Waterproof Materials: The Key to a Long-Lasting Labels

The suitable label material makes all the difference in keeping your containers looking professional. A container’s label is more than just a design; it is critical to maintaining the product’s longevity and appeal. Waterproof labels, in particular, offer an essential layer of protection, ensuring that your brand and product information stays intact despite exposure to water, humidity, or other conditions. From bottle containers to sauce jars, these labels preserve your container’s integrity and durability.

Understanding Waterproof Labels

Waterproof labels are essential for maintaining the integrity of your brand and product information, even in the most demanding environments. At Consolidated Label, we offer a range of waterproof labels made from durable, high-performance materials to ensure your labels stay intact and look stunning, no matter the conditions.

Benefits of Custom Waterproof Labels

Ordering custom-printed waterproof labels offers many advantages. Whether you’re labeling food jars, cosmetic containers, or outdoor products, using waterproof labels ensures that your brand looks professional while providing the durability your products need.

Here are the key benefits of using waterproof labels:

  • Product longevity: a clear and intact label ensures that consumers can quickly identify the product and any essential information throughout its lifespan.
  • Professional appearance: they are designed to withstand exposure to water, oils, and other liquids without smudging or fading. This helps the product information remain legible and the brand stay intact, regardless of the exterior conditions.
  • Long-term adhesion: unlike paper labels that may peel or lift when exposed to water or humidity, waterproof labels use strong adhesives that bond securely to many surfaces. This ensures that your labels stay put, offering long-term reliability.

Industries That Use Waterproof Labels

Waterproof labels are essential across various areas where exposure to moisture, humidity, or harsh conditions is a regular occurrence. Here are some key industries where these durable labels play a crucial role:

Food and Beverage

In the food and beverage industry, waterproof labels are indispensable for products stored in fridges or freezers or exposed to condensation.

Bath and Body Industry

The bath and body industry heavily relies on waterproof labels to maintain product integrity and branding, especially in environments where moisture is common. Whether it’s lotions, soaps, or shampoos, waterproof labels ensure that the brand logo, ingredients, and usage instructions remain clear.

Healthcare

Waterproof labels are crucial for medical supplies, prescription bottles, and laboratory equipment. These labels help withstand exposure to liquids such as disinfectants, chemicals, or bodily fluids while maintaining clear information. Labels on tubes, medical instruments, or storage containers are perfect to meet the needs of a day-to-day routine at a medical facility.

Containers That Typically Use Waterproof Labels

Waterproof labels are essential for containers regularly exposed to moisture, humidity, or harsh conditions. These labels are designed to remain durable, clear, and legible despite exposure to liquids. Some of them include:

Jars

These are popular in industries like food, cosmetics, and home goods, where aesthetic appeal and functionality are critical. Waterproof labels on sauces and honey jars are perfect for keeping brand elements intact despite water, oils, or humidity exposure.

Bottles

Bottles for shampoos, conditioners, and even food products like hot sauces or wine bottles are often exposed to moisture, whether in the shower or the kitchen. Using waterproof labels ensures your label stays intact and readable, even when exposed to water or condensation.

Tubes

Tubes used for items like hand creams, lotions, and gels are squeezed and handled often, increasing the likelihood of contact with oils or water.

Choosing the Right Waterproof Label for Your Packaging

Selecting the correct waterproof label for your product ensures durability, a professional appearance, and that your specific packaging needs are met. Several factors, from the type of material to your product’s environment, must be considered when choosing the ideal waterproof label.

Here are the most popular waterproof label materials:

  • Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) labels are an increasingly popular choice for packaging and labeling due to their excellent durability. Made from polypropylene, these labels undergo a unique manufacturing process that stretches the material in two directions, enhancing its strength and stability.
  • Polyester is known for its extreme durability and resistance to water, UV light, and chemicals. It is ideal for labels on products exposed to the outdoors, such as food jars, cosmetic containers, and industrial products.
  • Vinyl provides water resistance and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for containers undergoing frequent handling or changing conditions. It is also highly resistant to moisture and oils.
  • Clear waterproof labels are made from transparent polyester, allowing your product to shine through while still protecting it from water and moisture.

Laminate and Varnish Options

You should also add a layer of protection to your label with a laminate or varnish finish. Polyester laminates are perfect for protecting your label against moisture or heat. Meanwhile, varnishes add a liquid layer to sections of the label. Because varnishes can allow you to cover specific sections on your label, you can add exciting effects to your design. UV coatings are another great varnish option if you expect your label to be in direct contact with sunlight.

Remember that laminates typically offer more protection than varnishes and may be a better choice depending on your application. Check out our guide for more information on the differences between our label finishes.

Shrink Sleeves and Flexible Packaging

Outside of the range of labels, we also offer two other waterproof solutions:

  • Shrink sleeves offer full-color, 360-degree design coverage, making them a popular choice for industries looking to maximize branding impact. Shrink sleeves conform tightly to the shape of containers, providing complete surface coverage from top to bottom.
  • Flexible packaging is printed on durable, pliable material resistant to tears, punctures, and environmental factors. It is commonly used for products that need to maintain freshness.

Waterproof Labels Protect Your Brand and Packaging

Choosing the correct waterproof label is essential for maintaining both the functionality and aesthetics of your packaging. Whether you’re in the food and beverage, bath and body, or cosmetics industry, waterproof labels ensure your product looks professional and stands up to the demands of its environment. Investing in durable, high-performance materials like BOPP, polyester, vinyl, or clear waterproof labels can protect your product’s integrity while enhancing its visual appeal.