What are the best materials and adhesives for candle label printing?
Typically candles have removable outer packaging where the label is applied, so paper with permanent adhesive is a good choice that’s more cost-effective. Many customers also prefer the silkier finish of paper vs polypropylene, the latter of which is more plastic in nature.
That being said, you may have pillar, votive or tapered candles with scents. If so, they will likely include essential oils, and may stain the label if they come into contact with the wax. In this case, waterproof polypropylene will have better longevity. This material is also essential if you’re selling floating candles and intend for the label to be kept on the outer floating container.
Something else to keep in mind, especially with attractive jar and container candles, is that someone may want to keep them afterwards for other uses. If that’s the case, removable adhesive will make it easier for your customers to remove the label after the wax is spent.
A final key point to remember is that candle labels are not made to be non-flammable, so they must be applied in a way that ensures they never risk coming into contact with the lit wick. Always keep them on the outer packaging, container/jar, or holder.
At FastLabels, our adhesive and materials are rated to 80c for long-term use, and up to 95c for short periods. This is more than enough for warm jars and containers where the candle wax melts around 49-68c and typically leaves the outer surface even cooler than this.
Remember CLP candle labels
The Classification, Labelling and Packaging regulations (CLP) require suitable label information for items that contain potentially hazardous contents. Usually wax alone doesn’t require this, but fragrances and essential oils, popular in most candles, can mean that a CLP label is required.
A candle CLP label would typically include:
- A product identifier (i.e. the name)
- Any allergen information if applicable
- A list of potentially hazardous contents if applicable (typically these are ingredients in the fragrance or essential oil additions, but not always)
- A word to indicate that it's a warning (i.e. "Warning")
- Safety and hazard information
- Hazard pictograms/logos if applicable
- Supplier details.
A candle safety label is also vital, which can be combined with the CLP label. Given that candles are flammable and can present a fire hazard, this information must cover how to use your products safety and include relevant warnings.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Using a heat resistant candle holder or bowl (if applicable)
- Never leaving a burning candle unattended
- Keeping it away from children and pets
- Keeping it away from combustible items
You'll be glad to know that all of this information doesn't need to be included right on the front of your candle! It can be on the back or underneath, where they are commonly found.