---
title: Understanding the Right Materials for Your Pharmaceutical Labels
description: Find out more about the importance of choosing the right materials for labelling your pharmaceutical products.
image: https://www.premierlabels.uk.com/hubfs/shayna-douglas-XHnfMVo5hrU-unsplash.jpg
---

[![Premier Labels Logo design icon ](https://www.premierlabels.uk.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Premier%20Labels/images/premier-labels-logo2-rgb.png?width=908&height=347&name=premier-labels-logo2-rgb.png) ![Premier Labels logo including company name](https://www.premierlabels.uk.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Premier%20Labels/images/Black-Logo.png?width=908&height=347&name=Black-Logo.png) ![Premier Labels mobile logo](https://www.premierlabels.uk.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Premier%20Labels/images/Mobile-logo.png?width=51&height=75&name=Mobile-logo.png) ](https://www.premierlabels.uk.com/)

[![Request sample](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6391521/d9c64b82-a69b-4f37-82ae-da2f20715cc4.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6391521/d9c64b82-a69b-4f37-82ae-da2f20715cc4)

[![3-front-cover-Premier-guide](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6391521/interactive-194135949364.png) ](https://www.premierlabels.uk.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIhevohn2xNBO%2F1GXEI3TStEUr3ktvN6Wm3fSbWOk%2BGiMfJh9SvySdnSBGIKp3tSbFpGw3e8M7HRvoxNHtcaIPDJNzqp%2FFDz3jXwiNMOL5qYOrvKLzioCwwBnTmJrW%2BNzf54SGvKBq3humpn2xMREmS%2FYLFyQ8y3YcymIDpB9g%2F%2BEAdvH0YJ3T3hB9AgMYiGSsB63q5HnE0VWlRQ7icPxN6CQlYYAPUYCl%2F4Yfz5If7aVE31NUDf9b9uDONkc3P%2BEQUYQmE3t5lhMLF4pjwTliIeBJtZoVobcyrpsQ90mi7Br8%2BMWzmBxlc%2FWLkAVvbjJ62A61dey%2BkTMBanw%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=194135949364&portalId=6391521)

![close window](https://www.premierlabels.uk.com/hubfs/Premier%20Labels/images/close%20(3).png)

# Understanding the Right Materials for Your Pharmaceutical Labels

Jay Young

Find out more about the importance of choosing the right materials for labelling your pharmaceutical products.

When it comes to labelling your pharmaceutical product, there are two key factors you need to consider. The first is making sure that the information you provide is accurate and printed correctly on your label.

The second is the materials used to create the label.  Choosing the right material for your pharmaceutical label is essential to ensuring that the label remains durable for the lifespan of the product so that the information is always available for the consumer to access. 

For example, if the product has a shelf life of 2-3 years, but the label warps, fades, or peels  
in 6 months making the details regarding dosage or instructions illegible, the consumer will not be able to continue to use it.    
In this blog, we explore the practical qualities a pharmaceutical label should have and the  
range of available materials.

**What practical qualities do pharmaceutical labels need?**

To understand which materials are best for your pharmaceutical labels, first, you need to  
know what durable qualities they need. 

 No matter whether your product is an over-the-counter medication or laboratory  
equipment, your labels need to be able to withstand a wide range of conditions and  
temperatures, including:

- Moisture/humidity and submersion
- Chemical exposure
- Rough-textured surfaces
- High and low temperatures
- UV light/radiation

Another important consideration is that the label cannot be produced from materials that could potentially contaminate your product. 

**What materials are best for pharmaceutical labels?**

The different materials available for [pharmaceutical labels](https://www.premierlabels.uk.com/chemical-medical) include various types of polypropylene and paper stocks with matt or semi-gloss finishes. Each type can be applied with extra-strength adhesive to prevent your label from being removed easily. 

**Paper labels **

Paper labels are one of the most commonly used label materials in the pharmaceutical industry. They offer simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and ease of printing. However, their suitability depends on the requirements of the product.

Pros 

- Cost-effective for large production runs
- Compatible with a wide range of printing methods
- Suitable for products with short shelf lives where durability is less of a concern

    
Cons 

- Susceptible to moisture, humidity and other factors that could lead to label damage
- Limited resistance to chemicals, solvents, and abrasion.
- Not ideal for products that require long-term storage or expose to harsh conditions

    
For these reasons, paper labels are better suited to pharmaceutical products with a short shelf life, such as over-the-count medication and disposable medical supplies.

**Polypropylene **

Polypropylene labels offer enhanced durability and resistance to environmental factors compared to paper labels. They are commonly used for pharmaceutical products that require extended shelf life or exposure to challenging conditions. Polypropylene labels are available in white, clear, or silver, which each has its benefits.

Pros 

- Resistant to moisture, humidity, and temperature fluctuations 
- Excellent chemical and solvent resistance 
- Enhanced durability and abrasion resistance
- Polypropylene provides a degree of flexibility for cylindrical or curved products making it easier to apply.

    
Cons 

- High cost compared to paper labels 
- Limited compatibility with certain printing methods 

Polypropylene labels are recommended for pharmaceutical products that are stored in humid or damp environments, as well as those that require exposure to chemicals or solvents. They are suitable for bottles and containers that need to withstand transportation and handling.

