We print labels flexographically using polymer matrices or digitally at 600dpi or 1200dpi resolution. Our prints are UV resistant and do not fade over time. With each realization, we cover stickers and labels with UV-cured varnish, which additionally protects the print from external influences such as moisture, oils and scratches. We supplement our printing processes with a wide range of enhancements, such as lamination, UV varnishing, cold-stamping gold and silver plating, selective finishing of printed elements, and printing of variable numbers or designs on a single roll.
All stages – from printing to finishing – take place in a single production cycle, ensuring repeatability, precision and flexibility tailored to the needs of industry, co-packing and mass packaging production.
Laminating glossy and matt
Lamination is the process of applying a protective film to the surface of a label. Matt, glossy or soft touch lamination protects the print from moisture, abrasion and chemicals. Laminating is most commonly used for cosmetic, food and chemical products.
What does lamination give you?
- Protection of the print against moisture, grease, chemicals, abrasion.
- Improving the durability of labels on packaging lines and in transport.
- Improved appearance – matt, glossy or soft touch finish.
Typical uses
- Tickets for cosmetics, dietary supplements, cleaning products, food products.
- Products exposed to frequent contact with the hand, grease or chemicals.
- Machine applied labels – where material stability is required.
Print varnishing (glossy, matt and soft touch)
UV-cured lacquer is the standard print protection at Flexolabels. Full-surface (apla) and selective (selective) variants are available. Varnishing the labels is a technological step that we carry out as standard – in both flexographic and digital printing. It is not just a matter of aesthetics. The varnish forms a physical protective barrier that increases the label’s resistance to external conditions: sunlight, moisture, grease, as well as abrasion that can occur during transport or application. UV varnish also allows additional graphic elements to stand out, highlighting selected graphics or text.
Unlike water-based varnishes, UV technology does not require long drying times and does not alter the dimensions of the material, which is important in roll-to-roll production and automated labelling. UV-cured varnish is also more resistant to temperature and aggressive chemicals – making it suitable for cosmetic and industrial products, but also for chilled and frozen products, where the label is exposed to condensation and condensation.
In addition to the classic full-surface lacquering, we also use selective lacquering (selective), which makes it possible to highlight specific graphic elements – most often a logo, product name or graphic elements which are to have a decorative function. Selective varnish can be applied to both matt and glossy surfaces. The effect is not only visually noticeable, but also tactile. In the case of selective varnishes, it is important to prepare the production file correctly.
Paint functions
- Protects the paint against abrasion and UV rays.
- Increases contrast and readability.
- In combination with the matt lamination it gives a tactile effect.
Selective refinements with varnish, gilding, silvering
Selective finishing is the application of UV varnish or gilding to selected elements of the label, e.g. logos, slogans or decorative elements. This technology enables gloss contrast, texture and selective highlighting effects, also combined with cold-stamping and lamination.
From a technological point of view, the process of selective lacquering is based on the so-called lacquer mask, a design layer that defines the zones to be covered with lacquer or gilding. In practice, several gloss levels, varnish thicknesses and even structural highlight varnishes are used, which allow a convexity that can be felt under the finger.
Selective varnishing technology can be combined with cold-stamping (gilding), lamination and printing on ULTRA transparent films. This offers a wide range of possibilities in designing a visual effect that attracts the attention of the end user, without having to change the format of the label or the base material. It is particularly suitable for cosmetic labels, dietary supplement packaging and premium beverages, where both aesthetics and the material’s resistance to moisture, UV and subzero temperatures are important.
We offer the possibility to perform technological trials and adhesion tests on specific materials, which minimises the risk of errors in larger orders. It is also worth emphasising that selective finishing does not extend the lead time – it is carried out during the same printing session.
Effect
- UV varnish only on logos, lettering, decorative elements.
- Touchable difference in texture under the finger.
- Visual contrast between matte and glossy surfaces.
Variable numbering of barcodes and graphic designs on one roll (combined printing)
The printing of variable data (numbers, codes, graphics) is carried out in digital printing, in a single production run. Unlike classic printing, where the graphic design is repeated, in digital technology, variable data can be dynamically generated and applied to the base material in real time. Every label can be different – without stopping the machine.
