- Clarify Core Needs: The Underlying Logic of Material Selection
Before selecting materials for seal stickers, it is essential to define the core requirements of the application scenario, as this forms the basis for proper material matching. If needs are unclear, material performance may not align with real conditions. For example, using ordinary adhesive labels in low temperatures may cause detachment and seal failure; or using non–food-grade materials on food packaging may create safety risks. Four key categories of requirements must be clarified:
(1) Functional requirements: Ensuring basic performance
Functionality is the “bottom-line” requirement for seal stickers. It should be determined according to product transport, storage, and usage conditions.
For e-commerce packages shipped by courier, friction resistance and adhesive strength are critical to avoid tearing or detachment during sorting and handling.
For refrigerated food (e.g., fresh produce, dairy), stickers must have low-temperature resistance, ensuring that adhesives remain flexible and effective at 0–5°C or lower.
For cosmetics, electronics, and other products requiring tamper resistance, stickers must be non-transferable (impossible to reapply once removed) to prevent resealing after opening and protect consumer rights.
(2) Environmental requirements: Coping with external challenges
External conditions such as temperature, humidity, and sunlight significantly affect durability.
In humid conditions (e.g., southern rainy season, seafood packaging), stickers must be waterproof to prevent paper bases from softening and adhesives from failing.
For long-term outdoor or high-UV exposure (e.g., garden tools, outdoor products), UV-resistant materials are needed to avoid fading, embrittlement, or adhesive aging.
In high-temperature environments (e.g., baked goods, hardware packaging), materials must withstand heat to avoid adhesive melting, sticker shifting, or substrate deformation.
(3) Visual requirements: Matching brand and packaging style
Seal stickers also serve as a medium for brand expression. Material texture, transparency, and printability must align with the packaging style.
For minimalist, transparent PET boxes (e.g., jewelry, gifts), transparent BOPP stickers can achieve an “invisible seal” effect without disrupting the clear look.
For vintage or premium brands (e.g., tea, cultural products), matte coated paper or kraft paper stickers provide a warm, natural texture that enhances perceived value.
For logos or designs requiring vivid colors, glossy coated paper or synthetic paper offers superior print quality, delivering richer colors and sharper details.
(4) Environmental & compliance requirements: Aligning with policies and consumer trends
With stricter environmental regulations and rising consumer awareness, sustainability and compliance are critical.
For exports to Europe or the U.S., materials must meet EU REACH and FDA food-contact standards, using certified adhesives and substrates to avoid harmful migration.
For eco-conscious brands (e.g., natural skincare, organic foods), biodegradable materials (e.g., PLA film, water-based adhesives) or recycled materials (e.g., recycled kraft paper) should be used to reduce environmental impact and communicate corporate responsibility.
- Common Material Characteristics: Matching Materials to Needs
The performance of seal stickers depends on the combination of substrate and adhesive. Choices should balance functionality and cost, avoiding unnecessary expense from “premium” materials or performance failures from cheap ones.
(1) Substrate selection: Defining texture and durability
The substrate is the “backbone” of a seal sticker, directly affecting stiffness, weather resistance, and printability. Common options include paper, plastics, and specialty functional films.
Paper substrates are cost-effective and highly printable, making them mainstream choices, though less weather-resistant and more suited for indoor, dry environments.
Coated paper: smooth surface, excellent for full-color printing with vivid images and sharp text; widely used in cosmetics and gift packaging.
Kraft paper: natural texture with a rustic look, stronger and more tear-resistant than coated paper; suitable for foods (e.g., bread, nuts) and cultural products that emphasize “natural” or “vintage” aesthetics.
Writing paper: slightly rough, best for simple text printing (e.g., “Seal” or “Do Not Open” labels), lowest cost, suitable for industrial or shipping packaging with minimal visual requirements.
Note: Ordinary paper is not waterproof. For humid environments, additional lamination (e.g., gloss or matte film) is required to improve water resistance, but this increases cost.
