to-read fonts, or low-contrast color schemes—can make your label unappealing and difficult to read. Overloading the label with too much information or using decorative fonts that reduce legibility can turn customers away. We advise customers to use colors that contrast well with each other and  simplify content to essential points, using icons or graphics where appropriate to enhance readability. Before a job goes into production we require the label design to be sent over as a high resolution electronic artwork file. Low resolution files result in low quality labels so it’s important to have a suitable electronic file.

3) Incorrect Material and Adhesive

The label material and adhesive combination are essential for producing labels that meet your application requirements. Choosing the wrong material or adhesive can lead to labels that aren’t durable enough, peel, smudge, or fade over time. We are able to advise suitable material and adhesive combinations but require detailed information on how the label will be used, such information includes, what the label will be attached to, how long the label is required to last and what environmental conditions will the label be exposed to.

4) Rushing the Process

A common mistake we find customers making is not allocating enough time for ordering labels, our lead times are 10 working days plus and can even be 4 weeks plus for specific materials.  Rushing through the label ordering process to meet tight deadlines can lead to costly mistakes, such as typos, design errors, or missing information. We advise customers plan the labelling process well in advance and allocate sufficient time for design, review, and testing. Be meticulous about proofing each element of your label before printing. We strongly advise customers to test label samples in the environment that they will be used in. By building in extra time for quality control, you can avoid the high costs of reprinting or making last-minute changes.

5) Compliance Issues

Each industry has its own labelling regulations that companies must adhere to. These may include providing nutritional information for food products, ingredient lists for cosmetics, and specific warnings for chemicals. Failing to meet compliance standards can lead to fines, product recalls, and reputational damage. We advise customers to familiarize themselves with the regulatory requirements for your product and industry. For certain industries it is wise to consult with legal or compliance experts to ensure your labels meet all necessary standards.

Avoiding these common labelling mistakes can help save you a lot of money, time and stress. By focusing on accuracy, design, material choice, quality control, and compliance, you can ensure that your labels are right from the get go.

Our custom labels are uniquely tailored to the specific requirements of our customers. To enable us to provide an accurate quotation which proposes a suitable label solution and accurate pricing we need some information from you relating to your  label application. If you require labels and would like a quote we advise considering the below.

What will the labels be used for?

If you are able to let us know the label application this is really useful as we use certain material and adhesive combinations for specific industry requirements. Certain labels for example used in the chemical industry or food industry require materials that comply with specific regulations so please let us know if you have to comply with any regulations or standards.

What label material do you require?

We can supply custom labels in a range of materials and finishes, this includes paper, synthetic plastics, card and metal. If you do not know what material would be most suitable for your application please tell us what the labels will be used for and we can advise a suitable solution.

What are the labels being applied to?

Every surface is unique and consequently the label adhesive used on the label must be tailored to the surface so it effectively adheres. Certain surfaces will require adhesive with an extra strong adhesive, others will require an easily removable adhesive so the label does not damage the surface it is applied to. Labels that will be exposed to certain temperatures will also need a special adhesive for example labels that will be used in a frozen environment.

What environmental conditions will the labels be exposed to?

It is important that we know what environmental conditions the labels will be exposed to as this will determine the material and adhesive combination we use. Please let us know what conditions the labels will be used in which includes whether they will be used indoors or outdoors, whether they will be exposed to any harsh environmental conditions such as chemicals, submersion in water and extreme temperatures.

What are the label dimensions?

To be able to provide an accurate price for labels we need to know the dimensions of the label you require, please measure the width and height of the label you require and provide dimensions measured in millimetres. If the label is a special shape please let us know the height and width and also provide an image of the label shape required.

How many labels do you require?

We need to know the quantity of labels you require to provide an accurate price, we provide a few different quantity price breaks as often the price per label reduces the higher quantity you order so it may be worth ordering in a higher quantity to benefit from this.

Do you require fully pre-printed labels or are you printing labels on your own printer?

We supply both fully pre-printed labels and also blank labels to be used on our customers’ own label printers. If you require labels to print on your own label printer, we need to know the make and model of your printer so we can ensure the labels supplied are compatible with this printer.

What is the label design?

