Selecting the Right Printer and Finishing Options for Non-Adhesive Labels

In the world of industrial labelling and packaging, non-adhesive labels are a niche that often offers significant benefits for certain use cases. Whether you are tagging reusable crates, hanging loop labels on apparel, or applying labels in harsh environments where adhesives fail, choosing the right combination of printing methods and finishing options is critical for performance, durability and aesthetics.

In this blog we will walk through the key considerations you should keep in mind when selecting printers and finishing for non-adhesive labels, so your investment delivers the right result.

Understanding the non-adhesive label opportunity

First, let’s define what we mean by non-adhesive labels. Unlike self-adhesive labels that stick to surfaces via an adhesive layer, non-adhesive labels rely on other attachment methods (loops, tags, ties, clips or perforations) or are simply not required to remain affixed permanently. This means the substrate, printing method and finishing options must often meet different criteria. Non-adhesive labels might need to endure handling, washing, outdoor exposure, or be removed and reused. Because of this, the selection of printer and finishing becomes more critical.

When buying from a specialist manufacturer or a trusted non-adhesive label supplier you will often see a variety of materials and finishing options specified. The key for you as a buyer is to match your application environment, expected lifespan and visual brand requirements with the appropriate technology.

Print technology: choosing the right printer

Selecting the correct printing method is the first step. Here are the main printing technologies to evaluate:

Digital/Inkjet printing

For smaller runs, frequent changes, or customised labels, digital printing offers flexibility. Non-adhesive labels that are batch-specific or require variable data (such as serial numbers, barcodes, QR codes, or regional versions) benefit from digital printing because you avoid plate or plate-making costs. Digital can produce high-quality full-colour graphics, helping brand owners apply premium or customised label designs.

Flexographic printing

For higher volumes, where label runs are consistent, flexographic printing is a strong option. It supports a wide range of substrates (films, paper, board) and offers good cost per unit at scale. Because non-adhesive labels might be made from non-standard materials (for example tags, Tyvek, film loops), flexographic printers that can handle varied substrates give you economies of scale.

Thermal transfer and direct thermal

Although more common in adhesive label markets, for certain non-adhesive tag-style labels where durability or encoding is required, thermal transfer may be suitable. For example, when you want to print variable data onto a non-adhesive film‐based tag, thermal transfer offers resistance to heat, smudging and wear.

When selecting your printer type ask: what is my run length? How often will design/packs change? What substrate types will I use? What durability requirements (wash, outdoor, reuse) are required? Your answers will guide your choice of printing technology.

Substrate and material considerations

Because non-adhesive labels often face tougher attachment methods and environments, the substrate plays a major role. You must pick materials that meet your environmental, mechanical and visual needs.

Some factors to keep in mind:

• Durability: If your label will be exposed to water, abrasion, UV light, outdoor conditions, it needs a substrate that resists wear. Tyvek, film (polyester, polypropylene), or reinforced card may be needed instead of standard paper.

• Attachment method: Since adhesives are not used, the material must be strong enough to be looped, tied or clipped without tearing.

• Print receptivity: Some materials require priming or special inks to ensure good print quality.

• Aesthetic finish: Your brand quality may demand premium finishes (matte, soft-touch film, foil accents). These influence substrate choice and finishing options.

• Environment and reuse: If the label is reused (for example on reusable containers) then material must survive multiple cycles; film or laminated paper might be required.

By selecting print technology and substrate together you reduce the risk of mismatch (for example digital print on a film that is not suited for it) and therefore ensure longevity and performance.

Finishing options: how they add value

Once you have print and substrate decided, finishing is the next area of focus. Finishing refers to the post-print processes that ensure the label is shaped, protected, and fit for application. For non-adhesive labels the finishing steps often include die-cutting, slitting, punch holes, loops, tags, and protective coatings or laminates.

Here are key finishing options to consider:

Die-cutting and shape cutting

Non-adhesive labels may need custom shapes, tag holes, loops or perforations. Die-cutting allows you to create custom contours, hanging holes or slots for cable ties. Ensuring your finishing partner can handle the required tolerance and shape for application is critical.

Lamination or protective coating

If the label will be subject to abrasion, washing or outdoor exposure you might require lamination or coatings. Laminates (matte, gloss or soft-touch) add durability and can enhance aesthetic appeal. In some finishing guides lamination and varnishing are cited as popular methods to protect printed work. Aqueous or UV coatings also help protect labels printed on film or paper when exposed to harsh conditions.

Folding, punching and loops

Non-adhesive tags often require holes for tying or loop application. Finishing must include clean holes, slots or loop attachments. The finishing provider must ensure edges are smooth so that loops do not tear the label during use.

Colour and finish choice

The finish (gloss, satin, matte) affects both brand perception and durability. For example a matte finish gives a sophisticated look and reduces glare. This is especially useful for luxury apparel tags. One resource highlights differences between glossy, satin and matte finishes.

Batching, roll or sheet format

How you receive the labels matters for your application line. Some operations may want sheet format, others need roll format for an automated tag-insertion line. A finishing partner should ask whether you have roll-feed equipment, or whether you will tie manually. Understanding this early saves disruptions.

Aligning print technology, finishing and application environment

To truly get the right solution you must align the three elements: print technology, finishing workflow and actual application environment. Here is how to approach that alignment:

1. Define environment conditions
   

   Ask: Will the labels be washed? Are they used outdoors? Will they be reused? Do they face mechanical abrasion or chemical exposure? Your answers drive substrate and finishing requirements.
   

