The history of custom printed labels is closely linked to the development of textiles and printer technology. Early on, it was important to label textiles with information about the material, size and manufacturer. As technology developed and new materials were invented, the possibilities for printed labels changed dramatically.
The Beginnings of Label Printing - 19th Century
The first forerunners of today's printed labels date back to the 1800s, the end of the 19th century to be exact. Early labels were mainly applied to simple fabrics to provide basic information about the product. Printing on textiles was still in its infancy, so primitive techniques were used. Ink was often applied to textiles using hand stamps, which was inaccurate and time consuming.
Early 20th Century - Printing Presses and the Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution and the development of modern printing presses in the early 1900s revolutionized the production process. For the first time, labels were produced in large quantities by machine. Screen printing, which is still used today, had its heyday at this time. Labels played an important role in industrial textile production, as they were not only functional, but also opened up new possibilities for corporate branding.
Adhesive labels also had their origins in the first half of the 20th century, meaning a huge leap overall for labeling.
1960s and 1970s - New Materials for Mass Label Printing
The 1960s and 1970s saw a major leap forward with the introduction of synthetic label materials such as polyester satin. These materials were ideal as they were soft, durable and easy to print. At the same time, new processes such as offset printing improved, making the mass production of labels more efficient and cost-effective.
1980's to 1990's - New Printing Technologies for Labels Emerge
In the 1980s, thermal transfer technology revolutionized printing. The process made it possible to print permanently and accurately on textiles, which was particularly important for laundry and care labels. The technology also made it possible to produce short runs and custom label designs.
Today's High-tech Sustainable Label Printing Industry
Today's labels are made using a variety of printing techniques such as digital printing, flexographic printing and thermal transfer printing to produce custom labels of the highest quality. Sustainability is becoming more and more important, which is why environmentally friendly materials such as cotton are becoming more fashionable. Despite all the technological innovations, the classic printed label remains an integral part of the textile industry and serves as an important means of brand messaging, imparting product information and inventory management. Nowadays, textile, adhesive and paper labels can be printed with QR codes, bar codes and full-color artwork, enhancing the consumer's shopping experience and benefitting producers and sellers alike.
To learn more about how to apply your printed labels, check out our blog article on the subject!