If you require printed labels ideally we want to see the label design before we quote as this will determine what label printing method we use and the price of the labels. Please also let us know if there is variable information on each label or various designs as this will also affect the label price.

How would you like the label presented?

If you have a strong preference for how the labels are presented please let us know, we can supply labels on rolls, sheets and fan-folded. Please note if you are printing our labels on your own printer then the labels will have to be formatted so they are compatible with the printer.

If you would like to receive a label quotation please get in touch with our friendly team today.

Racking beam labels are key to warehouse organisation and efficiency so ensuring you have the best labels for the job is crucial. If you are ready to implement a racking label solution and require racking labels we’ve outlined five factors to consider.

Racking label system

Before you place a racking label order it’s important that you know the storage locations you will be labelling and have created a suitable racking label system for identifying each location which may consist of alpha, numeric and barcode data. One tip we can suggest is start labelling from the floor and go up, this will prevent you from needing to re-label in the event you add additional shelves on top of your racking. Once you have decided on your racking labelling system it’s important to store all the relevant data in a suitable electronic file such as a spreadsheet. We require that you have the relevant data stored in a suitable electronic file so we can accurately print the racking labels.

Type of racking label

There are a few racking label options available, the most suitable option depends on your budget and application requirements. Some customers like to print racking labels on their own label printer, this is often the case when customers are consistently printing new racking labels. The drawback for printing labels on your own printer is the labels that are being printed are not as durable as pre-printed labels, also you are limited by your printers own capabilities which includes label material, size, adhesive ect. The second racking label option is pre-printed self-adhesive labels, our standard labels are supplied in a gloss white vinyl material with a clear laminate for added durability. Self-adhesive racking labels are a lower cost option when compared to magnetic labels. Magnetic racking labels are the third racking label option, whilst these labels are the most expensive option, they are useful for applications that require the ability to relocate labels again and again.

Label design

To supply a racking label solution we require a label design. Racking labels can include various elements which includes colour codes, numbers, letters, barcodes, QR codes, logos and directional arrows. Racking labels can also be supplied vertically or horizontally depending on where they are placed on the racking beams. Below are some typical racking label examples to give you an idea of potential designs.

Label Size

To be able to provide a quotation for racking labels we need to know the racking label size so please determine the width and height dimensions of the label. When choosing a racking label size consider the size of the racking label beams as well as making sure the racking label is easily identified by workers and is scannable by your scanning device.

Label durability

It’s important to consider what environmental conditions the racking label will have to withstand to ensure the label remains scannable and readable. If racking labels will be exposed to extreme temperatures, outside weather conditions or chemical exposure please let us know. The material we recommend is a high specification vinyl label with a clear laminate on top for extra durability. We strongly recommend laminating labels but if you required a lower cost, less durable option an unlaminated label would be circa 15% less expensive.

We can supply a wide variety of racking labels including general racking labels, racking load labels, hanging signs and floor labels. We can customise each label element including size, shape and design. We can add variable data to labels including aisle, bay, level locations, serial numbers, barcodes and QR codes.

RFID labels are a type of smart label that incorporates RFID technology for tracking and identification purposes. RFID technology was originally developed during the second world war but its use has vastly increased over the last 15 years and RFID labels have incorporated this technology to become an essential tracking and identification tool across various industries.

What does an RFID label consist of?

An RFID label consists of four components:

1) RFID microchip - The RFID chip makes up an inlay along with the antenna, this chip stores the data related to the item it is attached to. Which includes information such as product name, price and location.

2) Antenna - The antenna which makes up an inlay along with the microchip is used to transmit and receive radio signals between the RFID chip and an RFID reader so that they can communicate.

3) Inlay - the inlay consists of the microchip connected to an antenna on a flexible substrate

4)Label/tag. The label or tag is the physical substrate that contains the inlay and allows the RFID technology to be attached to objects such as equipment and products.

What types of RFID labels are there?

Passive RFID labels - these labels do not have an internal power source and rely on the energy transmitted by the RFID reader to power the RFID chip and transmit data. When compared to active and semi-passive RFID labels these are lower cost and smaller but have a shorter reading range.

Active RFID Labels - these labels have their own power source, typically a battery, which allows them to transmit data over longer ranges and at higher frequencies compared to passive RFID labels.

