https://doi.org/10.24867/GRID-2020-p6 Original scientific paper INVESTIGATION ON THE PRINTABILITY OF SPECIALTY PAPERS FOR LUXURY LABELS Dimitrina Todorova 1 , Nevena Pavlova 2 1 University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, Department of Pulp, Paper and Printing art, Sofia, Bulgaria 2 Rotoprint, Industrialna zona, Ravno pole, Bulgaria Abstract: Specialty luxury label papers mainly are results from the search for all that stimulates our creativity and senses. They are from papers that awaken the desire to create, as a magnificent mix of texture and colours that elevates luxury packaging to the category of art and a brilliant collection that ultimately shows that luxury packaging really is. In order to achieve the desired complex effect on the customer with its combined impact through the texture, colour of the paper and graphic design for each manufacturer of luxury labels, it is undoubtedly essential to be familiar with the printability of the paper used. The aim of the present work was to study the main properties of the commonly used papers for printing of self-adhesive labels, in view of their printability. It is especially important for the production, as well as for the awareness of the designers working in this field, to know the specifics of these papers, to know the main indicators influencing their printability, to know all the facts allowing the right choice of printing technology and finishing processes. To achieve this goal, various properties of five types of paper have been determined: structural-dimensional, physical-mechanical, capillary-hygroscopic and optical. In addition, with all paper analysis, a printing sample have been made with different types of printing (offset UV, flexo UV, screen, cold foil, hot foil, silk foil) and converting (emboss, laser cutting, laser engraving) techniques. Based on the obtained results, new designer labels for wine have been printed. The results show that there is a clear dependence between the paper composition, its main and specific properties and the quality of the different printing and finishing processes, as well as the overall appearance of the produced labels. The printing and finishing processes have been carried out in Rotoprint Printing House, Bulgaria and the obtained results could give a valuable information not only for the particular printing house, but for other specialists in the field of labels production. Key words: specialty papers, printability, self-adhesive labels, strength properties, printing, converting 1. INTRODUCTION Predecessors of modern labels are the brands that the producers of beverages (mainly wines) put on amphora, bottles and other clay dishes. The advent of paper in Europe has had a major impact on the appearance of labels. By 1820, wine labels began to resemble those that exist today, but are characterized by a strict and compact style. Initially, they have a simple rectangular or oval shape. Over the time, all kinds of ornaments and coats of arms, angels, saints, monks, folk scenes and picturesque landscapes, etc. enter the production of labels. In those days there were no official rules for the content of labels: they usually contained only information on the geographical origin, the producer and the place of production. In 1834, winemakers began to put on labels and information about the year of harvest. For the period from 1820 to 1920, the production of champagne increased from 2 to 20 million bottles per year, and last but not least, the label played a big role in its 10-fold increase. The small piece of paper becomes a powerful engine of trade and a means of information for customers. The first official rules for labeling wines appeared in the early 20th century. Since then, more and more attention has been paid to labels: such famous artists as Salvador Dali, Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol are working on their design. The pioneer in this field is the Bordeaux area, with the famous example of Mouton-Rothschild, which in 1924 started to ask an artist to create the label for each vintage of its wine (Obis, 2018; Franson, 2006). Paper is almost as old as communication itself. Plus, it is as versatile and technologically advanced as any electronic chip. Most of the paper producers work hard to provide high quality and value-added papers, with striking surfaces and textures, vivid colours and papers, that can be printed in every possible way. Label papers are highly functional papers, that can catch our eye or remain discreetly in the background. Luxury label papers are not just a means of communication - they are simply art in the field of: olive oils, red, white and sparkling wines, spirits and liqueurs, gourmet, beers and others (Franson, 2006; UPM Raflatac, n.d.; EUR-Lex, 2015; Labels & Labeling, 2010). 81