When businesses invest in an on-demand colour label printer, the focus often goes straight to print speed, resolution, connectivity, and other printer specifications. 

But there’s another part of the equation that can have just as much impact on the finished label: the media you put through the printer. 

The right combination of printer, ink and label material can make a significant difference in print quality, durability, appearance, and production efficiency. That’s why at Neumann Marking Solutions, we look at the complete labeling application, not just the printer. 

Start With the Application 

There is no single label material that works perfectly for every application. 

A label used on a retail product may have very different requirements from one used for industrial identification, shipping, chemical products, or equipment. 

When selecting a labeling solution, it’s important to consider: 

  - What the label will be applied to

  - How the label will be handled

  - Whether it will be exposed to moisture, chemicals, or other demanding conditions

  - How long the label needs to remain legible and intact

  - Whether appearance and colour reproduction are important

  - The printer and ink technology being used

  - Whether continuous or pre-sized die-cut labels are required 

Looking at all these factors together helps ensure the printer and media are working as a complete system. 

Choosing the Right Label Material 

Different applications call for different substrates. Here are some of the common options businesses may consider for colour inkjet labeling. 

BOPP / Polypropylene Labels

BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene) and other polypropylene media are synthetic label materials valued for their durability, moisture resistance, and professional appearance. 

They can be a strong choice for applications where a traditional paper label may not provide the required level of resistance or presentation. 

Continuous and die-cut BOPP and PP media are available for selected colour inkjet platforms, including certain Epson ColorWorks models, depending on the printer and media specifications. 

Paper Labels

Paper remains one of the most versatile and practical label materials. 

It can be used for a wide range of applications, including: 

  - Product identification

  - Shipping labels

  - Barcodes

  - Inventory labels

  - Packaging

  - General-purpose product labeling 

For applications that don't require synthetic durability, paper can provide an effective and economical labeling solution. 

Chemical-Resistant Label Media

Some labeling environments are considerably more demanding. 

Industrial and chemical applications may expose labels to substances or conditions that can affect the label material, adhesive, or printed image. In these situations, selecting the right substrate is particularly important. 

Chemical resistance should be considered alongside the printer, ink system and specific application requirements rather than treated as a one-size-fits-all specification. 

Polyolefin and Other Synthetic Label Media

Synthetic materials such as polyolefin can provide an alternative to traditional paper when flexibility and durability are important. 

The specific performance characteristics will depend on the construction of the material and the application, so compatibility with the printer and ink system should always be confirmed before production. 

Glossy or Matte Label Media

Sometimes the label needs to do more than provide information. It needs to help sell the product. 

Glossy inkjet media can provide the vibrant colours, sharp graphics and polished appearance needed for product packaging, branding, and other presentation-focused applications. 

For businesses producing their own labels in-house, choosing the appropriate finish can help align the label with the overall look and feel of the product. 

Continuous Labels vs. Die-Cut Labels 

The format of the media is another important consideration. 

Die-cut labels are supplied in predetermined sizes and can be an efficient choice when a business produces consistent label formats. 

Continuous media, on the other hand, can provide greater flexibility when label lengths vary. Rather than being restricted to a fixed label size, businesses can produce labels to the required length, depending on the printer and media configuration. 

Compatible continuous paper, BOPP, and other media options are available for platforms such as Epson ColorWorks, Primera, and Afinia, depending on the specific printer model and application. 

Printer + Ink + Media + Support: The Complete Solution 

One of the biggest mistakes businesses can make when evaluating a label printing system is treating the printer, media, and support as completely separate decisions. 

They aren't. 

The printer, ink, and substrate all need to work together. A media that performs well on one printer or with one ink technology may not deliver the same results on another. Factors such as coating, media construction, ink compatibility, print technology, and environmental conditions can all affect the finished label. 

And the solution doesn’t stop once the printer is installed. Ongoing technical support can help businesses keep their labeling operation running smoothly, troubleshoot issues and get the most from their equipment over time.

That’s why choosing the right printer and media -- and having the right support behind them -- should be considered before making a printer investment, not after. 

The Right Solution Starts with the Label 

At Neumann Marking Solutions, we help businesses look beyond the printer itself. 

Our goal is to understand what you're printing, what you're printing on, and where the label needs to perform, then help identify a solution that fits the application. 

Our solutions include: 

  - Colour and industrial label printers

  - Continuous and die-cut label media

  - Inks and printing supplies

  - Application-specific labeling solutions

  - Product and application expertise 

Whether you're bringing colour label production in-house, replacing an existing system, or looking for a more efficient labeling process, choosing the right combination of printer and media is an important part of the decision. 

The best label printing solution isn't simply the printer with the best specifications. It's the combination that performs for your application.

The labeling experts at Neumann Marking Solutions are ready to help!

Schedule a free consultation and request your free printed label samples. Call us toll free at 1-800-268-7636 or locally at 780-434-9152.