Semi-passive (Battery-Assisted Passive) RFID Labels - these labels have a small battery to power certain functions, such as onboard sensors or extended read ranges, but still rely on the reader for communication.

The application requirements will determine what type of RFID label is most suitable.

What are RFID labels used for?

RFID labels are used across many industries for various applications but some of the main applications include the below:

Inventory Management - RFID labels are widely used in retail and logistics for tracking inventory, reducing stockouts, and improving supply chain visibility.

Asset Tracking - They are employed to track assets such as equipment, vehicles, and tools, enabling better utilization and maintenance.

Access Control - RFID labels are used for personnel identification and access control in buildings, parking lots, and events.

Transportation and Logistics - RFID labels help track shipments, containers, and pallets throughout the transportation process, enhancing security and efficiency.

Manufacturing - RFID labels are utilized for tracking work-in-progress, monitoring production processes, and managing inventory in manufacturing environments.

If you are interested in purchasing RFID labels contact our friendly team today who can work with you to provide a suitable solution.

Most of us have come across QR codes in our day to day lives but what actually is a QR code? A QR code is a two-dimensional matrix barcode, they store data within a series of pixels in a square-shaped grid, QR codes are read by an imaging device such as a smartphone. QR codes are used often for asset tracking, inventory control and increasingly for brand marketing purposes. If you are looking for a QR code label, we suggest you consider the below:

Size of QR code

The size of a QR code matters for scannability purposes. The minimum scannable QR code size is 2cm x 2cm to be read by most modern devices. The chosen size of your QR code will also depend on the distance a QR code will be scanned from as the ratio between scanning distance and the QR code size is 10:1, that means if a QR code is meant to be read from 100cm away the QR code must be at least 10 cm wide.

Label design

Traditionally a QR code has been made up of black squares on a white grid, increasingly businesses are wanting to cutomise QR codes with their own branding. In regard to adding colours to a QR code, it is important that the background remains light in colour and the QR code remains a dark colour, these colours must be distinctly in contrast with each other for scannability purposes. There is a blank space around a QR code called the quiet zone which is important so that scanners can separate the barcode from other elements of the label, this margin of blank space is essential so the QR code can scan. Outside of the QR code and quiet zone we can customise the label with various branding logos, colours and variable information.  

Label material options

We have an array of label material options for QR code labels, the type of label material used depends on the label application. We can supply a QR code label in paper, plastics and metal. Synthetic and metal options are useful when the label is required to be highly durable and resistant to harsh environmental conditions such as outside weather conditions and chemical exposure.  

Label adhesive options

It is important that the QR code label effectively adheres to the item is it attached to. We can supply labels in a standard permanent adhesive, removable adhesive, extra permanent adhesive, freeze permanent adhesive and can supply rigid plastic labels and metal labels with drill holes when a label is required to be drilled to the item it is attached to. Whatever your QR code label application, we can recommend a suitable solution.

If you are interested in purchasing QR code labels and require more information please email us at info@labelmarket.co.uk or call us on 0800 169 1980.

At Label Market we supply both custom pre-printed labels and also blank labels for customers to use on their own label printers. Producing labels in-house is a great solution for small to medium businesses when their label requirements are simple and volumes aren’t too high. When label requirements are more complex and volumes increase, professional label printing is often the way to go. In this blog we will discuss the benefits of professionally printed custom labels.

Material, finish and adhesive options

When printing labels on a standard printer the material, finish and adhesive options are limited. For professional label printing the material, finish and adhesive options are vast and can be tailored to meet the exact requirements of the customer even when they have challenging label applications. In industries such as pharmaceuticals, automotive and defence, labels are required to be extremely durable and withstand conditions such as extreme temperatures, abrasion and submersion in water. For specialised labelling applications the required combination of label material, adhesive and print is likely to only be possible via professional label printing.

Superior printing

The printing machinery and technology used by professional label suppliers like ourselves is high-spec and industrial which enables very high quality and reliable labels to be produced. It is not possible to replicate this quality on a standard label printer used in-house. When quality, appearance and reliability are of utmost importance, custom professionally printed labels can deliver.

Label and tag options

Standard label printers are limited to producing basic label and tag types. Contrastingly we can supply custom metal labels, domed labels, rigid plastic labels, tear-resistant tags, laminated labels, under-surface printed labels and many more that require advanced equipment.

