What is Yupo Sticker? Features, Effects, and Important Considerations

Yupo seals are made from a highly water-resistant material and are used in a wide variety of applications. Many are interested in learning about the specific benefits and case studies of Yupo seals.

This article introduces the features, benefits, and precautions when producing Yupo seals. If you are considering producing Yupo seals, please use this as a reference.

Our company produces custom-made product labels using Yupo seals. We provide careful support to ensure the final product meets your vision, so please feel free to contact us.

What Are Yupo Seals? An Introduction to Their Materials and Features

Yupo seals refer to seals or labels made using the synthetic paper “Yupo.” It is a type of synthetic paper made from polypropylene resin, known for its low cost and wide range of uses.

Yupo has a paper-like texture yet is a matte film material with a smooth feel and excellent tear resistance.

In addition, its excellent water resistance makes it suitable for bottle labels and labels for refrigerated products.

Yupo features microscopic voids, making it approximately two-thirds the weight of coated paper of the same thickness, and it even floats on water. As a result, using Yupo can also help reduce the overall weight of printed materials.

Main Benefits of Yupo Seals

The main benefits of Yupo seals are as follows:

Benefit 1: Excellent Water Resistance

The greatest feature of Yupo seals is their outstanding water resistance. They are well-suited for labels on refrigerated products such as dressings, where condensation is likely. Consequently, there is no worry about wrinkles or deterioration due to temperature fluctuations.

For example, seals made from mirror-coated paper or washi tend to wrinkle or deteriorate when exposed to water droplets, but Yupo seals maintain their shape due to their excellent water resistance.

Because they do not swell or deform when wet, Yupo seals are ideal for labels on refrigerated foods and cosmetics, where exposure to water and humidity is common.

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Benefit 2: High Tear Resistance

Yupo seals are constructed with a three-layer structure, which gives them excellent tear resistance. The base layer is formed by stretching the material in both vertical and horizontal directions, resulting in high resistance to pulling and bending.

While typical paper tears easily when pulled, Yupo does not tear easily. As a result, it is also used for outdoor posters, such as election posters, where durability against wind and rain is required.

Benefit 3: Resistance to Oils and Chemicals

Yupo seals are not only resistant to water but also have high resistance to oils, chemicals, and organic solvents. While conventional paper materials may stain or discolor when exposed to oil or chemicals, Yupo seals remain largely unaffected.

They are highly resistant to oils, acids, alkalis, and organic solvents, ensuring that their quality is maintained. Therefore, they are also ideal for labels on liquid containers.

Benefit 4: Excellent Print Quality

Yupo seals have excellent printability and are compatible with various printing methods.

The smooth, matte texture is ideal for product labels that require a sense of luxury. They accept ink well and, due to their chemical resistance, deliver a stable, high-quality finish even for demanding applications.

Additionally, the surface can be written on with oil-based markers or pencils, making them useful for labels that require a memo section or additional writing. Yupo seals combine durability with excellent display functionality.

Main Applications for Yupo Seals

Due to their excellent water, oil, and chemical resistance, Yupo seals can be used in a variety of environments and are suitable for a wide range of applications.

The main applications for Yupo seals are as follows:

Category	Description
Labels for Refrigerated/Freezer Foods	・Excellent water resistance makes them ideal for foods that require refrigerated or freezer storage ・Resistant to condensation and humidity
Chemical and Pharmaceutical Labels	・Suitable for liquid containers that contain oils or chemicals ・Minimal discoloration due to chemical exposure
Cosmetic Labels	・Resistant to degradation or discoloration caused by ingredients such as moisturizers or oils
Industrial Labels	・Can be used as cautionary signs or information labels stored at room temperature in industrial settings
POP Seals (Attention Seals)	・Capable of vivid printing that attracts customer attention when affixed to products ・Also suitable for promotional purposes
Promotional Novelty Seals	・Versatile and suitable for advertising or novelty purposes

Five Adhesives Compatible with Yupo Seals

There are various types of adhesives, each with different bonding strengths. Yupo seals can be used with a wide range of adhesives, and choosing the appropriate adhesive according to the application enhances usability and durability.

