TPU Heat-Transfer Clothing Labels: Make Your Brand Last
You may not be able to pronounce the words “thermoplastic polyurethane labels” (TPU labels) very easily, but you should understand what they are and how they can help with your branding. The TPU industry itself is a large industry—US$286.8 million in 2015 to be exact. Its growth is not expected to slow anytime soon, either. Experts predict that by 2024, the TPU industry will have expanded to US$516.9 million.
What’s interesting is that TPU is used mainly in the automotive and construction industries. However, its properties have made it attractive for apparel brands, which have used TPU to make labels. With so many benefits to TPU, many brands are incorporating custom TPU clothing labels into their design. We’ve seen this trend most commonly in activewear, in which TPU’s durability and flexibility allow it to sustain throughout heavy activity.
Comfort an Asset with TPU Labels
TPU labels are sometimes referred to as clear, clothing labels. They are made from a rubber-like material that is harmless to the skin. This rubbery material is soft enough that it doesn’t dig into the skin, which is why it is considered ideal for clothing labels.
TPU Is Environmentally Friendly
It’s clear that companies must play a role in being responsible when it comes to protecting the environment. The use of thermoplastic polyurethane to create environmentally friendly labels is a small but important step to accepting that responsibility. Urethane is a material that is readily recyclable and is easier on the environment than vinyl or similar films. Without getting too technical, urethane is actually composed of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen, which are the most common elements in the world.
TPU Labels Are Ideal for Active Wear
It’s not an accident that when it comes to clothing, TPU labels are most often used as garment labels for intimate wear or active wear. This is for several reasons. First, as we’ve mentioned, TPU is comfortable on the skin. For individuals who are active in yoga, running, swimming, or other such activities, comfort is a must. In addition to being comfortable, the chemical makeup of TPU allows it to handle extreme conditions: high and low heat is no problem for TPU labels. TPU is also capable of withstanding high impact, which is another bonus when it is used to create labels for activewear.
The Unique Group is all about providing unique clothing labels for clients. We want you to feel comfortable with whichever label works best for your garment brand. TPU is a popular choice of material among clothing brands for all of the reasons we have mentioned. In addition to those benefits, TPU is also flexible in its colour and processing applications: it can be easily die-cut, coloured, painted, or processed.
If you would like to know more about the advantages of TPU, contact The Unique Group today. Plus, you can stay updated on our products by following us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
Sources:
“Introduction to Polyurethanes: Thermoplastic Polyurethane,” American Chemistry Council, last accessed December 19, 2016; https://polyurethane.americanchemistry.com/polyurethanes/Introduction-to-Polyurethanes/Applications/Thermoplastic-Polyurethane/.
Transparency Market Research, “Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) Film Market Estimated to Reach US$516 Mn by 2024; Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 – 2024: TMR,” PR Newswire, October 6, 2016; http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/thermoplastic-polyurethane-tpu-films-market-is-estimated-to-reach-us-5169-mn-by-2024-global-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2016—2024-tmr-596130711.html.
“What is Polyurethane?,” Extra Packaging, Corp., last accessed December 19, 2016; http://www.extrapackaging.com/polyurethane/whatispolyurethane.php.