That said, labeling presents its own challenges. A common issue we encounter is edge lifting or peeling after application. The bottle may look perfect right after labeling, but overnight the label edges start to lift. This is usually caused by mismatched label materials, incompatible adhesive with the plastic substrate, or improper tension during application. The “sandwich” structure of the label (face stock, adhesive, liner) creates internal stresses that can fight against the curvature of the bottle. Choosing the right material combination – considering bottle shape, content, and storage conditions – typically resolves these problems.

Another significant challenge, especially on high‑speed production lines, is that labelers are often described as the most difficult equipment to adjust in a filling room. Common problems include bubbles, wrinkling, misalignment (particularly on flat bottles, where labels wander left and right randomly), and inconsistencies between different label rolls. One roll may run perfectly, while the next jams or the liner breaks. Flat bottles pose more problems than round ones. Proper machine setup, consistent label quality, and skilled operators are key to reducing downtime and waste.