High-volume printing

Printing labels in-house is most cost effective in very small runs. Contrastingly for professional label printing the more labels you order the less each label will cost. For high volume label requirements it is likely to be more cost effective to purchase pre-printed labels. Printing a high volume of labels in-house is also very time consuming, when your business grows the need to outsource this task is likely to be more apparent.

What are asset labels?

Asset labels enable the effective identification and tracking of business assets including tools, appliances, machines and equipment. They often feature barcodes, serial numbers and company branding.

Can I customise my asset label?

We can customise the size, shape, material, colour and branding of your asset label. We can add barcodes, QR codes and other variable information.

What are the different types of asset label?

Foil asset labels
Foil asset labels are extremely popular, they are made from aluminium foil with a high performance adhesive. They are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. They are flexible so can be applied to curved surfaces.

Polyester asset labels
Our polyester labels can be supplied with a high-tac 3M adhesive and are laminated for durability. These labels can withstand harsh environmental conditions

Tamper-evident asset labels
Tamper evident asset labels are useful when you would like visual evidence of tampering to be left behind when removal of the label is attempted, we can supply four different types of tamper evident security label:

1. Residue void labels. These are a type of tamper evident label that when removal is attempted leave a security message on the surface it was applied to. As they leave behind a security message on the application surface we would not advise these are attached to high-value items.
2. Non-residue void labels. These are a type of void label that when removal is attempted display a visible security message on the label itself rather than the surface it was applied to.
3. Ultra-destructible labels. These labels are a type of tamper evident label that when removal is attempted the label fragments into tiny pieces. These labels are useful when you do not want labels to be easily removed.
4. Security slits. When removal of these labels are attempted the label tears along security slits which shows clear signs of tampering.

Mark and Seal asset labels

Mark and seal labels allow you to write variable information on a label at the time of application and then seal the label with a protective laminate. These labels are useful for small batch asset labels and allow you to identify your assets in a flexible way.

Metal asset labels

Metal labels are the most robust type of asset tag. These are either aluminium or stainless steel and are printed with a sealed anodised print. These asset tags can be supplied with drill holes or a high-performance adhesive

Label Market supply the asset labels mentioned above. If you are interested in purchasing asset labels and require more information please email us at info@labelmarket.co.uk or call us on 0800 169 1980.

Inkjet label printers have become increasingly popular over the last few years as many businesses realise the benefits of in house label printing especially as they see the opportunities in offering customisation and personalisation of products. We have customers across a range of industries including food and beverage, retail, health and beauty, to name just a few using inkjet label printers and purchasing the labels from ourselves. We supply a wide range of inkjet printable materials and can supply labels in custom sizes and shapes. Here we will discuss the various inkjet materials we offer as standard to get the most out of their inkjet label machine

Paper inkjet materials

• Matt White Paper with permanent adhesive
• Matt White Paper with removable adhesive
• Matt White Paper with high tack adhesive
• Matt White Paper with block out adhesive
• Gloss White with permanent adhesive
• Gloss White Paper with removable adhesive
• Gloss White Paper with high tack adhesive
• Gloss White Paper  with block out adhesive
• Semi Gloss Paper with permanent adhesive
• Rustic Cream Wine Paper with permanent adhesive
• Antique White Wine Paper with permanent adhesive
• White Textured Wine Paper with permanent adhesive
• Colour Inkjet Card No Adhesive 116gsm 151µ
• Colour Inkjet Card No Adhesive 190gsm 202µ

Inkjet filmic materials

• Matt White PP with permanent adhesive
• Matt White PE  with permanent adhesive
• Matt White Polyester  with permanent adhesive
• Cryogenic Matt White Polyester  with permanent adhesive
• Gloss White PP with permanent adhesive
• Gloss White Polyester Perm  with permanent adhesive
• Gloss Clear PP  with permanent adhesive
• Gloss Clear Polyester  with permanent adhesive
• Gloss Silver Polyester  with permanent adhesive
• Satin White PP  with permanent adhesive
• Satin White PP  with removable adhesive
• Satin White Polyester with permanent adhesive

If you require any inkjet label materials that are not listed above please get in touch with the team as it’s likely we can source this material, there may just be an MOQ.

