What is a waterproof label?

Self-adhesive labels are widely used in modern society, which forces product makers to insist on labels that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical. Many items' packaging mandates that labels have a waterproof feature. But what waterproof label? Which substance makes up waterproof labels? Your inquiries are answered in this article.

Concept

In general, film-based self-adhesive labels are waterproof because they are made of film-based PE, PP, PVC, and other synthetic materials as the basic fabric, which allows them to retain some of their functionality, dimensional stability, and aesthetic appeal even when exposed to humidity, moisture, chemical solvents, grease, and ultraviolet light.

What kind of substance makes up the waterproof label?

1. Synthetic paper, a kind of plasticized paper

White matte, it has a paper-like appearance. The material exhibits good toughness and extrusion resistance after biaxial stretching. Additionally, it has a firm texture, is good at thermal transmission, and is appropriate for flat or hard surfaces. It is frequently employed in everyday chemical items and electrical components.

2. PE (polyethylene):

Can be metalized, has strong flexibility, good extrusion resistance, but weak tensile strength. Because PE is very flexible, it is widely used in bottles that must be repeatedly pressed and are susceptible to deformation. However, PE material is too supple; therefore, to increase rigidity, the thickness must be increased. The most popular thickness, used frequently as a material for big area labeling, is 80–100 microns.

3. PVC (polyvinyl chloride):

Soft and hard, with good tear resistance, softness, and chemical resistance; utilized in a wide range of products, including outdoor stickers, machinery, batteries, and electronics. However, the tensile strength and temperature resistance are general characteristics, and there will be some shrinkage as a result of temperature changes. When stretched, it rips easily. Environmental restrictions prevent it from being used indoors as much as it once was.

4. PET (polyester):

Excellent high-temperature resistance, durability, and tensile resistance, good chemical resistance, high rigidity, various colors, metallization treatment, and excellent transparency of transparent materials. The material does not deform when stretched, so it is difficult to tear, and the metal will rub when shaken. Widely used in electrical appliances, motors, machinery, and equipment, can reflect good texture and strength.

5. PP (polypropylene):

Biaxially stretched by machine, also called BOPP. It has high hardness, good tensile strength, good opacity, excellent durability, resistance to average temperatures, and transparent material with excellent transparency. PP material is suitable for bottles with hard surfaces and cannot be squeezed. Grassian backing paper or PET original paper is used in the market to match the PP surface material, which is considered for different levels of transparency requirements.

6. Blend of PP and PE (polyolefin):

It has high tensile strength and tear resistance, low opacity, soft material, and extrusion resistance. The material can be stretched in one direction to form a straight line and very stiff in the other direction. This material combines flexibility and stiffness, with good stiffness in the longitudinal direction and good flexibility in the other direction. It can be labeled smoothly and has good resistance to extrusion after labeling. It is widely used in eyeglass care solutions and daily chemical products.

Because the printing appropriateness of film material is not particularly excellent, film-type self-adhesive labels cannot replace paper-type self-adhesive labels. Although corona treatment or surface coating can increase the printability of film material, it is still not a good choice. Purchasers should still select film-based or paper-based self-adhesive labels based on their specific orientation requirements.