When it comes to product packaging and branding, your label holds great significance. It is beyond first impression. It actually helps sell the product out in the market across various industries like skin care, pharmaceutical, umm government or any other brands. It is important to choose the right label material that goes along with your product so it not only influences your brand value but also adds great function and boosts sales among various age groups that you actually aim to target.
But it is important to decide which material is the best apartment for your labelling needs. Paper, film and foil are some of the most commonly and popularly used materials in labelling, and choosing one among these is best in terms of appearance, cost, shelf life and durability. In this blog, let’s discuss the different label materials for packaging, compare paper versus film versus foil labels and analyse which is more suited for your product packaging. Be it creating custom labels or abiding by industrial product labeling compliance, the right material makes all the difference.
Why label material matters in packaging?
Labels represent a direct resonance with customers who are willing to buy your product. Vital information, branding, compliance, certification, expiration dates, some of the most important information displayed on these labels and it easily influences buying decisions.
Imagine a wrong label material being chosen for your product that could easily tear or fade in light or when it comes to contact with moisture. This will diminish your brand value and the visual appeal also gets distorted very easily. Hence, choosing this is exactly why the label material of choice matters a lot.
Quick overview of paper, film, and foil
Before getting into the discussion, here is a quick gist of paper labels versus film labels versus fraud labels.
- Paper labels are very sustainable and eco friendly. Most organic brands and minimalist branding opts for paper labels. Homegrown brands also choose paper labels in today’s scenarios.
- Film labels are mostly water resistant and it’s used for cross industries like cosmetics, food, pharmaceuticals etcetera. They are also highly durable and reflect a stylish and sleek look for various product packaging.
- Foil labels offer a premium look to product packaging. Luxury goods, wine bottles, beverages, etcetera generally use foil labels to attract premium customers.
Paper vs. Film vs. Foil Labels
Paper Labels
Though simple in appearance, paper paper materials and paper labels have been long used in product packaging. It is not only traditional but a highly cost effective option when it comes to product packaging. Printing is easier and color reproduction is exact while also being highly adhesive friendly. Paper stock is also a go to printing materials when it comes to custom labels for ecommerce industries.
Features & benefits
Paper labels are available in a variety of finishes like textured papers, matte labels, glossy finish, handwritten paper labels, ink printed, coated and so on. And when it comes to printing, they are. They are excellent for the print quality and visual appeal and for exact depiction of brand colors and preferences.
Best-suited industries
Homegrown brands, food and beverages, organic apparel and lifestyle, sustainable brands, e-commerce packaging and to boost local brand value.
Cost-effectiveness
If you are on a budget, paper labels are the classic choice. They are highly cost effective and fit within your pocket even for large scale production runs.
Pros
- Low cost, print perfection and high quality.
- Eco-friendly and recyclable.
Cons
- Less waterproof, susceptible to moisture, and sunlight, easy wear and tear.
Film Labels
Made from plastic materials like polypropylene or polyethylene, film labels are among one of the most highly used label materials across various use cases and industries.
Features & advantages
Film labels are very much long lasting. Be it water, oil, chemicals or light, they are highly used, ensuring a clean finish even on containers of any size and shape and surface.
Durability & resistance
These labels are highly flexible and durable, making them a popular choice for product packaging. Films are widely used for the manufacture of pharma labels, food packaging labels in India, in manufacturing industries, skincare / cosmetics and so on. They are also films that are also highly moisture resistant and so and so they are used for packaging that involves liquid or chemical durability and resistance.
Ideal use cases
Most ideal use areas include food packaging labels in India for frozen or refrigerated items, cosmetic brands and personal care products since humid bathrooms require moisture assistance materials and product packaging for skin care, shampoos, etc. Film labels are highly ideal chemical product labeling detergents which involve rough handling and moisture.
Pros
- Highly waterproof label printing material
- Available in different finishes like matte, glossy and clear.
- Easily adapts to the surface of the product being packaged.
Cons
- Cost is slightly higher than paper labeling.
- Fairly sustainable but includes eco film alternatives.
Foil Labels
Foil labels are a luxury addition to your product packaging. They usually have a metallic finish, mostly in gold, silver, or a holographic shade.
Premium look & feel
This is a very visually catchy label format and drives great attention from premium customers. It also offers a highly sophisticated look and feel to your products. The attention the metallic finish grabs is truly exceptional.
High-end branding applications
Foil labels are mostly used in perfumes, jewellery, luxury packaging, fashion and apparel, wine and beverages, boutiques, gift articles, etc.
Limitations & considerations
Foil labels are great in their look and feel appeal. However, there are certain considerations that need to be thought of while using foil labels for your product packaging. It is not suitable for moisture prevalent products, the price is on the higher side. High-end printing techniques may be required.
Pros
- The shelf appeal is grandeur.
- Offers a reflective and luxurious finish.
- Improves brand value and perception.
Cons
- Less resistant to moisture and light.
- Durability factors need to be reconsidered.
Industry-Based Recommendations
| Industry | Recommended Label Type | Notes | Feasible Printing Techniques |
| Food & Beverage | Paper or Film | Use film for refrigerated/frozen items | Flexographic, Digital, Thermal Transfer |
| Health & Beauty | Film | Moisture resistance is key | Flexographic, Digital, UV Inkjet |
| Industrial/Chemical | Film | Durability and chemical resistance | Flexographic, Screen Printing, Thermal Transfer |
| Luxury/Alcohol | Foil | Emphasizes premium branding | Hot Foil Stamping, Offset, Embossing, Digital |
| Apparel/Lifestyle | Paper | Eco-friendly, recyclable | Digital, Flexographic |
| Pharma/Healthcare | Film | Sterile and durable labeling | Thermal transfer, Digital, Flexographic |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Label Material
Choosing the right material stock for product labeling is a crucial first step in the process of product packaging. Driving buying decisions, brands over the years have seen significant spikes in sales with the right type of packaging labels. Here are a few things to consider.
Environment (temperature, moisture, sunlight)
When considering paper, film, and foil materials for your product label – consider the product type you are going to package. If your products would be prone to moisture, temperature or direct sunlight, film labels would be a great option as paper labels are more suitable for dry, non-moistures environments.
Surface texture & container shape
Based on the product’s surface texture, choose film labels for curvy or squeezable container shapes, and paper or film for flat cartons and glass jars.
Print quality & durability needs
While the print quality can be equally good on all three label materials, durability keeps film and foil materials at the forefront.
Budget vs. brand perception
As seen earlier, foil labels offer a premium visual appeal to any product. However, based on your niche – organic skincare for instance, paper being highly eco-friendly, would be the wisest option. It all depends on how you want your customers to perceive your brand.
Final Thoughts
A “one-material-fits-all” concept doesn’t really work in product packaging. Based on your niche, offerings, nature of product, environment in use, compliance, expiration, etc – the most feasible label materials for packaging is chosen. Even with the same industry, each brand resonates with different sectors of customers, ultimately resulting in a different choice of label materials. While one brand may find foil the best label material for cosmetics, a home-grown organic skincare brand may prefer sustainable packaging with paper labels.
Hence, it is in how smart the brand acts when it comes to delivering their products to the customers that most appeals to them. Hence, as a first step in the process, talk to a reputed label provider and discuss your needs, who will help you with the right choice of materials based on experience, durability, and compliance.
