Heat transfer Labeling is a popular and efficient decorating process for plastic containers. You can find the labels commonly used in containers for beverages, essential oils, detergents, adverse chemicals, and health and beauty aids. Heat transfer labels are multilayered laminates, with each layer having its own function. These labels are printed by Roto Gravure Printers with each printing cylinder cover a layer. The label include an adhesive layer (glue), an ink design layer (image), a wax release layer, a protective lacquer layer and a paper layer More specifically, in the heat transfer labeling process, the label-carrying sheet is subjected to heat, and the label is pressed onto an article with the ink design layer making direct contact with the article. As the paper sheet is subjected to heat, the wax layer begins to melt so that the paper sheet can be released from the ink design layer. (And, as described above, a portion of the wax layer may be transferred with the ink design layer and a portion of the wax layer may remain with the paper sheet.) To apply the "label" to the bottles, the paper side of the roll passes over a heated platen which softens the wax and activates the adhesive. When the plastic bottle is rolled over the heated label, the adhesive sticks and the wax actually splits. You are left with the label image on the bottle (rightside up and forwards) with a layer of wax over the graphics.