Repeat Label Programs
A strong option for labels ordered regularly with stable artwork, dimensions, materials, and application requirements.
Custom Flexographic Label Printing
Minnesota Label provides flexographic label printing for established products, recurring orders, branded packaging, product identification, and custom pressure-sensitive label programs.
Flexographic printing is especially well suited to repeat production where consistent specifications, efficient run performance, and dependable reproduction are important.
- Repeat production and ongoing label programs
- Custom paper and film label constructions
- Materials and adhesives selected for the application
- Custom roll configurations for hand or machine application
What Is Flexographic Label Printing?
Flexographic printing is a roll-fed printing process that uses flexible printing plates to transfer ink to the label material. Printing, die cutting, and other converting steps can be combined to produce finished labels in rolls.
The process is commonly used for custom pressure-sensitive labels that will be applied to packaging, products, equipment, containers, cartons, and other surfaces.
Because flexographic production uses project-specific tooling and setup, it is generally most effective for established designs, repeat orders, and production quantities that can benefit from efficient recurring runs.
When Flexographic Printing Is a Good Fit
Established Production Quantities
Flexographic printing can provide efficient production when order volumes justify the required setup and tooling.
Consistent Brand Reproduction
Supports ongoing packaging programs that require repeatable artwork, color targets, and finished label specifications.
Custom Label Constructions
Paper or film facestocks, application-specific adhesives, die-cut shapes, and protective finishes can be combined for the intended use.
Machine-Applied Labels
Labels can be produced to defined roll direction, core size, roll diameter, and spacing requirements for compatible application equipment.
Multi-Product Programs
Related products can be planned as a coordinated label program with defined materials, construction standards, and ordering requirements.
Common Flexographic Label Applications
Food and Beverage Labels
Branded labels for bottles, jars, containers, flexible packaging, secondary packaging, and other food or beverage applications.
Industrial Labels
Product, component, equipment, container, and manufacturing labels built around the application surface and operating environment.
Consumer Product Labels
Custom labels for branded products that need clear identification, visual consistency, and shelf-ready presentation.
Barcode and Identification Labels
Printed labels for product identification, inventory, distribution, and operational scanning applications.
Container and Packaging Labels
Pressure-sensitive labels for cartons, bottles, tubs, pails, bins, bags, and other primary or secondary packaging.
Promotional and Branded Labels
Product labels supporting promotions, branded packaging, coordinated campaigns, and established product lines.
Materials, Adhesives, and Finishing Options
A successful flexographic label begins with the complete label construction. Material and adhesive selection should account for the surface, application temperature, service environment, expected lifespan, and method of application.
Paper Facestocks
Suitable for many product, packaging, identification, and controlled indoor applications.
Film Facestocks
Film materials can provide added moisture resistance, flexibility, tear resistance, and durability.
Permanent Adhesives
Used when a label is expected to remain attached to the product, package, or surface throughout its service life.
Removable Adhesives
Available for selected applications where planned label removal is part of the project requirement.
Custom Die-Cut Shapes
Labels can be produced in custom dimensions and shapes based on the container, product, graphics, and application process.
Protective Finishes
Coatings or laminates may be specified to help protect the printed surface from handling, moisture, and abrasion.
Review additional considerations on our label materials and adhesives page.
Flexographic vs. Digital Label Printing
The right printing method depends on order quantity, artwork stability, number of versions, turnaround requirements, and expected reorder frequency. Neither process is the best choice for every project.
| Project factor | Flexographic printing | Digital printing |
|---|---|---|
| Typical fit | Established designs and recurring production programs | Shorter runs, changing designs, and flexible programs |
| Setup | Requires printing plates and production setup | Does not require conventional printing plates |
| Versions | Best suited to stable artwork and planned versions | Useful for multiple versions and frequent artwork changes |
| Order quantities | Often efficient for consistent production quantities | Often practical for shorter quantities and test runs |
| Repeat orders | Well suited to repeat specifications and ongoing programs | Useful when quantities or designs change between orders |
For short runs, multiple versions, seasonal artwork, or test-market projects, explore our digital label printing capabilities.
Information Needed for a Flexographic Label Quote
Complete project specifications help determine the appropriate printing method, construction, tooling, and finished roll format.
| Project factor | Information to provide |
|---|---|
| Label dimensions | Finished width, height, shape, and corner requirements |
| Quantity | Quantity per design, number of versions, and anticipated reorder frequency |
| Artwork | Print-ready artwork, colors, fonts, images, and production notes |
| Application surface | Surface material, texture, curvature, cleanliness, and container characteristics |
| Environment | Application and service temperatures, moisture, abrasion, chemical contact, and indoor or outdoor use |
| Material | Paper or film preference, adhesive requirements, and desired protective finish |
| Application method | Hand application or the make and model of the application equipment |
| Roll specifications | Roll direction, core size, maximum roll diameter, label spacing, and quantity per roll |
Planning Your Flexographic Label Program
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Define the Application
Identify the surface, environment, expected lifespan, and application method.
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Select the Label Construction
Match the facestock, adhesive, inks, and protective finish to the project requirements.
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Confirm Artwork and Specifications
Review dimensions, colors, copy, versions, roll direction, core size, and other production details.
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Produce and Maintain the Program
Establish clear specifications that can support efficient production and future repeat orders.
Why Work With Minnesota Label?
- Minnesota’s label partner since 2001
- Flexographic-first support for repeat production programs
- Digital printing options for shorter or changing runs
- Application-focused material and adhesive guidance
- Custom roll specifications for hand or machine application
- Support for packaging, product, and operational labels
Flexographic Label Printing FAQ
What is flexographic label printing?
Flexographic printing is a roll-fed process that uses flexible printing plates to transfer ink to label materials. It is commonly used for consistent, repeat production of pressure-sensitive labels.
When is flexographic printing a good choice?
Flexographic printing is often a good choice for established label designs, recurring orders, larger production quantities, and programs requiring consistent specifications across repeat runs.
What materials can be used for flexographic labels?
Flexographic labels can be produced with paper and film facestocks, permanent or removable adhesives, and protective finishes selected for the product, surface, environment, and application method.
What is the difference between flexographic and digital label printing?
Flexographic printing is generally suited to repeat production and established quantities. Digital printing is often useful for shorter runs, multiple versions, changing artwork, and test-market programs.
What information is needed for a flexographic label quote?
Helpful information includes label size, shape, quantity, number of designs, colors, application surface, environmental exposure, material requirements, roll direction, core size, maximum roll diameter, and artwork files.