Foil and Embossed Labels
Commonly known for increasing the visual aesthetics of a label, foil and embossing is the foundation of producing enhanced value. At Cambridge Label, we have the capability to manufacture labels utilizing either cold foil, hot foil, or hot foil embossing production methods.
Hot Foiling & Cold Foiling
The application of foiling transfers a shiny foil to a label, giving it a high-end professional look. This type of embellishment is very popular for labelling products such as wine and spirits, health and beauty, nutraceutical, food packaging, limited edition products, and much more. There are two main types of production methods for foiling: hot foiling and cold foiling.
Cold Foiling
Cold foiling does not require a new die and is a suitable production method when printing on glossy film substrates. Instead of a die, a custom flexographic printing plate is crafted in house. The plate is designed to fit exactly where the foiling is to go and lays down an adhesive. A roll of cold foil is then transferred onto the label material, transferring the foiled elements of the design only onto the image areas that contain the adhesive. This way of foiling is a cost-effective alternative to hot foiling, but has more restrictions. Cold foiling can only be produced on high gloss film stocks.
Benefits of Cold Foiling
- Suitable on gloss poly substrates
- Creates a unique shine to a label, giving it a high-end professional look
- A cost-effective alternative to hot foiling
- Film substrates with cold foil are moisture resistant
- Better suited for higher quantity prints
- The plate cost is a one-time charge, as long as the design remains identical
Hot Foiling and Embossing
On the other hand, hot foiling requires a new die. In this process, a copper or brass die is used while the label stock passes through a hot foil stamping unit, and the machine uses heat to transfer the foil directly onto the label material. We can also emboss the same image area that is being foiled, meaning we can raise the height of the paper to make certain artwork elements stand out.
Benefits of Hot Foiling and Embossing
- Creates a unique shine to a label, giving it a high-end professional look
- Hundreds of colours to choose from which will allow for any design to be achieved
- Suitable for foiling on several textured wine papers
- Embossing can be done during the same process
- Better suited for lower quantity prints
- The die cost is a one-time charge, as long as the design remains identical
The price of a die varies greatly depending on the intricacy of the art, and if it involves a combination of foiling and embossing. Our customer service team is happy to discuss your project with you in order to determine a solution for you.