What are plastic labels and when should you choose them?
Plastic labels are self-adhesive printed labels made from plastic film, most commonly polypropylene (PP). They are resistant to water, grease, chemicals and mechanical damage. At LabelExpress.eu, we print full-colour plastic labels and stickers according to your design. You can order them in any shape and in quantities tailored to your needs. You receive ready-made, pre-printed labels that do not require you to print them yourself on an office printer, unlike blank thermal transfer labels.
Plastic labels are ideal wherever a product comes into contact with moisture, is frequently handled or is stored at low temperatures. They are most commonly used on:
- cosmetics and personal care products,
- household chemicals and cleaning products,
- drinks, juices, oils and olive oils,
- chilled and frozen food,
- plastic containers and packaging,
- industrial products and equipment designed to last for years.
The film does not absorb water, so the print does not smudge, and the label does not crease or peel away at the edges, even when condensation forms on the bottle. Under high tension, PP film may stretch but does not tear, which is important for packaging that is squeezed in the hand during use. If your product is stored in a dry place and does not require such durability, paper labels will suffice.
What materials are available for plastic labels at LabelExpress.eu?
At LabelExpress.eu, you can order plastic labels on white, transparent, silver, holographic or PET film. Each material produces a different effect on the packaging and has different functional properties, so it’s worth choosing one that suits the conditions in which the product will be used and stored.
- white PP film: the most versatile, durable and glossy, suitable for most products,
- transparent PP film: the transparent background creates a ‘no-label look’, where the label becomes almost invisible and the print appears to be applied directly to the packaging,
- silver PP film: metallised, with a mirror-like sheen, suitable for printing in any colour,
- holographic film: with a subtle shimmer, for limited editions and premium products,
- white PET film: offers the highest resistance to tearing, chemicals and high temperatures.
White PP film is a versatile choice if durability and legibility are your top priorities. Silver film is ideal when you want to make a product stand out on the shelf, such as alcohol, cosmetics or cleaning products. PET film can withstand temperatures of up to 150°C, making it suitable for industrial applications, household appliances and containers holding chemicals. You can find detailed specifications for each type of film in the ‘Materials’ tab.
What factors are plastic labels resistant to?
Durable plastic labels are resistant to water, grease, chemicals, abrasion and fading, in other words, the factors that most commonly damage paper labels. Material data sheets confirm that every film in our range is resistant to moisture and mechanical damage. The logo, product composition and barcode therefore remain legible during storage, transport and everyday use.
PP film retains its properties even when in contact with water, moisture, grease, oils and many chemicals and cleaning agents.
However, simply choosing the right film is not enough. The durability and adhesion of the plastic labels in demanding conditions, such as low temperatures in cold stores or freezers, or contact with greasy packaging surfaces, are largely determined by the choice of adhesive. If a label peels off at low temperatures, this is usually due to an unsuitable adhesive or the packaging surface being too cold at the time of application. Before ordering a larger batch, it is therefore worth testing the label on your own product and under real storage conditions.
What should you consider when choosing an adhesive for plastic labels?
The type of adhesive for plastic labels should be suited to the surface of the packaging and the temperature at which the product will be stored. At LabelExpress.eu, we offer several adhesive options: standard, strong, special standard, removable and opaque.
- Standard: universal acrylic adhesive, suitable for most packaging, including food products,
- strong: rubber-based adhesive for chilled and frozen products, suitable for use from -40°C,
- special standard: for difficult surfaces, such as HDPE bottles for cleaning products,
- removable: allows the label to be removed without leaving any residue on glass, steel or PET,
- opaque: a completely non-transparent adhesive that allows old printing to be covered.
If you’re applying a label to smooth plastic at room temperature, standard adhesive will be perfectly adequate. White PP film with this adhesive performs well in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 50°C, and with strong adhesive from -40°C to 70°C. If the product is to be stored in a fridge or freezer, choose the strong adhesive. Bear in mind, however, that the packaging must not be below 0°C when the label is applied. Opaque adhesive, on the other hand, is useful when you want to cover an outdated label with a new one and prevent the old text from showing through.
