Labels on paper

What are paper labels and where are they best used?

Paper labels are self-adhesive, printed labels made from self-adhesive paper. At LabelExpress.eu, we print your design onto the paper stock of your choice and die-cut them into the shape you specify.

They are ideal wherever clear information, accurate colour reproduction and a natural appearance are important, and where the product is not exposed to water or intense friction. This is a versatile solution and, at the same time, the most commonly chosen material for labelling products that are not exposed to moisture, intense friction or mechanical damage.

• jars, tins and cartons of food,
• coffee, tea, herbs and spices,
• candles, soaps and cosmetics in a dry environment,
• bulk packaging and stock-keeping units with barcodes,
• handcrafted items, gifts and seasonal collections.

A label primarily serves an informative purpose. It contains the product name, ingredients, manufacturer’s details and a barcode, whilst also helping to build brand recognition. In the case of barcodes, print quality is particularly important, as the scanner must be able to read the code correctly even on the curved surface of a jar or bottle. If you sell the same product in several variants, you can order paper product labels by combining several designs in a single order.

What type of paper should you choose for paper labels?

At LabelExpress.eu, we print paper labels on a variety of materials. You can choose from semi-gloss white paper, metallised papers, silver and gold papers, as well as a wide range of textured papers. We also offer various types of adhesive, which you can select to suit the surface and conditions in which the label will be used.

Semi-gloss white paper is the most versatile and most commonly chosen material. Metallised papers, silver and gold, give labels an elegant look and a metallic sheen. Textured papers, on the other hand, stand out thanks to their interesting texture, which emphasises the character of the product and gives it a unique look. Both types of paper are ideal for premium-segment products.

• white semi-gloss paper, 81 g/m², standard, strong or removable adhesive,
• silver paper, 84 g/m², strong adhesive,
• gold-coloured paper, 83 g/m², strong adhesive,
• textured papers, a wide range of textures,
• standard adhesive: application from 5°C, service life from -20°C to 80°C,
• strong adhesive: can be applied from 0°C, suitable for use from -40°C to 70°C,
• removable adhesive: can be applied from -15°C, suitable for use from -30°C to 80°C.

When choosing an adhesive, focus primarily on the type of surface and the product’s storage conditions, rather than the price. Metallised papers feature a strong rubber-based adhesive that adheres well even to non-polar, slightly rough and curved surfaces. They are therefore also suitable for products stored in cold conditions. In the case of gold paper, it is advisable to apply a protective varnish to the surface to extend the label’s lifespan. Full material data sheets, including grammage, thickness and temperature ranges, can be found under the label materials tab.

Paper or plastic labels: which should you choose?

Choose paper labels for dry products and those with a shorter shelf life. If the packaging comes into contact with water, grease or chemicals, plastic labels are a better option.

The difference does not lie in the print quality, which is the same in both cases, but in the durability of the material. Paper has the advantage in terms of price and appearance, whilst film stands out for its durability.

• paper: lower price, natural look, good readability, indoor display,
• paper: lacks resistance to moisture and mechanical damage,
• PP film, i.e. polypropylene: resistant to water, grease, chemicals and fading,
• transparent PP film: creates a label effect without a background on glass and plastics,
• White PET film and holographic film: functional and decorative applications.

In practice, the most important factor is whether the packaging will be exposed to moisture. Cosmetics used in the shower, drinks stored in the fridge or frozen products require a foil label. On the other hand, herbs in a jar, coffee in a sachet, a candle in a cardboard box or bulk packaging in a warehouse are examples of applications where paper works well. If you’re unsure which material to choose, compare them on the website foil labels. Before making a decision, you can also order a single sample of each version.

Are paper labels resistant to moisture and mechanical damage?

Paper labels are not resistant to moisture or mechanical damage. We also highlight this in the material data sheets on LabelExpress.eu to help you choose the right label for the conditions in which it will be used.

Paper absorbs water, so it may become creased when exposed to moisture, causing the print to smudge. Friction during bulk transport may also leave marks on the label.

• they will not work on wet products or in cold stores with high humidity,
• are not intended for prolonged exposure to the outdoors and to UV rays,
• they are no substitute for cling film when it comes to greasy foods and household cleaning products,
• they cope well with dry indoor environments, shop shelves and warehouses,
• In difficult conditions, ask about PP or PET film.

