Vinyl Stickers Printing - Paper Vinyl Stickers and Printed Labels

Everyone who orders custom vinyl stickers and labels has a choice: paper or vinyl material?

You may already have one in mind, but if you’re unsure, we’ve laid out some of the most important points below to help you decide.

The Qualities of Vinyl Stickers and Labels

When we say vinyl, we suggest to polypropylene vinyl only. This has usually replaced PVC vinyl in the printing manufacturing as it has all the same useful qualities, but without the toxicity that makes PVC a concern for people and the situation.

As a result, polypropylene is:

• Waterproof
• UV-resistant
• Tear-resistant
• Weatherproof
• Scratch-resistant

And also recyclable and secure for usage on the outside of food packaging.

Polypropylene vinyl stickers and Printed labels are a bit more expensive than paper, but they have a lot of qualities that consumers favour. For example, they will generally peel off in one go instead of being ripped off in smaller parts. Many also appreciate the plastic-like finish of polypropylene.

The properties of paper stickers and printed labels

Paper still looks excellent, especially with a gloss or matt laminate for the wanted finish. However, it’s reasonably not as strong as polypropylene vinyl, as it’s not waterproof and can be ripped fairly easily.

That being said, it’s usually a reasonable choice than vinyl so you can get more stickers/labels out of your resources. Some clients also favour the finish of paper as it’s less plastic-like, and in the case of textured paper, may favour an intentionally “rustic” effect.

What about food protection for labels?

This is one of the important differences between vinyl & paper for product labels. Polypropylene is secure enough for the outside of food packaging, but only uncoated paper is 100% food-safe for direct contact with food or drink that will be consumed.

For example, if you had a plastic container of food, you could put a polypropylene label on the outside. But if you needed stickers to place on apples, then the uncoated paper would be a reliable option.

There may also be conditions where the custom sticker or label comes into direct mouth contact. For example, young children’s toys. In this case, uncoated paper is also the secured option.

The verdict:

• If you need waterproof properties or generally strong durability, go with polypropylene vinyl
• If you aren’t bothered by these properties and want to maximise the quantity for your budget, consider paper
• But if you expect your stickers or labels to come into direct contact with anything that may be consumed, the uncoated paper would be better
• And for situations where the sticker or label itself may come into mouth contact, uncoated paper is also safer
• For food products, if you need labels for the outside of the packaging or container, polypropylene vinyl should be okay