on items requiring brand authentication and protection. There are many different formats of barcodes found on labels, but one of the most commonly distributed formats is the International Article Number (EAN). This is the code used to identify retail products worldwide and is found on almost all consumer-level packaging labels. Shrink Sleeve labels provide full 360-degree coverage on a container or bottle. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified (PETG) are two commonly used shrink-sleeve materials. Shrink sleeves can be applied to uniquely shaped bottles or standard containers and can be printed with metallic features, textured/raised features, UV inks, and matt or glossy finishes. Stock types Label "stock" is the carrier which is commonly coated on one side with adhesive and printed on the other, and can be: Paper - a variety of papers and paperboards can be used as labels Nonwoven fabric - for extra durability Latex – a lithographic stock with some added latex allows the label to be much more flexible and form around certain curved objects more easily than standard paper; Plastics such as acetate, vinyl, and PET film allow a variety of features, such as greater strength, stiffness, transparency and resistance to tearing. They typically require special equipment and printing methods (ultra-violet curing is common) as they do not normally print well with conventional ink. A bumper sticker is usually a vinyl label with a very strong, durable adhesive and lightfast inks. Embossing tape is "printed" by pressing raised elements similar to printing type onto it, which produces raised glyphs that look white due to the discoloration of the plastic. A type known as 'destructible vinyl' is commonly used for asset labels. It combines a very thin frangible face stock with a very strong high tack adhesive, thus making the label impossible to remove without damaging it. Engraved multi-layer Traffolyte labels are frequently used in industrial situations due to their durability; Foil – Aluminum foil and vapor-coated plastic films are often chosen for the bright reflective characteristics; Thermal – direct thermal label stock will change color (usually black) when heated. A heating element in the shape of letters or images can be used to create an image on the label. Custom labels can be easily made on location in this way. A disadvantage is durability, because another heat source can ruin or obscure the image, or it may fade completely over time; Thermal transfer for