Film labels

A film label is a type of label made from films (e.g. polyethylene).

Compared to other types of labels, film labels have several advantages, including the following:

• They resist environmental conditions. Film labels offer resistance against water, oil, heat and chemicals, making them a perfect solution for harsh environments.
• They are flexible. This feature allows film labels to fit the shape of any item or product.
• They are durable. Since they can withstand adverse conditions, film labels are a durable solution.

The only disadvantage that film labels have is that they are more expensive than other types of labels (e.g. paper labels).

Several challenges arise when printing film labels. This is because not all materials are ideal printing substrates. The printing characteristics of surfaces are determined by factors such as surface tension and the extent to which a water drop will spread on it.

On untreated film surfaces, inks will tend to run, making it a challenge to print on smooth and non-porous materials such as plastics. Most plastics that are used to produce film labels have a non-polar (chemically inert) and water-repellent surface on which it is difficult to get inks to adhere.

In order to produce good printing results on film labels, the labels must be pretreated on the side on which they are to be printed. There are two processes that have become standard techniques in practice: the application of a permanent top coat and the more cost-effective corona treatment. The latter involves exposing the film surface to a high frequency discharge that both increases the surface tension of the material and enhances its bonding characteristics. Such pretreated films can be permanently printed with smear-resistant text. However, as the surface energy dissipates over time, the bonding capacity of the material also decreases. There is, however, a solution to this problem. To achieve optimal printing results, the surface energy of corona-treated materials can be replenished in special corona systems immediately prior to printing.

Film labels and paper labels are made of different materials. As a result, both offer advantages and disadvantages compared to one another. These include the following:

• Film labels are made from films, which offer a higher resistance and durability than paper.
• Paper, on the other hand, offers a better ink adhesion than film. However, the corona treatment can be used to improve the adhesion of film.
• Film labels are more expensive than paper labels.