Retail programmes live and die on changeover speed. A promotion is designed, printed, applied and removed inside a quarter, so the material has to be available in stock widths, run on existing applicators, and leave nothing behind. This page covers the constructions we supply for retail and consumer goods converters.
Permanent, removable and promotional constructions
Opacity is the property most often under-specified. An overlabel that lets the original text ghost through is a compliance problem, not a cosmetic one; ask for an opaque white face rather than assuming standard white paper covers dark print.
| Use | Face | Adhesive | Service life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary product label | Gloss or matte paper | Permanent | Product lifetime |
| Price / date marking | Paper | Removable | Weeks |
| Promotional flash | Paper or PP | Removable / peelable | One campaign |
| Overlabel (recall, translation) | Opaque white paper | Permanent, high opacity | Product lifetime |
| Scratch-off panel | Foil layer over print | n/a — decorated | Single use |
Scratch-off and interactive promotions
Scratch-off foil creates a concealing layer over a printed code that removes cleanly with a coin. It is applied as a hot stamping foil over a printed and varnished panel, which means it can be added on existing stamping equipment rather than requiring a dedicated coating unit.
The panel design controls the experience: a release varnish under the foil determines how easily it scratches, and the code beneath must be printed with an ink that survives the removal. Always run a physical trial before committing artwork — the interaction between varnish, code ink and foil is specific to each print process.
Shelf-ready and secondary packaging
- Foil-decorated shelf-ready cartons must survive case handling; specify an over-varnish where cases rub in transit.
- Keep barcodes off metallic and high-gloss areas — scanner failures at the checkout are the most expensive kind of packaging defect.
- Slit rolls to the applicator's core and outer-diameter limits so promotional runs do not stall the line.
- For multi-market packs, an overlabel with a translated panel is usually cheaper than a market-specific print run below about 20,000 units.
MOQ and lead time by product
Minimum order quantity and production lead time for the products used in this industry. Each row links straight to the product page with full specifications.
| Product | MOQ | Lead time |
|---|---|---|
| AF-1350 Slitting Machine | 1 set | 30–45 days |
Frequently asked questions
Which adhesive removes cleanly from a printed carton?
- A removable acrylic adhesive on a paper face. Check the intended service life: removable adhesives build bond over weeks, so a label designed to peel after a four-week promotion may tear the carton surface if it is left on for six months.
How do I stop an overlabel ghosting the original text?
- Specify an opaque white face rather than standard white paper, and if the underlying print is dark, use a face with a grey or black barrier layer. Opacity is measured, so ask for the value on the technical data sheet instead of judging it by eye.
How is a scratch-off panel produced?
- The code is printed, a release varnish is applied over it, and a scratch-off foil is hot stamped on top. The foil hides the code until a coin removes it. The combination of varnish and code ink must be trialled together, since removal behaviour depends on the whole stack rather than the foil alone.
Do you hold stock widths for fast promotional turnarounds?
- Common label widths and foil master rolls are held and slit to order, so a promotional run does not wait on a full production cycle. Confirm your applicator's width, core and roll diameter limits when you enquire and we slit to those.
Can foil be applied to recycled or kraft retail cartons?
- Yes, with a foil grade formulated for uncoated and recycled stock. These substrates absorb pressure and contain more fibre debris, so expect a lower temperature, longer dwell and more frequent die cleaning than on coated board.