This is a natural limitation of the material, not a manufacturing fault. It is worth bearing this in mind before placing a print order. In industry and logistics, where labels are subject to frequent movement and rubbing against other packaging, the film’s durability is often essential. If the product comes into contact with moisture only occasionally, a solution may be to change where the label is applied or to protect its surface with a varnish. However, in the event of constant contact with water, choose a film, as even an additional finish will not give paper the properties of plastic.

What shapes, sizes and packaging formats do paper labels come in?

We laser-cut paper labels, which allows us to produce both standard and completely bespoke shapes. Regardless of the outline you choose, there is no charge for the cutting die.

You specify the dimensions yourself in the calculator, accurate to the nearest millimetre. You choose the packaging format depending on how the labels are to be applied.

• a square and a rectangle, with straight or rounded corners,
• a circle and an oval,
• any shape based on your design,
• roll on a core, for automatic application,
• cartons, convenient for manual application,
• sheets, to stick on yourself.

A non-standard shape is one of the cheapest ways to make a product stand out on the shelf, as it costs the same as a rectangle. If you’re planning to use an automatic labelling machine, determine the core diameter and winding direction in advance to ensure the labels fit the applicator. For manual application of small print runs, cardboard boxes are often more convenient. On the other hand, rolls work well for labelling jars of preserves or honey. If you’re looking for inspiration regarding formats, take a look at the website labels for jars.

How much do paper labels cost, and what is the minimum print run?

Prices for paper labels at the LabelExpress.eu print shop start at 49 PLN (excl. VAT), and the minimum order is just 1 item.

You can work out the final price directly using the calculator, without having to submit an enquiry and wait for a quote. Several factors influence the final price.

• the type of paper and glue,
• the size and shape of the label,
• number of items,
• the number of print designs in the order,
• packaging format: roll, cardboard box or sheet,
• selected delivery date.

One of the biggest advantages of bespoke printed labels is the absence of a minimum order quantity, which gives you greater flexibility when planning your purchases. You can order on a ‘just-in-time’ basis, i.e. in quantities that match your immediate sales forecast. This means you don’t have to tie up capital in stock that sits in the warehouse and eventually becomes obsolete. Small print runs also allow you to test several versions of a label with real customers before committing to a larger batch. If you have several product lines, each can have its own design without any extra charge for separate set-up.

How long does it take to produce paper labels?

The standard production time for paper labels is 3 working days. With certain materials, you can opt for an express service, where labels are ready in as little as 24 hours.

Items available via the express service are marked in the calculator, so you can check which ones are covered by this option before placing your order.

• standard: 3 working days,
• express service: in as little as 24 hours, for selected materials,
• We count the time from when the payment is posted and a correctly prepared file is sent,
• Delivery time is added to the production time.

Please note that the production time is not the same as the delivery date. Delivery times depend on the country and the chosen delivery method. A more common cause of delays than the production process itself is an incorrectly prepared file, for example, the wrong format, missing bleed areas or text placed outside the safe area. If you want your order processed quickly, prepare your file in advance and choose a material available via the express service.

How do I order custom-printed paper labels?

You can order custom-printed paper labels from the LabelExpress.eu online print shop directly via the website. Use the calculator to specify the details, see the price straight away, and then either upload your file or create your design using the free online design tool.

The whole ordering process takes just a few minutes and does not require you to speak to a sales representative.

• Please specify the dimensions and the number of items,
• choose some paper and glue,
• determine the shape and corners,
• select the number of print designs,
• select the packaging type and method of application,
• Upload a file or design a label using the designer.

We do not carry out custom graphic design work. However, you can upload your own file or design the label yourself using our free online designer. If you’re using a ready-made design, please bear two things in mind: its dimensions must match the format you’ve ordered, and the most important content should be within the safe area so that it isn’t cut off during die-cutting. You also have the option to combine several different designs within a single order.

Are paper labels environmentally friendly?

You can order paper labels from LabelExpress.eu on FSC-certified paper. The production process itself helps to reduce the use of raw materials and CO₂ emissions.

We do not use printing plates, so we do not use up the materials or energy required to produce them. The option to order small batches also means we avoid printing labels in excess.

• FSC-certified paper for paper-based materials,
• no dies, meaning lower consumption of raw materials and energy,
• small production runs instead of printing to stock,
• print-on-demand and flexible production planning.

For companies reporting on ESG, this represents a tangible, measurable element of the supply chain, rather than merely a statement of intent. Ordering labels in line with current sales helps to reduce the amount of waste generated when stock becomes obsolete due to changes in product composition, price or design. Paper is also easier to recycle than plastic, which is important when assessing the packaging as a whole.