How many times have we bought a product in a store just because it had an eye-catching label? Self-adhesive labels can grab a customer's attention and influence their purchase decision. But do you know how these labels are made and what options they offer?
What are self-adhesive labels?
Self-adhesive labels are a special type of label that differs from traditional ones in their method of application. While traditional labels are affixed to products using glue or other attachment methods (e.g., placed inside packaging), self-adhesive labels have an adhesive layer on the back, making them easy to stick to almost any surface.
Advantages of self-adhesive labels:
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Easy application – just peel the label off the backing and stick it to the product, no glue required.
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Flexible shapes – they can be cut into rectangles, circles, ovals, or custom die-cut shapes.
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Material versatility – a wide range of papers and films, with various surface finishes.
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Edge-to-edge printing – full-color, borderless print thanks to die-cutting on silicone liners.
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Durability – high resistance to moisture, chemicals, and abrasion when using plastic materials and lamination.
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Added features – optional perforations, coupons, variable data (e.g., QR codes, serial numbers), and security features like holograms or tamper-proof materials.
Production process of self-adhesive labels
It all begins with the graphic design. The goal is to create a visually appealing and informative label that grabs attention while meeting technical requirements for print.
The next step is choosing the right material – this affects the print quality, label durability, and its performance under various conditions.
At Aluprint, we use a range of printing technologies to bring label designs to life:
Offset printing
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Ideal for large-volume jobs.
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Delivers high-quality print results.
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Machines like the Heidelberg Speedmaster are also efficient for smaller jobs.
UV offset printing
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A hybrid combining offset and flexographic benefits.
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Enables double-sided printing and speeds of up to 200m/min.
Flexographic printing
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Suitable for printing on flexible packaging materials, paper, and laminates.
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Offers precise print control and consistency.
Digital printing
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Best for small to medium runs.
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Allows for personalization and variable data (serial numbers, QR codes, etc.).
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Enables frequent design changes with no extra plate costs.
???? Need help choosing the right method? Contact us – we’ll advise you.
Common mistakes in label design
Even though label design might seem easy, many common mistakes can compromise the final result.
1. Incorrect material selection
Choosing the wrong material can lead to early wear or functional issues.
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For moisture exposure (cosmetics, refrigerated items): use plastic films like PP, PE, or PVC or laminated paper.
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For extreme temperatures (frozen goods, automotive): opt for aluminum or thermostable synthetics.
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For abrasion (shipping labels, heavy-duty use): choose strong materials with lamination or UV varnish.
2. Wrong dimensions or shape
A poorly sized or shaped label looks unprofessional.
Avoid:
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Labels too small or large for the product surface.
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Not considering curves or uneven surfaces.
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Blocking key package areas (openings, seams, instructions).
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Mismatched shapes (e.g., oval label on rectangular packaging).
3. Overloaded design
Trying to cram in too much info makes the label chaotic and unreadable.
Avoid this by:
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Including only essential visuals and text.
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Leaving sufficient white space.
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Using a consistent style and 1–2 fonts.
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Clearly organizing elements by priority.
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Highlighting key aspects (logo, product name, USP).
4. Inappropriate color selection
If the printed colors differ from your brand or design preview, the product’s impression suffers.
Causes include:
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Using incorrect colors during file prep.
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Not accounting for color gamut differences between screen and print.
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Ignoring how label materials affect color appearance.
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Not setting correct ICC color profiles.
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Inconsistent color tones across one label batch.
5. Missing legal requirements
Labels must meet legal standards for product info. Missing mandatory data can lead to fines or product recalls.
Mandatory info often includes:
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Product name and description
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Ingredients or material composition
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Weight or volume
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Manufacturer or distributor info
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Expiration or best-before date
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Health or safety warnings
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Instructions for use or storage
Creating self-adhesive labels requires experience, technical know-how, and attention to many details. Don’t leave it to chance – trust the experts.