Medical & Security Labels
Water-Soluble Labels – Dissolvable & Biodegradable Paper Labels
Eco-friendly water-soluble labels made from biodegradable paper that dissolves completely in water. Leaves no adhesive residue, no plastic waste, and no contamination. Ideal for reusable containers, glass bottles, food service ware, and applications requiring clean removal or compostable packaging.
Specifications
- Material
- Water-soluble paper (biodegradable)
- Adhesive
- Water-soluble acrylic
- Thickness
- 60µm, 80µm
- Label size
- Custom die-cut from 10mm x 10mm to 200mm x 150mm
Eco-friendly water-soluble labels made from biodegradable paper that dissolves completely in water. Leaves no adhesive residue, no plastic waste, and no contamination. Ideal for reusable containers, glass bottles, food service ware, and applications requiring clean removal or compostable packaging.
Specifications
Items | Details |
|---|---|
Material | Water-soluble paper (biodegradable) |
Adhesive | Water-soluble acrylic (dissolves completely) |
Thickness | 60µm, 80µm |
Color | White, natural, custom |
Dissolution time | 30 seconds to 5 minutes (depending on water temperature and agitation) |
Temperature range | -20°C to +80°C |
Print compatibility | Thermal transfer (wax/resin or resin ribbon) / Flexographic |
Label size | Custom die-cut from 10mm x 10mm to 200mm x 150mm |
Core diameter | 1 inch (25.4mm) or 3 inch |
Certifications | FSC certified, compostable (EN 13432), recyclable |
Shelf life | 2 years (store in cool, dry conditions) |
Custom sizes, shapes, and printing available upon request. Not recommended for long-term outdoor use or high-humidity storage.
Key Features
- ✅ Dissolves completely in water – Label and adhesive dissolve without leaving residue, fibers, or sticky marks. No scraping, no chemical solvents needed.
- ✅ 100% biodegradable – Made from FSC-certified paper with water-soluble adhesive. Compostable per EN 13432. Breaks down naturally in industrial composting facilities.
- ✅ No plastic waste – Unlike PET or PP labels, water-soluble labels leave no microplastics. Ideal for brands committed to zero-waste packaging.
- ✅ Clean removal for reuse – Perfect for reusable containers, bottles, and food service ware that must be returned, washed, or refilled.
- ✅ Print-friendly surface – Accepts thermal transfer printing (wax/resin or resin ribbon) for barcodes, text, and logos. Flexographic printing available for high-volume runs.
- ✅ Safe for food contact – Paper and adhesive are food-safe when used as intended. Suitable for food packaging and food service applications.
- ✅ Fast dissolution – Dissolves in 30 seconds to 5 minutes depending on water temperature (warm water dissolves faster) and agitation.
- ✅ Compostable certification – Meets EN 13432 for industrial compostability. Suitable for compostable packaging systems.
How Water-Soluble Labels Work
The label consists of three components that all dissolve in water:
Component | Material | Dissolution Behaviour |
|---|---|---|
Facestock | Water-soluble paper | Dissolves into pulp and disperses |
Adhesive | Water-soluble acrylic | Dissolves completely – no residue |
Liner | Water-soluble paper | Dissolves with the label |
Dissolution process:
- Place the labelled item in water (warm water dissolves faster)
- Agitate gently or let soak
- Label and adhesive dissolve within 30 seconds to 5 minutes
- Item is left clean – no scraping, no residue, no contamination
💡 Note: Dissolution time depends on water temperature, agitation, and label thickness. For faster dissolution, use warm water (40–60°C) with gentle agitation.
Applications
Use Water-Soluble Labels for:
- Reusable containers & bottles – Labels that wash off cleanly when containers are returned, washed, or refilled. Ideal for deposit-return systems and reusable packaging.
- Food service ware – Labels on plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery that dissolve during commercial dishwashing. No residue left behind.
- Glass & metal containers – Perfect for jars, bottles, and cans that need clean label removal for reuse or recycling.
- Compostable packaging – Labels that break down with the packaging in industrial composting facilities. No plastic contamination.
- Event & temporary labeling – Name tags, event badges, and temporary labels that dissolve after use – no waste.
- Medical & laboratory – Dissolvable labels for specimen containers, labware, and single-use items that must be decontaminated.
- Zero-waste brands – For companies committed to plastic-free, compostable, or circular packaging solutions.
Printer & Ribbon Compatibility
Printing methods:
- Thermal transfer – Use wax/resin or resin ribbon for barcodes, text, and logos.
- Flexographic printing – For high-volume pre-printed labels.
- Laser printing – Available on A4 sheets (contact us for details).
Recommended ribbons:
- Wax/resin ribbon – Good for general-purpose printing on water-soluble labels.
- Resin ribbon – For maximum print durability before dissolution.
Compatible printers:
Most industrial thermal transfer printers from Zebra, Honeywell, Sato, TSC, Citizen.
Printer settings suggestion:
- Darkness: 20–25%
- Speed: 3–5 inches per second (ips)
⚠️ Note: Water-soluble labels are sensitive to moisture. Store in original packaging in a cool, dry place. Do not expose to water or high humidity before use.
How to Choose the Right Water-Soluble Label
Step 1: Determine Your Dissolution Requirements
Requirement | Recommended Thickness | Dissolution Time |
|---|---|---|
Fast dissolution | 60µm | 30 seconds – 1 minute |
Standard dissolution | 80µm | 2–5 minutes |
Pre-printed (flexo) | 60–80µm | 1–5 minutes |
Step 2: Choose Your Printing Method
Method | Best For |
|---|---|
Thermal transfer | Variable data, barcodes, small batches |
Flexographic | High-volume, pre-printed logos |
Laser (A4 sheets) | Small volumes, office printing |
Step 3: Consider Your Application
Application | Recommended Label |
|---|---|
Reusable containers | 80µm with strong adhesive for multiple washes |
Food service ware | 60µm for fast dissolution in dishwashers |
Compostable packaging | 60–80µm with EN 13432 certification |
Temporary event labels | 60µm for quick removal |
Step 4: Verify Storage Conditions
- Store below 30°C
- Keep away from moisture and humidity
- Keep in original packaging until use
- Use within 2 years of production date
Ordering & Sample Information
- MOQ: 50 roll for standard sizes; custom die-cut – MOQ 100 rolls.
- Free sample: 100 pieces available for testing. Test dissolution with your actual water temperature and process.
- Custom printing: Logo, text, barcodes – MOQ 1,00 rolls.
- Custom sizes: Any die-cut shape – MOQ 100 rolls.
- Lead time:
- Stock sizes: 3–5 business days
- Custom die-cut or printed: 10–15 business days
- Large volume (>1000 rolls): 20–25 days
⚠️ Important: Water-soluble labels must be stored in their original packaging and protected from moisture before use.