2. Define production volume and flexibility
   

   If you run many variants with short runs, digital printing plus flexible finishing (sheet or small roll) may be best. If you run very large volumes with stable designs, a more traditional print method (such as flexographic) and efficient finishing is preferred.
   

3. Define attachment method

   Non-adhesive means you rely on loops, ties or hanging. The finishing must include appropriate holes, pre‐slits or loop attachments. Make sure your finishing house understands your tagging machine or your manual process.
   

4. Define brand aesthetic and market positioning If your product is premium you might choose film substrates, hot foil stamping, embossing or soft-touch laminate. Finishing options like foiling, embossing or soft-touch lamination add cost but also elevate brand perception.
   

5. Work with your supplier early It is important to engage your printing & finishing supplier early to ensure that the print method, substrate, finishing and attachment mechanism are all compatible. A specialist non-adhesive label supplier can guide you through this alignment and help avoid downstream issues.
   

Practical checklist to select the right printer and finishing partner

Here’s a practical checklist for procurement teams when selecting a printer and finishing partner for non-adhesive labels:

• Verify that the printer handles your required substrates (film, board, Tyvek) and volumes.

• Ask about print resolution, variable data capability, and turnaround time.

• Confirm whether finishing includes die-cutting, hole punching, loop attachment or tag formats.

• Ensure finishing formulations (laminates, coatings) meet the environmental and durability requirements you have specified.

• Request samples of finished labels that have been subjected to similar conditions (washing, abrasion, outdoor exposure).

• Confirm whether the supplier can supply roll-format if you have an automated tagging line, or sheet format if manual.

• Check lead times, cost per unit at your expected volume, and whether changes (design or substrate) will be easy in future.

• Clarify revision and version management—non-adhesive labels for reusable assets may need frequent change and expiry marking.

• Ensure quality control processes are in place—alignment, registration, cutting accuracy, hole placement, print consistency.

• Review the full supply chain: packaging of the labels, transport protection, storage conditions, compatibility with your application method.

• Discuss future scalability: if your volumes grow or your designs evolve, can the supplier scale with you and adapt finishing?

Case example: apparel hang-tags vs industrial reusable crate tags

Let’s illustrate two contrasting examples to highlight different priorities and how they affect printer and finishing choice.

Apparel hang-tags These are non-adhesive labels that hang from garments. The priorities here include brand impact (premium look), ease of attachment (loop or string), cost control on large volume, colour fidelity, and aesthetic finishing.

For this case you might choose digital printing for short runs with frequent style changes, a film or high-quality board substrate, soft-touch laminate or matte finish, die-cut shape with a punched hole, and roll or sheet format depending on how the labelling line works. Finishing might include foil stamping or spot UV for premium segments.

Reusable crate tags for logistics

Here the labels are attached to plastic or metal crates, may undergo washing, buffing, outdoor exposure, rough handling, and reuse. The priorities include durability, clarity of data, barcode readability, mechanical strength, and cost efficiency.

In this scenario you might use flexographic printing for large stable runs, a durable film substrate like polyester or polypropylene, lamination or protective coating, punched slot for cable tie or clip, roll format for efficient application on the factory floor. Finishing emphasis is on resilience rather than luxury look.

The choice of printer and finishing options diverges significantly between these two use cases, even though both fall under the umbrella of non‐adhesive labels. That is why specifying your application clearly upfront is essential.

Budgeting and future proofing

When budgeting for your non-adhesive labels it is tempting to focus only on cost per label. However you should take a broader view:

• Consider the total cost of ownership: cost of labels + cost of application + cost of failure or rework.

• Durable finishing may cost more upfront but reduce rework, waste and downtime.

• Flexibility in printing may cost slightly more per unit but allow you to react quickly to new product lines or regulatory changes.

• Choose a supplier who can support future growth. Think about whether print runs will scale, whether finishing can evolve (for example adding RFID loops, special coatings) and whether your application method may change (from manual to automated) and how your labels accommodate that.

• Consider environment and sustainability. Some finishing options or substrates may incur hidden costs when it comes to disposal, reuse or recycling. Non-adhesive solutions often align with reuse scenarios so designing with reuse in mind may be a strategic advantage.

Working with your non-adhesive label supplier

Selecting the right partner is as important as the technical choices. A good supplier will act as a consultant and guide you through decision-points. They will ask about your application, environment, expected volume changes, brand needs and finishing constraints. They will present material options, recommend print technologies, provide test labels, and support you through qualification.

They will also coordinate finishing workflows and ensure that your label integrates smoothly into your application equipment, whether manual tagging, automated insertion or tying. They will align print, finishing and logistics of label delivery to your site so that implementation is seamless.

Summary and next steps

In summary non-adhesive labels require a thoughtful approach to printer selection and finishing options. By aligning your print technology, substrate selection, finishing workflow and actual application environment you will deliver labels that perform well, look good and cost less over time. A specialist non-adhesive label supplier can help you navigate material choices, finishing options, and application methods so that your labels match your operational and brand requirements.

If your organisation is evaluating new tag formats, preparing for reusable container programmes, or seeking premium hang-tags for retail, make sure you give equal weight to printing technology, substrate durability and finishing workflow. When these are aligned your labels will no longer be an afterthought but a strategic part of your packaging and asset identification ecosystem.

Take the time to brief your supplier well, request samples, test under real use conditions, and confirm that the finishing options support the lifecycle your labels will experience. Make sure you choose a supplier who understands the nuances of non-adhesive solutions and can scale with your needs. With the right decisions your labels will deliver reliability, brand impact and cost efficiency for the long term.