When trying to learn more about different kinds of labels and their uses, many people ask about label release liners. What is a label release liner? Some might think it is not vital, but they play an essential role in stick-on labels.
Here is all you need to understand about liners for labels. The details will help you better understand how essential these liners can be for a well-finished label.
What is a release liner?
Label release liners are like a protective sheet behind the labels, keeping them safe until they’re ready to use. A release liner is like a support layer in a roll or sheet of labels. It holds onto the sticky label material until it’s needed. Sometimes it’s called a ‘carrier’ or ‘backing.’
The liner can be made of film, paper, poly-coated paper, or other materials like metalized papers or films. These liners are often coated with silicone, which helps the label material easily release when it’s time to be used.
The thin sheet of paper at the back of stickers is a release liner, and the labels also have this liner for the same purpose of not letting the small drawing or animation get stuck to any surface it touches until you want it there.
The Different Types of Release Liners and Their Benefits
There are two main types of liners: paper and PET film. PET liners are great for fast-labeling machines because they’re thin and can hold more labels, reducing waste and saving space. They’re also used for labels that need to be applied in wet conditions, such as on beer cans (see comment below).
On the other hand, paper liners are more common and cheaper. They have a special coating to stop the label from sticking to the paper, making it easy to peel off when needed. While they’re strong and work well on fast packaging lines, they’re not ideal for wet applications.
A release liner is like the foundation for labels, found at the bottom of label rolls or sheets. It has a silicone layer that lets the sticky labels easily come off when you’re ready to use them. Without this liner, labels would stick to each other or other surfaces, making them hard to handle.
PET (polyester) release liners are smooth and strong, making them perfect for fast-labeling machines. The calendered kraft paper release liners are smooth white papers commonly used in the United States.
They’re good for many labeling machines and are a traditional choice for labels. Polykraft-release liners are a mix of paper and polypropylene, giving them extra strength and stability. They’re often used in industries like wine labeling, where labels might face moisture.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Release Liner
There are various factors that manufacturers must consider when they select the right release liner for their product.
Here are some factors to help you decide:
The label applicator:
Some applicators work better with certain types of liners, so it’s crucial that you choose one that matches your machine.
Environmental-friendly:
If your labels will be used in wet conditions, you’ll need a liner that can handle moisture without tearing.
Clear labels:
If you’re using clear labels, you’ll want a liner that won’t make the labels look cloudy when applied. To find the right kind of labels, you must search for the best manufacturer who offers a variety of labels and ensures quality. Selecting the right label can impact your customer and therefore, this decision must be carefully considered.
Nature of product:
The types of release liners match the kind of label you are using. As mentioned earlier, some release liner labels are used for products that can get wet or are made of specific materials. If you are looking for a label for beverage bottles that may get wet due to refrigeration, the release liner will have to be PET liners. Similarly, paper liners can be used for products that are disposable and do not need a long-lasting label.
Conclusion
A label release liner is a protective sheet of material that helps users apply the label where needed without removing the adhesive. This liner can be made of various materials, and the best option for any manufacturer rests upon a few factors that have been discussed.
You can find the best release liner for your products by considering these factors. The scope of this article was to inform all readers what a release liner is and what the different types of liners are so that they can make the right choice. If you’re interested in learning more about our label services and would like for us to provide you with a FREE quote, please visit: Request a Quote – M&R Label (mrlabel.com)