Combined printing is a technological solution which, in practice, means that many different graphic designs can be placed on a single roll of labels, in a single production run. At Flexolabels, this technology is based on digital printing, which allows the content of each individual label to be fully managed – without the need to stop the machine, change dies or adjust parameters.
Typical applications for variable designs and numbering include the FMCG, cosmetics, food, dietary supplements and alcohol industries – wherever the product functions in different packaging or communication versions. The solution is particularly useful in logistics, promotions, loyalty systems or scratch cards.
Example: a manufacturer of functional drinks can prepare labels for six flavours, each with a separate graphic, composition and EAN code, on a single roll. They are printed sequentially, in a fixed order or randomly, ready for application without additional segregation.
Variable numbering is used wherever it is necessary to unambiguously label a product unit. In the dietary supplement and pharmaceutical industries, it allows the batch number, production date or quality control code to be assigned. In the electronics and automotive industries – it enables the identification of components or production batches. In logistics – label numbering makes it easier to control the flow of goods, including scanning, receipt and release from the warehouse.
Example applications
- Batch numbering, batch identification
- Barcodes, QR, EAN, GS1, DataMatrix.
- Personalised labels for lotteries, promotions or loyalty schemes.
For more information see: variable numbering and barcodes on labels
Two-sided printing and adhesive-side subprinting
Reverse printing, or so-called reverse printing, consists of printing content or graphics on the inside of the label – between the self-adhesive layer and the surface applied to the packaging. This solution can be used mainly on transparent films (PP, PET), which enable the content to be read from the outside through transparent packaging. Importantly, the print on the adhesive side is completely protected from abrasion and external conditions, as it is not in direct contact with the environment.
The overprinting technology allows content to be inserted on the adhesive side – e.g. codes, instructions, batch numbers – so that the underside of the label can also be used as a carrier for additional information. Double-sided printing can be combined with the use of pressure-sensitive adhesives, which are characterised by lower adhesion and increased cohesion of the applied adhesive layer.
Application of subprint from the adhesive side
- Discount codes, numbering hidden.
- Promotional and multilayer labels.
- Legal information or instructions that do not need to be on the front.
Benefits of duplex printing
- The ability to communicate “from underneath” through transparent packaging.
- Saving space on the main label.
Printing of advertising stickers up to 500mm wide
We produce advertising stickers and product labels in widths of up to 500 mm. Large labels and stickers are often used in POS production, collective labelling and promotional activities. Stickers can be with permanent, peel-off or frost-resistant adhesive. In addition, lamination, varnishing, coding and perforation are possible.
Advertising stickers can be made both on paper and on foil (white, silver, transparent), using different types of adhesive – from permanent, through firmly adhering (to rough surfaces), to peel-off, allowing easy removal without a trace. The choice of material and adhesive is based on an analysis of the final application: whether the sticker will be applied manually or by machine, whether the packaging has a curved surface, whether the product will be displayed outdoors, in cold storage, in transit or on a shop shelf.
Possible executions
- Advertising stickers for displays, collection boxes, POS.
- Multi-format promotional stickers for packaging and transport packaging.
- Information stickers for plant and machinery.
Materials and adhesives
- Self-adhesive paper, white film, transparent, metallised.
- Permanent adhesives, removable, firmly adhering to difficult surfaces, for deep-freezing.
Production of printed, perforated tickets, on thermal or plain paper
We print numbered, perforated, lacquered tickets for use in thermal printers. Our machinery offers the possibility of producing tickets on a reel (with perforation) and options for personalising each ticket (variable printing).
Tickets can be printed on both sides – e.g. with graphics on the front and rules and regulations on the back – or include printing hidden on the adhesive side if they are part of a larger packaging or kit system. Depending on the type of event, we also offer the possibility to protect the ticket from copying by: the use of special selective varnishes, translucent printing, holographic cold-stamping elements, and the use of thermal papers.
Functions
- Variable numbering (serial or unique).
- Perforation (easy detachment).
- Print protection – varnishing or lamination.
Typical applications
- Tickets for events, concerts, theatre premieres.
- Internal tickets for queuing systems, goods receipt, logistics.
- Controls for industry, e.g. production batch handover.
