Why use Pressure-Sensitive Labels for Food Processing Applications?
Food and beverage processors need versatile and cost-effective labels for consumable goods that will hold up during transport or under adverse conditions and resist damage, all while grabbing consumers’ attention from store shelves. Pressure-sensitive labels (PSLs) provide a solution as an ideal option for branding, product identification, ingredient and 
safety information, and logos or other designs.
While simple to apply, pressure-sensitive labels are quite durable, providing a strong substrate upon which to advertise or identify a product. Reputable pressure-sensitive label manufacturers can custom print and cut them to various sizes and shapes, tailoring these labels to a brand’s unique specifications. Read on to learn about the adhesive capabilities of pressure-sensitive labels and the vital role they play in the food processing industry.
How Do Pressure-Sensitive Labels Work & What Is the Technology Behind Them?
Pressure-sensitive labels are the most prevalent type of label in today’s market. They utilize pressure-activated adhesives rather than water- or solvent-based varieties, and users can apply them by hand or with automated pressure-sensitive label applicators. Pressure-sensitive labels are constructed of the following:
- Release liner. This removable layer, which abuts the adhesive layer, consists of a liner and its corresponding release coat. Together, they assist in a label’s delivery and adhesion while preventing it from sticking to a secondary material until it’s time for the intended application.
- Adhesive. The adhesive coating allows a label to stick to products and equipment.
- Facestock. A label’s facestock is the surface upon which manufacturers print label text and designs.
- Topcoat. This laminate protects the face stock and its printing to provide an appealing finish for a label.
Pressure-sensitive labels typically depend on the release liner for their ease of use. Made of a material that resists the adhesive coating, such as low surface energy film or siliconized film or paper, it allows the adhesive to release from the liner after the label’s application to its intended surface.
What Are the Key Benefits of Using Pressure-Sensitive Labels?
Pressure-sensitive labels are cost-effective and easy to apply manually or using specialized equipment. They are durable enough to endure environments where friction, abrasion, sterilization, moisture, humidity, UV light, and other various extreme conditions are present. Pressure-sensitive labels will adhere to humid, rough, dusty, or otherwise contaminated surfaces using a simple application process. They also stick to surfaces made of rubber and non-polar polyolefinic materials, adding a level of substrate versatility. The labels are environmentally friendly with a disposable composition that uses minimal volatile compounds.
Importantly, these labels are highly customizable and work well with high-definition printing methods. This opens up a broad spectrum of options for size, shape, material, color, and other design features.
What Applications Do Pressure-Sensitive Labels Serve in Food Processing Applications?
The durability, ease of use, and versatility of pressure-sensitive labels make them ideal for food and beverage processing. The following consumable goods are only some of the products in this sector that rely on pressure-sensitive labels for their containers:
- Candies
- Canned foods
- Condiments and dressings
- Frozen foods
- Jams and jellies
- Sauces
- Spices
- Specialty and alcoholic beverages
Pressure-Sensitive Labeling Solutions From NADCO
Industries like the food and beverage sector rely on pressure-sensitive labels to convey branding and vital product information to consumers. Effective pressure-sensitive labels are eye-catching, durable, and easy to apply to various materials, surface textures, and substrate configurations.
At NADCO® Tapes & Labels, Inc., we manufacture a variety of standard and custom pressure-sensitive labels with an array of design and printing options, including flexographic, spot, and short-run digital printing in up to seven colors. We also have prototyping, die cutting, slitting, and converting capabilities to offer a more comprehensive range of in-house services. NADCO products are proudly made in the USA with the latest technology to withstand heavy use and provide a consistent and stylish aesthetic.
Contact us to learn more about our pressure-sensitive label manufacturing and customization capabilities, or request a quote today to begin your project.
