Helpful Resources & FAQs

Augmented Reality (AR) labels allow customers to scan a label with a mobile app to trigger a virtual experience, such as video instructions, contests, or “live” information. It helps differentiate products and provides data analytics on user engagement.

QR (Quick Response) codes are scannable codes that link smartphone users directly to the online world, such as product features, benefits, promotions, or surveys.

Barcodes (UPC symbols) track inventory and sales. Large retailers require them. To get them, you generally need to contact GS1 (http://www.gs1ca.org) to obtain unique product codes. PRX Print helps with the design placement and printing of barcodes to ensure they are compliant and scannable.

FLIPOVER! labels allow for full-color printing on the back of the label. This provides extra space for instructions, recipes, safety data, or multi-language information without covering up the product or increasing material costs.

• Cold/Freezer Temperature: Adheres to refrigerated or frozen substrates (generally +35 F or colder).

• Permanent: Standard to High adhesion – cannot be removed easily.  Ideal for warehouse carton labelling and labelling any product that is at room temperature.

• Extra Aggressive: a very strong, more tacky and durable adhesive designed for racking, outdoor, and hard-to-label applications. High adhesive, difficult to remove.

• Removable: Low adhesion; removes without leaving residue (though may become permanent over time/weather exposure).

• Textile: Removes cleanly from fabric (not for velvet, fur, suede, or leather). Ideal for clothing returns.

• Ultra Removable/Repositionable: Can be reapplied multiple times without gaining permanency. Great for glass/windows.

If your design is simple, materials are standard, and quantities are low, in-house printing is an option. However, you should outsource if:

• Your labels are complex (special shapes, sizes, foils, textures).

• You require special adhesives (cold temp, moisture resistance).

• Your product requires a high-end look to compete with major retailers.

• You cannot keep up with demand or equipment maintenance costs.

There can be several reasons. To ensure adhesion:

1. Check that the adhesive is the correct type for the application temperature (e.g., cold temp/freezer adhesive for frozen environments).

2. Ensure the surface is clean and free of oily or waxy residue.

3. For small, unusual, or textured containers, use a slight overlap to prevent edges from lifting. Sometimes shrinksleeve labels are a better solution for specific containers.

Waterproof labels are constructed with a synthetic facestock (such as polypropylene or polyethylene) or vinyl, rather than wood fibers like paper. PRX Print uses a heat-based toner to fuse ink directly into substrates so it never runs, and offers protective varnishes (gloss or matte) and overlams for protection against chemicals and oils. Adhesive choice is also critical and depends on the surface tension and application environment.

Waterproof/water-resistant labels are essential or chosen in many applications where durability is important, where brand or safety information cannot be compromised, or to simply add attraction to packaging.

• Food and Beverage Packaging: For items like wine, beer, or refrigerated dips where moisture can cause paper labels to peel or look soggy.

• Health and Beauty Products: For items used in bathrooms (shampoos, soaps, creams) where steam and water can damage labels.

• Products That Are Handled/Stored Roughly: For items stored outdoors or handled by machinery/forklifts where durability against the elements and tearing is required.