Start with the decision
Buying Guides
Plain-language guides that turn a material request into a clearer set of print, construction and application questions.
- Material vocabulary
- Selection questions
- Trial planning
Technical resources
Technical Resources for Material Selection
Practical guides for understanding labelstock constructions, print compatibility questions, applications and material trials.
Practical purchasing questions
A specific job. A useful checklist.
Selection path
Move from a material question to a focused brief.
Use the question you already have to choose the next guide, then collect the details worth discussing.
Material fundamentalsChoose the whole label construction, not just paper or film.Compare paper, clear BOPP and PET labelstock. Work through facestock, adhesive, liner and printing with documented RT construction examples.Material fundamentalsA label that lifts needs a surface diagnosis, not just stronger glue.Troubleshoot label edge lift, poor attachment and residue. Compare surface condition, container shape, temperature and dwell time before choosing adhesive.Material fundamentalsMatch the print surface to the process, then check the finished label.Compare UV inkjet, water-based inkjet and thermal labelstock requirements. Prepare a press trial covering ink anchorage, drying, finishing and dispensing.Material fundamentalsRequest a sample that can answer your actual material question.Prepare a labelstock sample request with the construction, pack surface, print process and roll format. Use a practical observation record without downloading a TDS.
Connect process to material
Print Compatibility
Articles about how facestock surface and construction questions relate to a stated print route.
- Facestock surface
- Construction context
- Ink or toner route
- Finishing sequence
Look beneath the surface
Material Construction
Explanations of facestock, optional print-receptive topcoat, adhesive and release liner as one construction.
- Facestock
- Optional topcoat
- Adhesive
- Release liner
Describe the observation
Troubleshooting
Problem-framing guides that separate what was observed from the construction, process and application details still needed.
- Observed issue
- Process context
- Material context
- Application context
Confirm the exact material
Documents & Samples
Guidance on preparing document or sample questions for a specific material and application without implying availability.
- Exact construction
- Document questions
- Sample context
- Trial notes
From guidance to an enquiry
Use the guide to prepare a clear material requirement.
A useful request names the application surface, current construction or material direction, and the next evidence required. Add print or converting context when it affects the material trial.
Send an enquiryMaterial enquiry
Let’s talk about your label requirements.
Material family or current constructionApplication surface and service conditionsPrint and converting requirements, if relevantSample, quotation or technical advice