The following table outlines the main types of adhesives compatible with Yupo seals and their characteristics:

Adhesive Type	Characteristics
Standard Adhesive	・Widely used on paper and film materials ・Suitable for a variety of applications
Strong Adhesive	・More resistant to peeling than standard adhesive ・Used when standard adhesive fails
Repositionable Adhesive	・Features lower bonding strength for intentional removal ・Leaves no residue when peeled cleanly
Freezer Adhesive	・Maintains bonding strength even in low-temperature environments ・Suitable for refrigerated and freezer storage
Industrial Adhesive	・Used for industrial stickers and information labels ・Ideal for creating stickers that do not peel easily

By selecting the appropriate adhesive for your application, you can maximize the performance of Yupo seals.

If you would like to learn more about seal adhesives, please refer to the article below.

Seal Adhesives | A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Seal Adhesive Types for Your Business!

How to Increase Sticker Adhesive Strength and Understand the Causes of Peeling

Two Precautions When Producing Yupo Seals

Although Yupo seals are used in a wide range of applications, there are some precautions to keep in mind.

The main precautions are as follows:

Precaution 1: Susceptibility to Sunlight

While Yupo seals are waterproof and can be used outdoors, they are not suitable for long-term outdoor use. In areas exposed to sunlight, they may deteriorate and develop cracks within about a year.

As a countermeasure, UV-cut lamination is often applied to protect against ultraviolet rays. For enhanced weather resistance, the use of materials such as PVC or PET is also recommended.

If you use Yupo seals without additional processing, it is advisable to use UV-cut lamination or restrict their outdoor usage to short periods.

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Precaution 2: Vulnerability to Heat

Yupo seals are sensitive to high temperatures and may shrink or deform when exposed to heat. In particular, using a copier that becomes very hot can cause the seals to deform, so such usage should be avoided.

Some copiers are compatible with Yupo material, but since the range of compatible models is limited, it is important to confirm before use.

Case Studies of Yupo Seal Production

Finally, here are some case studies of Yupo seals produced by our company.

Please use these case studies as a reference when producing Yupo seals.

Case Study 1: Getto Sauce Label

The Getto Sauce label is a simple yet elegant product label rendered in a single black color.

The label uses Yupo 80μ with a water-soluble strong adhesive, which adheres strongly to bottle surfaces even in the presence of moisture, and features gold foil stamping on the moon design element.

Additionally, the product name and illustration areas are given a raised, three-dimensional texture through thick silk screening.

For more detailed information about this case study, please refer to the article below.

Case Study｜Getto Sauce Label

Case Study 2: Yorocco Beer Label

The "Washed out" label for Yorocco Beer features a classical and cool design.

The label design incorporates two colors, black and light blue, along with gold foil accents. It uses Yupo 80μ with a water-soluble strong adhesive to ensure durability against moisture.

For more details about this case study, please refer to the article below.

Case Study｜Yorocco Beer - Washed out

Case Study 3: Blue Note Foil Stamped Seal

This is a case study for Blue Note Japan's food label. The design features gold foil stamping to enhance a sense of luxury.

It utilizes Yupo 80μ in a matte white film with a solvent-resistant adhesive suitable for refrigerated environments.

For more details about this case study, please refer to the article below.

Case Study｜Blue Note Foil Stamped Seal

Case Study 4: slow＆glow Cosmetic Label

The organic cosmetic bottle label for slow＆glow Inc. is characterized by its simple and understated design.

Using a palette of gray and ivory to create a natural impression, the label is made with Yupo 80μ using a solvent-resistant adhesive. A matte lamination is applied to the surface to give it an elegant, luxurious finish.

The product name "punica organic" and the line details feature gold foil stamping, adding a touch of luxury despite the simplicity of the design.

For more details about this case study, please refer to the article below.

Case Study｜slow＆glow Cosmetic Label

Understand the Features of Yupo Seals and Produce Accordingly

Yupo seals possess excellent durability and are used in labels for refrigerated/freezer foods, pharmaceutical labels, POP seals, novelty seals, and many other applications.

However, since they are sensitive to sunlight and heat, caution is required when using them in areas exposed to sunlight or in high-temperature environments.

Our company produces a variety of product labels and seals like those introduced in this article. If you have any questions or concerns regarding label or seal production, we offer careful support from adhesive selection to final production, so please feel free to contact us.