The History of Labels

The evolution of labels and the story of the early label industry pioneers in Europe can be traced back over several hundred years. However, it was most certainly the period of the Industrial Revolution during the late 1700s and early 1800s that really began to shape the use and production of labels in a way that we would recognize them today.

Charting the label's development from first being produced in single colors on wooden hand presses, this book explores all aspects of the industry's history through from the invention of the first presses and papermaking machines to the advent of self-adhesive converting in Europe.

Its rich history and how centuries of innovation has had a profound impact on the modern day branding and use of products including food and medicines is set out-out in 'The History of Labels'. The result of several years of research by Michael Fairley and Tony White, this new book should be a must-read title for all those who have an interest in how the world of labels and label production has grown from its early origins.

Chapters include: Brand demand and technology innovation - how labels evolved Evolution of papermaking and label papers in Europe Gummed and heat-activated label papers - their rise and decline The rise and rise of pressure-sensitive adhesive coated products and labels in Europe The printing press and the early label press pioneers Getting labels into shape - cutters, punches and dies Printing companies founded in the 1800s that became the label industry pioneers Label companies formed in the early 1900s and the rise of the early self-adhesive converters in Europe From woodcuts and engravings to digitized origination, imaging and platemaking Inks, coatings and varnishes - their early history and evolution Evolution of metallic look images The evolution of barcoding The label associations of Europe Excellence in label printing - the introduction and growth of label awards The creation of a global label industry resource The introduction and rapid growth of digital printing The demand for multi-page labels