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 evolvedEvolution of papermaking and label papers in EuropeGummed and heat-activated label papers - their rise and declineThe rise and rise of pressure-sensitive adhesive coated products and labels in EuropeThe printing press and the early label press pioneersGetting labels into shape - cutters, punches and diesPrinting companies founded in the 1800s that became the label industry pioneersLabel companies formed in the early 1900s and the rise of the early self-adhesive converters in EuropeFrom woodcuts and engravings to digitized origination, imaging and platemakingInks, coatings and varnishes - their early history and evolutionEvolution of metallic look imagesThe evolution of barcodingThe label associations of EuropeExcellence in label printing - the introduction and growth of label awardsThe creation of a global label industry resourceThe introduction and rapid growth of digital printingThe demand for multi-page labels