Mark and Seal labels, also referred to as self-laminating labels and write and seal labels, allow you to write variable information on a label at the time of application and then seal this label with a protective laminate providing a durable label. The labels are manufactured with a self-adhesive writable base surface (typically matte paper, vinyl or polyester) and a clear laminate flap on top.

How durable are mark and seal labels?

The laminate protects the label from water, abrasion and cleaning solvents. We can also supply a mark and seal label with high temperature resistance.

How do I apply a mark and seal label?

• Ensure the surface you are applying the label to is clean and dry
• Take the label and fold back the mark and seal  flap
• Fill in the variable information - we recommend using a UV resistant marker as standard pens fade quickly
• Draw mark and seal flap over the written information
• Smooth out from the center to the edges ironing out any air bubbles
  

Can I customise a mark and seal label?

We can supply a truly custom mark and seal label solution tailored to our customers specific application requirements. We can customise size, shape and colour and add barcodes, QR codes and logos for branding purposes.

What industries use mark and seal labels?

We find that mark and seal labels offer the ideal solution for adding durability to a handwritten label across many industries including, electrical, chemical and pharmaceutical but we see their use frequently for PAT testing and asset identification.

Each company has different sustainability goals, with the various options of sustainable label solutions available it’s important to determine what solution best aligns with your objectives and your specific labeling application. Here we will discuss sustainable label solutions that are available.

Recycled and renewable content

To reduce our dependence on finite resources it is important to use recycled materials and renewable materials within new products. There are label solutions available that contain up to 100% recycled content. For renewable label solutions there are a range of label material options made from natural, organic sources rather than finite resources. Examples of these bio-based label materials include cane fibre paper, PE made entirely from sugar cane ethanol and MarbleBase made from 80% marble mining waste and 20% recycled HDPE.

Enables reuse, recycling or composability

Reusing, recycling or composting packaging helps reduce waste and circulate resources back into the economy. Wash-off label material options helps enable both re-use of containers such as glass and plastic bottles as well as the recyclability of plastic packaging as the label cleanly separates from what it was attached to leaving no residue behind and not disrupting the recycling process. A label solution we offer is CleanFlake label technology which helps enable both PET and HDPE packaging recycling.

Compostable labels attached to compostable packaging can positively contribute to an increased collection of organic waste as food waste can be commingled with its packaging and labels. We offer a compostable label range suitable for food and beverage packaging that is approved for industrial composting.

Sourced responsibly

Products that are responsibly sourced come from a supply chain that shows care for people and the environment. Label solutions that demonstrate they are responsibly sourced includes paper labels that are made with wood fibre certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). This certification is reassurance that the paper has been sourced from sustainable and well managed forests.  

If you are looking to improve the sustainability credentials of a current label application or have a new label project please get in touch with our friendly team today.

Tamper evident labels are labels designed and manufactured in a way that when removal is attempted, visual evidence of tampering is left behind. Tamper evident labels are used across a range of industries including food and beverage, healthcare and pharmaceutical to improve the security of the item it is attached to. There are different types of tamper evident labels available, the type most suitable for your application will depend on your specific requirements. Here we will explain different types of tamper evident labels available.

Residue void labels

Residue void labels are a type of tamper evident label that when removed leave a security message on the surface it was applied to. As a security message is left behind on the application surface, they are best used on non-reusable containers and packaging. The labels themselves also show proof of tampering and cannot be used again. These labels can be supplied in custom sizes with pre-printed designs and variable barcodes and serial numbers.

Non-residue void labels

Non-residue void labels are a type of tamper evident label that when removed display a visible security message on the label itself rather than the surface it was applied to. Once these labels have been used, they cannot be used again. As no residue, marking or adhesive is left behind on the surface the label was applied to, they are suitable to be used for applications involving equipment and products such as mobile phones, doors and office furniture. These labels can be supplied in custom sizes with pre-printed designs and variable barcodes and serial numbers.

Ultra-destructible labels

Ultra-destructible labels are a type of tamper evident label that when removal is attempted the label fragments into tiny pieces as the material is extremely fragile which shows clear signs of tampering. As only tiny pieces of the label can be removed at the time this type of label is best used on non-reusable containers and packaging. These labels can be supplied in custom sizes with pre-printed designs and variable barcodes and serial numbers.