How do plastic labels differ from paper ones?
Plastic labels are resistant to moisture and mechanical damage, unlike paper ones. This is the most important difference to bear in mind when choosing the material. Paper is a better choice if you’re looking for a natural look and texture, and the product is stored in a dry place.
- moisture: film is resistant, paper is not,
- abrasion and tearing: film is resistant, paper is not,
- transparency: only possible on transparent film,
- texture and eco-friendliness: a wider range available on textured papers,
- FSC certification: paper products usually carry this certification.
You don’t have to limit yourself to just one material. You can choose plastic labels for bathroom and chilled products, and paper for items stored in dry places. You can order both types of labels via the LabelExpress.eu online calculator.
Can plastic labels be transparent?
Plastic labels can have a transparent background if you choose transparent PP film. The packaging or its contents are then visible through the label. This effect is often called the ‘no-label look’, as the print appears to be directly on the bottle or jar.
- colour printing on a transparent background,
- white printing,
- colour printing with a white underprint,
- transparent elements anywhere in the design.
A white underprint is most commonly used on dark and coloured packaging. Without it, the colours on the transparent film appear paler, as the background shows through. If you’re designing a label to be applied to glass, a transparent bottle of cosmetics or a jar, be sure to check out our range of transparent labels too.
What finishes and enhancements can you choose for plastic labels?
You can further protect plastic labels with varnish or lamination, which increase the durability of the print. If you’re looking for a more striking appearance, you can also choose enhancements such as a 3D effect, gold or silver foil. These elements allow you to highlight selected design details and emphasise the brand’s character.
- matt or gloss varnish,
- matt, gloss or soft-touch lamination,
- 3D and 3D Max finishes,
- gold and silver foiling.
Lamination also protects the print from wear and tear, so it’s worth choosing this option for products that are frequently handled or touched. A soft-touch finish gives the surface a velvety, matt texture that you can feel under your fingers. Gold and silver plating and 3D effects look best on selected elements of the design, such as the logo or product name.
How much do plastic labels cost, and what is the minimum order quantity?
You can order plastic labels from LabelExpress.eu from as little as 1 piece, and prices start from 49.00 zł net.
The price of plastic labels is influenced by:
- type of film and adhesive,
- label dimensions and shape,
- print run,
- selected finishes,
- packaging format: rolls, sheets or cartons.
The option to order plastic labels in small quantities allows you to tailor the quantity to your current sales needs, without having to build up stock in your warehouse. You can also submit several different graphic designs as part of a single order, for example for individual product variants. Plastic labels can have standard shapes, such as rectangles, circles and ovals, as well as any customised outline. We cut them using a laser, so you do not incur any additional costs for preparing a cutting die.
How quickly will you receive your plastic labels?
The standard production time for plastic labels at LabelExpress.eu is 3 working days. For selected materials, an express option is available, with labels ready for dispatch in as little as 24 hours. Materials eligible for express production are marked in the calculator.
- standard production time: 3 working days,
- express option: in as little as 24 hours, for selected materials,
- start of the countdown: payment received and correct file submitted,
- delivery time is added to the production time.
We count the production time from when the payment is cleared and a correctly prepared file is submitted. Delivery time is added to the production time; this depends on the country and the chosen delivery method. If you’re on a tight deadline, select a material marked as ‘express’ in the calculator and check your design before submitting it, as a file requiring corrections will delay the entire process.
How do I order plastic labels online?
You can order plastic labels from LabelExpress.eu entirely online, and the whole process will take you just a few minutes. You can set all the parameters in the calculator and see the price straight away.
- Select the film and adhesive.
- Specify the dimensions, shape and print run.
- Add the finish and packaging type.
- Place your order and pay for it online.
- Upload your design: a ready-made file or graphics created using the free design tool.
