|
|
The Self-Adhesive Label
|
To the woman as she buys a jar of face cream or to the barman as he
serves liqueur from a bottle, it is of little consequence how the labels on
the jar or bottle have been produced and attached. So long as they are
pleasing to the eye, contain the necessary information and remain fixed
to the container, little attention is given to the labels and their packages
while they serve their principal function - that of successfully identifying,
transporting and holding their contents, After all, to the consumer, it is
the contents that give satisfaction or despair.
As with so many things in today's world, there are thousands of events,
each important to a few, that go unnoticed by the majority. Where as the
launch of a new achievement in the motor industry, for example, may be
heralded with much acclaim, similar events in the packaging world
receive little attention apart from amongst those who have an immediate
interest in them. this state of affairs is all the more evident when an
innovation takes many years to make an impact.
Such an instance has been the development of the self-adhesive label
(known in the industry as the 'pressure-sensitive' label). Originally
conceived in 1935, the self-adhesive label has, since the 1960s
increasingly gained wider acceptance by manufacturers. Today, it is
fast becoming the most widely used method of labelling.
This form of labelling has many advantages: dry application, adhesion
to practically all surfaces, in-build security, ease of handling and
complete freedom of label design. These are just some of the factors
that have given it a unique role in packaging and the identification of
products.
Technological progress made during recent years has enlarged and
improved the range of materials and adhesives available. Similarly, the
printing and converting of these materials has been refined and
improved. In addition, the development of high-speed application
equipment, capable of handling the widest possible range of products
and conditions, has always provided economic answers to the
requirements of the market. This combination of such dynamic
development has in turn convinced a growing number of companies to
use self-adhesive labels.
It was in 1958 that a group of 20 firms involved in the production and
use of pressure-sensitive labels formed a worldwide organisation to
co-ordinate their interests and to promote awareness. The Federation
International des Fabricants et Transformateurs d'Adhesifs et
Thermocollants sure papiers et Autres Supports (FINAT) was founded.
The publication of this book marks thirty years of progress, and
illustrates the variety, quality and complexity of labels that can be
achieved using method of production. |
|
|