- Web4Labels Customer Portal
1800 773 331
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Brisbane
28 Limestone Street
Darra, QLD 4076
AustraliaPhone: +61 7 3712 9999
Email: enquiry.bne@mcclabel.com -
Sydney
3 Dolerite Way
Pemulwuy, NSW 2145
AustraliaPhone: +61 2 8123 1400
Email: enquiry.bne@mcclabel.com -
Melbourne Sales Office
Mak: +61 413 126 168
Phone: +61 7 3712 9999
Email: enquiry.bne@mcclabel.com
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0800 152 162
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Christchurch
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48 Waterloo Road
Sockburn, Christchurch 8042
New ZealandPhone: +64 3 349 5299
Email: mcc.christchurch@mcclabel.com
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Client
Resources
Glossary
Labels can be quite technical, and we tend to use a lot of industry jargon. Here we explain some of the key terms you might come across.
In addition, our Environment and Sustainability Glossary explain some of the key packaging-related environmental and sustainability terms and definitions used in the industry.
If you hear a term that isn’t covered here please contact us and we’d be happy to explain. Our frequently asked questions page might also be of interest.
Adhesive
The sticky underside of the label. Pressure is required to activate the adhesive to start the bonding process. Learn more on our adhesives page.
Cast Gloss Paper
A paper with a high gloss finish with an excellent printing surface. The cast coat provides extra moisture resistance and superior print compared to semi-gloss papers. The same paper can be used to achieve a matt finish with the addition of a matt varnish.
Cold Foil
A printing process where foil is applied to the label using an adhesive transferred by a more cost effective flexographic polymer plate.
Die Cut
The process in which a raised edge of metal surface cuts the shape of the label out. Typically the die will only cut the top layer and adhesive, leaving the liner/backing sheet un-cut.
Dies/Tooling
Cylinders or plates that are engraved out of metal or polymer material that are used to cut, hot stamp or emboss labels.
Digital Offset Printing
A digital print method in which ink is digitally imaged, transferred to a blanket and then onto the label. This method of printing provides superior print detail and vibrant colour reproduction. Learn more about our digital offset label printing capabilities.
Digital Printing
A printing process that works directly from digital files, where printing plates are not required.
Direct Thermal Synthetic
A synthetic based label with a chemical coating that is activated when printed through a direct thermal printer. This creates an image such as a barcode, text, price, etc.
Emboss/Deboss
A technique that creates raised or lowered graphics by the use of specialised tooling.
Direct Thermal Paper
A paper based label with a chemical coating that is activated when printed through a direct thermal printer. This creates an image such as a barcode, text, price, etc.
Flexographic Printing
A method of printing which uses flexible polymer plates to transfer the ink to the label. Learn more about our flexographic label printing capabilities.
Flexographic Photopolymer Plate
A plate material that is photosensitive and when exposed to light it hardens. When the plate is washed in a solvent the non-exposed areas are washed away leaving the exposed areas raised. This provides the surface for transferring the ink to the label.
Hot Stamping Foil
A printing process in which foil is transferred by a metal plate to a label material using a combination of heat and pressure. The metal plate is more expensive than the flexographic plate used for cold foil but does provide a superior result on fine detail.
Laminate
A plastic film that is bonded to the surface of the label material. It seals the print in and provides the optimum moisture and scuff resistance. Common types of the laminate are clear gloss or clear matt.
Liner/Backing
This is the carrier sheet for the label and adhesive. The liner can be either paper or film.
Magnetic Die
A thin, flexible steel cutting plate that is held onto a base cylinder magnetically. Magnetic dies typically cost less to manufacture than solid rotary cutting dies.
Pressure Sensitive Label
A label produced on a substrate with an adhesive that adheres to surfaces by applying pressure. Also known as a self- adhesive label.
Process Colour (CMYK)
Four colours that are used to create photographs and other multi-tone and colour images on the label. Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black are the most common Process colours.
Registration
The alignment of all the elements on the label including ink colours, die cut, emboss, and hot stamping foil.
Spot Gloss
A label finishing option that adds gloss or matt varnish to selective areas of the label. This helps the chosen areas of the label pop out of the design.
Semi-Gloss Paper
A paper label that has a mid-gloss appearance. The gloss level can be increased by addition of a gloss varnish.
Varnish
A clear protective coating applied to a label. Varnishes are used to give the label either a glossy or matt appearance. They also provide protection against moisture and abrasion.
Uncoated Paper
Substrates that are printed directly on the pulp surface. These papers do not produce the colour intensity of cast coated or semi-gloss papers but are often sought after due to their textured feel.
Winding Direction
The way the label is coming off the roll when you unwind the roll. We use the industry standard system of 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 or 8.
Free Expert Consultation
Our experienced sales team have extensive expertise in all things labels. We would be pleased to meet with you to discuss your labelling requirements, share our knowledge and develop a solution specifically for you..