You upload your design after placing your order. If you don’t have a ready-made design, you can create one yourself using our free online design tool. When ordering plastic labels on a roll, you also choose the application method, manual or automatic, and the core diameter to suit the labelling machine at your production facility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are plastic labels waterproof?
Yes, plastic labels from LabelExpress.eu are water- and moisture-resistant, as the film does not absorb water. The print does not smudge, and the label does not crease, even when exposed to condensation.
Are plastic labels suitable for use in the fridge and freezer?
Yes, plastic labels with strong adhesive can be used at temperatures as low as -40°C. The packaging should not be colder than 0°C when applying the label.
Can plastic labels be used outdoors?
Plastic labels are resistant to moisture, abrasion and fading, which is why they withstand outdoor conditions better than paper. If the label is to be exposed to sun and rain for a long time, test it on your own product before ordering a larger batch.
What is the minimum order quantity for plastic labels?
You can order plastic labels from LabelExpress.eu from as little as 1 piece. There is no minimum order quantity, so you can start with a trial run.
What is the difference between PP film and PET film?
PP film is more flexible and works well on most packaging. PET film is more durable and can withstand temperatures of up to 150°C. It is ideal for industrial use and for equipment used over many years, such as household appliances.
Can plastic labels be transparent?
Yes, plastic labels made from transparent PP film have a transparent background. You can enhance the colours with a white underprint, which you can select in the LabelExpress.eu calculator.
How long does it take to produce plastic labels?
The standard production time for plastic labels is 3 working days, and for selected materials, labels can be ready in as little as 24 hours. We count the production time from when the payment is cleared and a correctly prepared file is submitted; delivery time is added to this.
Are plastic labels suitable for food products?
Yes, plastic labels with standard adhesive can be used on food packaging, including chilled food. For frozen foods, select a strong adhesive on LabelExpress.eu that works at temperatures as low as -40°C.
Can I design a plastic label online for free?
Yes, you can design your own plastic labels using the free online designer at LabelExpress.eu. You can also upload a ready-made design after placing your order.
| Colours available | We offer labels in a wide range of colours, from classic white and transparent, through elegant cream and natural kraft, to striking gold and silver, which add prestige and character to your products. You can print labels with your own graphics with us. |
|---|---|
| Size | any |
| Materials | A wide range of label materials: foil and paper, smooth and textured. |
| Adhesive type | It is the adhesive that determines the durability and effectiveness of your label. Choose the one that suits your needs from the following options: standard, strong, removable, opaque, rubber, acrylic, or transparent. |
| Use areas | Product, handicraft, alcohol, informational, event, packaging, personalised, for labelling machines, in sheets, on rolls |
| Usage | LabelExpress labels are ideal wherever aesthetics, the need to convey product information and brand image building are important – from the food, cosmetics and alcohol industries to manufacturing, e-commerce and promotional activities. |
| Processing time | The standard production time for labels is 3 working days. For selected materials, an express option is available, with labels ready in as little as 24 hours. Materials eligible for express production are marked in the calculator. Delivery time is added to the production time; this depends on the country and the chosen delivery method. |
| Packaging | in sheets, on rolls, in boxes |
| Advantages | Less waste, reduced CO₂ emissions, small print runs, excellent print quality |
| Advantages of cooperation | Print smarter with less waste and top quality. Get 24-hour express or 3-day standard service. Produce only what you need – no storage, lower CO₂ emissions, and perfect labels for your packaging. |
| Competitiveness | You don't need to order in advance, you save time and work faster, you are more environmentally friendly. |
| Competitive edge | Get labels fast – even within 24 hours. Order small batches to match current needs, avoid surplus, and respond quickly to market demands. Optimised orders mean less waste and lower CO₂ emissions. |
| Environmental features | Less waste, reduced CO₂ emissions, small print runs |
| Environmental advantages | Choosing short-run printing is a strategy, not a compromise. You eliminate overproduction and storage, reduce waste and your carbon footprint. Less inventory means less waste, more control and faster response to market needs. |