The direction of label printing companies should align with the evolving trends in the label market. Today, label products are shifting towards non-paper options, with paper labels growing at 5% and plastic film labels at 15%. Environmental sustainability is also a key focus, especially for labels on plastic containers that require recycling. Transparency is another important trend, as it allows consumers to easily view product content and enhances product value. Additionally, there's an increasing demand for promotional rolls and anti-counterfeit labels, particularly for new or high-value products. Water-based adhesives and hot-melt adhesives are becoming more widely used. These trends highlight several promising areas for future label development.
1. IMD Products
IMD (In-Mold Decoration) includes three technologies: IML, IMR, and IMF. IML (In-Mold Labeling), developed by P&G over 40 years ago, integrates labels directly into products, making them suitable for wet and low-temperature environments while being both beautiful and eco-friendly. It’s commonly used in bathroom supplies, frozen foods, and beverages. IMR (In-Mold Roll) involves transferring printed patterns from a film onto a solid container during molding. IMF (In-Mold Film) prints a film, which is then placed into a mold for injection molding, resulting in a strong bond under high heat and pressure. This technology is widely used in 3C products, automotive parts, home appliances, and medical devices, offering significant market potential.
While in-mold labels are relatively easy to implement, IMR and IMF require advanced techniques. Many label companies find these technologies challenging, but Taiwanese manufacturers have mastered them, successfully upgrading traditional labels into precision components as early as 2002. For many companies, adopting IMR and IMF requires substantial investment, but staying ahead in a complex market demands continuous innovation and adaptation. Companies should aim to evolve every two to three years, ensuring that their teams stay updated and capable of driving growth through change.
2. Security Labels
Anti-counterfeiting has always been a critical aspect of the label industry, with a strong and stable market. One popular example from Taiwan is the “Set Point†label used in 7-Eleven stores. Customers accumulate points when they reach a certain purchase amount, which can be redeemed for small dolls or other rewards. The design of the label is dynamic and customizable, appealing to younger audiences. This marketing strategy combines functionality with entertainment, enhancing consumer engagement. Anti-counterfeiting features like temperature-sensitive ink, UV-reactive ink, micro-text, and OVI (optically variable ink) are used to ensure authenticity and prevent duplication. This case highlights how label companies can leverage innovative technology and creative design to add value and support marketing initiatives.
3. RFID Tags
Although RFID tags are often referred to as electronic tags, they can be designed beautifully using printing and anti-counterfeiting techniques. An example is the RFID tag created by Yongfengyu Company in Taiwan. This tag not only supports read/write functions but also incorporates anti-counterfeiting elements such as shading, cold stamping, micro-text, and OVI color-changing ink, creating a visually striking and high-value label. These tags have found successful applications in various markets, including paper-based RFID tags for Pu'er tea cakes in Yunnan Province.
The core technologies involved in RFID tag production include antenna design, printing, material selection, and process optimization. Companies can apply for patents to strengthen their technological edge. Understanding these processes opens up new opportunities for label printing companies, who can explore innovative ways to integrate printing with antenna solutions. This represents a growing market with vast potential. Looking ahead, the label printing industry holds endless possibilities for growth and innovation.
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