Most bottled products need to be marked or labeled with information like:
- Logos and branding.
- Product name and description.
- Ingredient lists, instructions, or nutrition facts.
- Artwork and elements for visual appeal and memorability.
The method used for applying this important information to glass and plastic bottles and other packaging has a big impact on how it looks, its durability, and how it reflects your brand. Here, we’ll compare two common options: screen printing and paper labeling.
An Overview of Screen Printing vs. Paper Labeling
Screen printing and paper labeling processes are both widely used methods for decorating products and packaging. However, the two processes can have very different results and affect how consumers and retailers view your products. In screen printing, also called silk screening, a mesh screen, ink, and rubber blade are used to transfer stenciled designs onto a surface. The blade applies pressure to the screen, pushing the ink through, creating a finely detailed, vibrant image. It can be used with glass, plastic, metal, wood, and fabric.
Paper labels are available in sheets or rolls, and may come with or without a backing layer. Pressure-sensitive labels are backed with adhesive, while gummed labels must be moistened with water to stick. In packaging and bottling applications, most labels are preprinted and then applied to the package, container, or product.
Why Choose Screen Printing Over Paper Labeling?
With screen printing, your team can add colored, eye-catching, clear images and information to products with intense colors. Enhancing visual appeal with screen printing helps entice new audiences and makes your products stand out among the competition. Consider these advantages of screen-printed labels over paper labeling:
- Colors. Screen printing is available with a larger color palette, and the printing process delivers better color accuracy for consistent branding and consumer familiarity.
- Cost-Effectiveness. Setup and stencil creation are the major costs in screen printing, so it is possible to scale up orders and achieve lower labor and setup costs for each subsequent order or unit.
- Fast and Easy Artwork Changes. Rather than wasting printed labels if artwork, colors, dimensions change, a new screen with updated artwork can be prepared quickly for immediate use.
- Durability. Screen printing inks create long-lasting colors and images that don’t fade, smudge, peel, or wear away. Because ink is printed directly on the packaging, there is no risk of damaged or torn paper labels. Silkscreen printed images also resist damage from water exposure, UV radiation, and chemicals.
- Simplicity. Screen printing applies your brand images and text directly to the packaging in a single step, which is more efficient than the multiple printing and application steps of paper labels.
- Texture. Textures can be applied with the ink to make an even stronger visual and tactile first impression for a premium buying experience.
- Enhanced Shelf Appeal. Silk screen printing helps designs and graphics stand out better, both from a distance on a store shelf and in a customer’s hands. The durable ink bonds to the substrate so the product stays looking great, even in sunny store window displays and after packing, transportation, handling, and unboxing.
From high-quality images to cost-effectiveness on large orders, screen printing offers a wide range of benefits that paper labeling can’t duplicate.
Product Packaging Capabilities at WB Bottle
At WB Bottle, we specialize in screen printing so our customers’ bottles and packages look great from display to end use. Learn more about our capabilities and how they can fit into your processes.
High-Quality Screen Printing for Plastic and Glass
We offer expert screen printing services for bottles and containers purchased through WB Bottle Supply Co. up to one gallon in size, in a variety of materials, such as glass or plastic, and many shapes. We can print graphics, production information, and nutrition and ingredient facts for consumables and other regulated goods, and finishing textures. Although it’s not done in-house, our silk screening services can also accommodate in-mold lettering (IML) and applied ceramic lettering (ACL) options based on your budget and project goals.
We use the Pantone Matching System for consistency with colors in your original or custom artwork. Get a premium, high-end look with single-color or multi-color screening, and halftone silk screening. Halftone screening can make images look deeper and more vibrant.
Our high-quality, durable screen printing is a value-added service that gives your product a boost in several ways, including:
- Immediate interest in new brands or rebranded packaging.
- More dynamic images and labels.
- Better sales due to increased appeal and interest.
- Long-lasting designs that never make your product units look old, damaged, or worn.
Paper Labeling vs. Screen Printing? Talk to the Experts at WB Bottle!
Screen printing outperforms paper labeling for color vibrancy, gaining customer attention, and durability throughout the supply chain journey. At WB Bottle, we specialize in premium silk screening services for large and small orders. In addition to screen printing, we can provide bulk container repacking and shipping worldwide. Contact us today to learn more.