Security slits

Labels produced with security slits are a more basic and a lower cost tamper evident label solution. When removal is attempted the label tears along the security slits which shows clear signs of tampering. These labels can be supplied in custom sizes with pre-printed designs and variable barcodes and serial numbers.

Label Market supply the tamper evident labels mentioned above. If you are interested in purchasing tamper evident labels and require more information please email us at info@labelmarket.co.uk or call us on 0800 169 1980.

Barcode and RFID technology are both effectively used by companies as a tool for asset identification and tracking. Whilst both technologies are used to store and transmit data, they have some main differences that are useful to know before deciding what solution is most suitable for your business requirements.

How does a barcode work?

Barcode technology consists of a visual barcode and an optical barcode scanner. A barcode encodes data into a visual pattern, this visual pattern is read by a barcode scanner which uses a beam of light to capture and decode the information contained by a barcode.

How does RFID work?

RFID which is short for radio frequency identification is a technology that consists of an RFID tag and an RFID reader. The RFID tag contains a microchip and antenna. The microchip stores the data related to the item it is attached to and the antenna transmits this data. An RFID reader communicates with the tag via radio signals and receives the tag's data.

Differences between RFID and Barcode

Line of sight

Barcode technology requires that the barcode scanner is in line of sight of the barcode to read and decode the data. Contrastingly as an RFID scanner uses radio waves to communicate with the RFID tag it does not require line of sight to read the tag.

Scanning multiple items

A barcode scanner can only scan one barcode at a time, consequently it relies on hand scanning each item individually. An RFID reader in contrast can read multiple RFID tags at the same time. This can help save time as a large number of items can be read simultaneously.

Reading range

RFID tags can be read at greater distances than barcodes. Active RFID tags can have a read range of up to 100 meters.

Data stored

Barcodes are limited in the type and volume of data that they can store, contrastingly RFID tags are able to store a higher volume of more complex data for example maintenance records, warranty information and product specifications.

Costs

An RFID solution can be very costly when compared to a barcode solution. Cost is often a barrier to implementing RFID solutions within businesses.

If you are interested in implementing either a barcode or RFID solution within your business and require more information, please email us at info@labelmarket.co.uk or call us on 0800 169 1980.

Labels are an essential part of a laboratory, performing the critical functions of identifying and tracking items such as samples and equipment. These labels have to withstand the extreme conditions inherent in lab processes which include cryogenic storage, autoclaving and exposure to harsh chemicals and solvents. The labels listed below provide a reliable and effective solution to the specific and stringent labelling requirements of a laboratory.

1) Cryogenic labels

Cryogenics storage is an essential tool for laboratories and hospitals as many samples are required to be stored at ultra-low temperatures. Cryogenic labels (Cryo-labels) provide an effective identification tool for samples stored under these cryogenic conditions as they are engineered to withstand ultra-cold conditions, dry ice and liquid nitrogen. Cryo-labels are available in a range of sizes suitable for any container including cryo-vials, micro-plates and IVF straws. Cryo-labels are also available for use in a variety of printers such as thermal printers and inkjet printers.

2) Autoclave-resistant labels

Autoclaving/steam sterilisation is a critical process used in laboratories to kill microorganisms on lab equipment and waste. The use of high heat and pressure in this process requires specialised labels to withstand these conditions. Autoclave-resistant labels provide an effective identification tool for items requiring sterilisation and they are available in a range of sizes and for use in a variety of printers. These labels can also be supplied with customised features useful for the lab such as wrap-around and black-out options.

3) Chemical-resistant labels

Chemicals and disinfectants are commonplace in the laboratory however standard labels are not durable enough to withstand these agents' abrasive properties. Specialised chemical and solvent-resistant labels can offer exceptional resistance to xylene, ethanol, acetone and other harsh chemicals. These specialised labels can also provide resistance to abrasive contact such as wiping down. Chemically resistant labels can be supplied pre-printed and plain for use on a TT printer with a suitable resin ribbon.

Label Market supply all of the above laboratory labels. For more information about laboratory labelling solutions email us at info@labelmarket.co.uk or call us on 0800 169 1980