More than ever, facestock makes a strong impression

Before consumers drink the wine, taste the hot sauce, or apply the skin product, they typically get to know a product through its label. Labels can set a company or product apart from the competition, be a window to corporate philosophy, provoke, entertain, convey professionalism—and more.

First impressions often focus on what’s printed on the label. But what about the label itself? Once upon a time, you could have any label you wanted—as long you were willing to settle for a limited number of colors and materials. Often, the selection of a label type itself was relegated to secondary importance behind what was being printed on it. Now, the label stocks themselves are becoming an intriguing and influential part of the messaging process. Both the look and type of material can say volumes about company image, philosophy and culture.

For those wanting to make an ecological statement with a unique label, Lightning Labels now offers BioStone©, a material made literally of stone. Fully biodegradable and great for composting, BioStone speaks volumes about being green while looking good and staying strong. While it cannot be laminated, BioStone is water-resistant, durable, and holds ink well.

Want to flaunt good looks, exude professionalism and perhaps be a bit provocative at the same time? Attention-getting Satin Cloth, another new Lightning Labels product, is made of woven satin acetate cloth—which gives this material a bright sheen. Ideal for wine and spirits product labels, Satin Cloth makes any packaging pop. It also works well for bath and body product labels, food container labels, and just about any product containers where a smooth, satiny look is desired. When functionality is a top priority, Satin Cloth’s strong liner is ideal for machine application. Also, this label may be removed in hot water.

Are you looking for another eco-friendly label that offers great durability? Recycled Kraft may be just the ticket. Recycled from 100% post-consumer waste, this 55# label has an earthy look and feel, and its hearty liner makes it ideal for machine application. Like Satin Cloth, it can be removed in hot water. While it cannot be laminated and isn’t water or oil resistant, Recycled Kraft may provide the level of protection you need for certain applications.

Note about lamination: Sometimes customers reject non-laminatable labels out of hand without considering whether lamination is really needed. This is one reason why Lightning Labels encourages customers to test labels on their product containers. Testing allows you to see how they work in real-world applications, and to make comparisons with other label material options being considered. Just request a Lightning Labels sample pack to get started testing our newest label materials on your own products.

An equally resilient, eco-friendly label with a strong liner is Recycled Vellum. A great “green” choice, this 60# vellum is 100% recycled from 100% post-consumer waste.

When crinkles, wrinkles and creases rule the day, new Squeezable Film labels provide a perfect solution. This white 3 mil film is ideal for squeezable product containers. Squeezable Film is a popular choice for bath and body products, but also is suitable for everything from hot sauce to sweet mustard.

Responding to customer requests for a wider variety of label materials, Lightning Labels has added five new options, with more on the way. We now carry more than a dozen label stocks, making your decision-making process a bit more expansive.

Following are criteria to consider when choosing the one that's right for you:

• 1. Environment. Most new Lightning Label stocks are eco-friendly, meaning they are made of post-consumer recycled materials or such natural elements as stone.


• 2. Strength. Some label materials have extremely strong labels, making them ideal for machine application. Others are better-suited for hand application.


• 3. Durability. Not all labels can be laminated. Some have better ink adhesion properties than others. If resistance to water, oil and other elements are a concern, test to see if the stock you’re considering works—laminated or not. (See Learning about Labels for more information on the issues surrounding lamination.)


• 4. Appearance. The background for label printing can be just as important as the ink and design. Those looking for their graphics to really stand out may want to consider our new Satin Cloth, while those wanting a smooth background that feels good to the touch may find that BioStone is their best solution.


• 5. Removability. Some label stocks can be removed easier than others. Even if you don’t foresee a need to remove labels, “expect the best but plan for the worst.” For example, in the event of an application error, do you need to save the label for re-application, or just plan to dispose of it? Obviously, the answer to this question will help guide choice of label stock.


• 6. Cost. There are pricing variations to consider which may seem inconsequential when ordering 500 labels, but may clearly become more substantial when ordering 5,000. Think about quantity and associated pricing issues both for an upcoming order, and do some mid-term planning as well.
  
  For example, let’s say you have two sizes of squeezable containers—one designed for only a few uses; another much larger for extensive use. Is our new squeezable label the way to go? Possibly. Or, you may discover that another label stock better meets your budgetary needs for the smaller container, while the larger one definitely requires the squeezable label.

To make sure the label stock matches your specific needs, try them out by ordering our free label sample pack. It shows all the label stocks and finishing options we offer, including our brand new label materials. You may discover some surprisingly results—such as the ability of certain non-laminated label materials to withstand the elements. By testing these out on your own product containers in the conditions they will be used, you’ll know what to expect before putting anything on press.

If you already know which material type is right for your custom label or stickers, get an instant quote, or call a Customer Service Representative at 1.888.907.3004.

Other Articles from this Newsletter 
From the Desk of James Lowry - New Eco-Friendly Options for You!
Customer Focus - Picky Sticky
Learning About Labels - Learning About Label Laminates
Lightning Labels News - We've Lowered Our Minimum Order!