![Pure Logical label created by Premier Labels](https://www.premierlabels.uk.com/hubfs/Premier%20Labels/imgs/portfolio-6-logical-1.jpg)

**Pharmaceutical labelling services from Premier Labels **

Producing regulatory-compliant pharmaceutical labels that are suitable for your product can be a time-consuming and difficult process. 

That’s where [Premier Labels](https://www.premierlabels.uk.com/) come in. 

To find out more about how we can help create the highest-quality pharmaceutical labels for your product, [contact our team today](https://www.premierlabels.uk.com/contact), we’re on hand to help.

[News 

](https://www.premierlabels.uk.com/news/our-approach-to-label-design)

### [Our three-step approach to label design](https://www.premierlabels.uk.com/news/our-approach-to-label-design)

 When it comes to label design, some of our customers don’t know where to start – while others have artwork.

[News 

](https://www.premierlabels.uk.com/news/how-to-choose-the-right-label-style-to-represent-your-spirit-brand)

### [How to Choose the Right Label Style to Represent Your Spirit Brand](https://www.premierlabels.uk.com/news/how-to-choose-the-right-label-style-to-represent-your-spirit-brand)

 You've spent months, maybe even years, perfecting the recipe for your spirit. The botanicals are balanced,.

[News 

](https://www.premierlabels.uk.com/news/sustainable-label-printing-and-why-its-crucial-for-brands)

### [Sustainable Label Printing and Why It’s Crucial for Brands](https://www.premierlabels.uk.com/news/sustainable-label-printing-and-why-its-crucial-for-brands)

 When I pick up a product these days, whether it’s a bottle of wine for the weekend or a new shampoo, I always.

## Impressed?

### Want to discuss how we can help your next product?

[![Contact us](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6391521/65172652-3890-437c-a926-1c68eed2ce4e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6391521/65172652-3890-437c-a926-1c68eed2ce4e)

 2026 © Premier Labels UK

[Privacy Policy](https://www.premierlabels.uk.com/privacy-policy)

[Terms and Conditions](https://www.premierlabels.uk.com/terms-conditions)

![QAS International ISO 9001:2015 Registered Company.](https://www.premierlabels.uk.com/hubfs/CA14523%20logo-01.png)

![QAS International ISO 14001:2015 Registered Company.](https://www.premierlabels.uk.com/hs-fs/hubfs/EN1937%20logo.png?width=595&height=461&name=EN1937%20logo.png)

![BRCGS Packaging Materials Certified.](https://www.premierlabels.uk.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BRCGS_CERT_PACKAGING_LOGO_CMYK.png?width=1107&height=1006&name=BRCGS_CERT_PACKAGING_LOGO_CMYK.png)

[![Premier Labels company logo and link back to home page](https://www.premierlabels.uk.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Premier%20Labels/images/premier-labels-logo2-stacked-rgb.png?width=150&height=113&name=premier-labels-logo2-stacked-rgb.png) ](https://www.premierlabels.uk.com/)

 Premier Labels  
 Unit 4, Riverway Industrial Estate  
 Old Portsmouth Road  
 Guildford, Surrey GU3 1LZ

[01483 423424](tel:%2001483423424)

[sales@premierlabels.uk.com](mailto:sales@premierlabels.uk.com)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "Organization",
  "address" : {
    "@type" : "PostalAddress",
    "addressCountry" : "GB",
    "addressLocality" : "Guildford",
    "addressRegion" : "Surrey",
    "postalCode" : "GU3 1LZ",
    "streetAddress" : "Riverway Industrial Estate"
  },
  "contactPoint" : {
    "@type" : "ContactPoint",
    "areaServed" : "GB",
    "availableLanguage" : "en",
    "contactType" : "sales",
    "telephone" : "+441483423424"
  },
  "logo" : "https://www.premierlabels.uk.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Premier%20Labels/images/premier-labels-logo2-stacked-rgb.png?width=300&height=226&name=premier-labels-logo2-stacked-rgb.png",
  "name" : "Premier Labels",
  "sameAs" : [ "https://twitter.com/premierlabelsuk", "https://www.linkedin.com/company/premier-labels/", "https://www.facebook.com/PremierLabels/", "https://www.instagram.com/premierlabelsuk/" ],
  "url" : "https://www.premierlabels.uk.com/"
}
```

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Jay Young",
    "url" : "https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-young-09578218a/"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2023-11-07",
  "datePublished" : "2022-09-14",
  "description" : "When it comes to labelling your pharmaceutical product, there are two key factors you need to consider. The first is making sure that the information you provide is accurate and printed correctly on your label.",
  "headline" : "Understanding the Right Materials for Your Pharmaceutical Labels",
  "image" : "https://www.premierlabels.uk.com/hubfs/Premier%20Labels/imgs/portfolio-6-logical-1.jpg",
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://www.premierlabels.uk.com/news/understanding-the-right-materials-for-your-pharmaceutical-labels",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://www.premierlabels.uk.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Premier%20Labels/images/premier-labels-logo2-rgb.png?width=908&height=347&name=premier-labels-logo2-rgb.png"
    },
    "name" : "Premier Labels"
  }
}
```