34 terms

Reference

The label lexicon.

Quick, plain-English definitions of the terms you meet when sourcing labels — from face stock to SVHC. Want the deep dive? See the Encyclopedia.

B

bleed: Bleed is artwork extended about 3 mm beyond the cut line so that trimming never leaves a white edge.
BOPP: BOPP (biaxially-oriented polypropylene) is a waterproof, oil-resistant plastic film, the standard for food, beverage, and cosmetic labels. Customers may call it a plastic or waterproof label.

CMYK: CMYK is the four-color print mode, different from on-screen RGB. Label artwork must be built in CMYK to print accurately.
corona treatment: Corona treatment is a surface process that raises the surface energy of plastic film so that ink and adhesive bond properly.

die line (cut line): A die line, or cut line, is a vector outline marking where the label is cut. It sits on its own layer and is not printed.
die-cut: Die-cut means the label is cut to a custom shape through both the face stock and the liner, producing a fully shaped label.
DoC (declaration of compliance): A declaration of compliance (DoC) is the document provided for food-contact materials and CE certification to prove conformity.

face stock: Face stock is the top printable layer of a label; it sets the look, feel, and durability. Choosing the face stock (paper, BOPP, PET, vinyl) is the first material decision.
flexo (flexographic printing): Flexo is plate-based printing with low unit cost at high volume and excellent spot-color matching, but a plate cost per color.

GS1-128 and SSCC: GS1-128 is a supply-chain barcode that encodes multiple fields; SSCC is an 18-digit unique ID for a pallet or carton.
GSM: GSM is grams per square meter, the weight of paper or film. Higher GSM is thicker and stiffer.

INCI: INCI is the international standard naming system for cosmetic ingredients, required on US cosmetic ingredient lists.

kiss-cut: Kiss-cut means only the face stock is cut, leaving the liner intact so labels stay on a full backing sheet and peel off easily; kiss-cut on rolls is a common requirement for automatic labeling equipment.

liner (release liner): The liner, or release liner, is the silicone-coated backing you peel off before applying a label. It protects the adhesive and is discarded.

matrix: The matrix is the waste grid of face stock between labels, stripped off the web after die-cutting.
micron: A micron is one thousandth of a millimeter, used for film and adhesive thickness.
mil: A mil is one thousandth of an inch, a film-thickness unit. One mil is about 25.4 microns.

no-label look: The no-label look uses a clear label, usually clear BOPP or PET, that blends into the container so the product shows through.

overlaminate: An overlaminate is a clear film applied over the print for scuff, water, chemical, and UV protection.

Pantone (spot color): A Pantone or spot color is a pre-mixed standard ink for exact color matching. Each spot color needs its own plate or pass.
peel adhesion: Peel adhesion is the force needed to pull a label off a surface. It distinguishes a permanent bond from a removable one.
permanent adhesive: A permanent adhesive bonds for good; removing the label tears the face stock or leaves residue. Used for most product labels.
PET (polyester): PET, or polyester, is the toughest common label film, resistant to UV, heat, and chemicals. Customers may call it a tear-proof label.
PSA (pressure-sensitive adhesive): A pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) bonds under light pressure with no heat or solvent. It is the standard adhesive for self-adhesive labels.

removable adhesive: A removable adhesive lifts cleanly with no residue. Used for temporary labels, promotions, and reusable containers.

SDS (safety data sheet): An SDS is the 16-section hazard document that must accompany chemicals under GHS and OSHA rules.
shear: Shear is an adhesive resistance to sliding under load. It reflects how well a label stays in place over time, important for heavy parts.
slitting: Slitting is cutting a wide printed web lengthwise into narrow rolls sized for the applicator or customer.
SVHC: An SVHC is a substance of very high concern under EU REACH; its presence above 0.1 percent must be disclosed to buyers.

tack: Tack is the instant grab of an adhesive on first contact. High tack matters for high-speed applicators and for sticking to difficult surfaces.

UDI, HRI, AIDC: UDI is a medical-device unique identifier shown two ways: human-readable text (HRI) and a machine-readable code (AIDC), such as a Data Matrix.

VDP (variable data printing): Variable data printing (VDP) prints unique content such as serial numbers, barcodes, or names on each label within one run.
vinyl (PVC): Vinyl (PVC) is a flexible film that conforms to curves and lasts outdoors. Customers often call it a waterproof sticker.

wind direction: Wind direction is how labels face as a roll unwinds, numbered 1 to 8. It must match the applicator or automatic application fails.

Still unsure which term applies?