A label paper is a type of paper (usually coated) that can be printed using offset and flexographic printing techniques.

As its name suggests, label paper is used to print labels.

Label papers can be coated, foiled and embossed and may also be water- and chemical resistant so that the labels do not fall when the items they are attached to are washed (e.g. in wash down areas of production).

Depending on the technique and medium employed, there are machine-coated papers, chromolux board papers and high gloss cast coated papers.

Label papers need to have excellent properties for printing but, more especially, must conform to the needs of the labeling process. In this sense, they may need to be water-resistant, peelable, tearproof, fracture-resistant, oil/chemical resistant or embossable.

In the end, everything will depend on what the manufacturer needs: if the items that are going to be labeled are likely to be exposed to harsh environmental conditions (e.g. humidity), the label paper will have to be such that it can withstand them.

Which label paper is the most appropriate one depends on many criteria. Here are some of them:

• The environment to which the labels will be exposed. If the labels are going to be exposed to a harsh environment, the label paper should be able to resist the exposure without suffering damage.
• The printing quality. If a high printing quality is needed, certain label papers (e.g. cast gloss paper) should be preferred over others.
• Compatibility with the labeling machine. Some label papers can be used with a wide range of labeling machines, while others might only be compatible with inkjet printers or other specific machines.
• The purpose of the label. For example: if a manufacturer wants his customers to be able to remove the label from the item, then a peelable label paper would be used to produce the labels.