Different Types of Product Labels

Are you on the internet searching for answers to “What are labels”? You clicked on the right link because we’re here to tell you everything you need to know about them.

Product labels are stickers or banners attached to the packaging, revealing product information to influence customers in their buying decisions. All products across companies have them. 

We’ll take a closer look at the different types of labels in this article. But before that, let’s further elaborate on our answer about “what are labels?”

The Purpose of Product Labels

Product labels are more than just a piece of paper—they describe information for product comparisons and knowledge like food labels help in preventing allergic or lethal reactions. Labels when done correctly can help buyers make more informed choices. For companies, these labels also serve as a marketing tool and act as protection from shipping errors and counterfeiting.

To accomplish all these, labels must have the following information:

• Brand and product name
• Legally required information (i.e. ingredients list, customer care, etc.)
• Packaging size
• Company contact information
• Barcode and QR code

Now that you know the purpose of labels, let’s learn more about the different types of labels. 

Types of Labels by Manufacturing Process

Label types are based on how they were applied to packaging:

Pressure-Sensitive

Image source: Canva

Among other types of labels, pressure-sensitive labels are the easiest to use and most perfect for small to large businesses in various industries. It is self-adhering and sticks to surfaces when pressure is applied via hand or a machine labelling system. 

Its label materials vary and are often made of (but not limited to) industrial vinyl, polyester, satin, or fluorescent paper.

Pressure-sensitive label examples include pricing labels, shipping labels, and food and beverage labels. Corporations and accounting firms even use this label type to organize their documents in storage.

Shrink Sleeves

Image Source: Canva

Shrink sleeves are cylindrical labels covering a certain or entire product area. It uses plastic or polyester film that shrinks when heat is applied, causing the label to tighten and wrap around a product.

Businesses, like those in the beverage and personal care industries, use this label type to brand their cans and plastic bottles. They’re also water-resistant which makes them the best choice for products placed in high-humidity locations.

Cut-and-Stack

Cut-and-stack labels are similar to pressure-sensitive stickers, except they’re meant for mass-production labelling. Manufacturers print these labels on large sheets before cutting and stacking them, ready to be delivered and used by brands. Business owners in food, make-up, and other housekeeping industries choose this option since it’s cost-effective. 

Common cut-and-stack label examples include specialty foods, beverages, skincare products, vitamins, and household goods. Law firms and professionals also use this process to market their services in conferences. They distribute sticker forms of their QR codes and details to connect with potential clients. 

In-Mould Labels

Image source: Shutterstock

In-mould labels have a starkly different approach to labelling compared to the other processes. A pre-printed image is moulded into a polypropylene container so there’s no sticker or paper. Manufacturers heat them to fuse with the packaging, forming an inseparable label. 

Food items like ice cream tubs, food containers, and yogurt cups are the common product label examples for this type. It’s commonly used in food among other industries since plastic packaging is disposable or recyclable. Food companies choose this for products with short shelf lives (i.e. vegetables, fruits, cold cuts, and cheese). 

Types of Labels by Purpose

Print houses also categorize product labels according to the purpose which determines the label material. Here are the four common types of labels and their characteristics:

Brand Labels

These labels contain the brand name, logo, and other particular designs with minimal product information. It’s meant to help consumers recognize the brand and sell an idea or deal. This is what you choose to make customers remember your brand. 

Clothing and food companies prefer this over other types of labels. It provides design opportunities that allow them to create eye-catching brandings. Clothing tags, front packaging logos, and shopping bag logos are common product label examples. 

Descriptive Labels

Descriptive labels help distinguish one product from another and contain factual and unbiased information about an item. It aims to deliver vital information to the consumer as clearly as possible so it mostly only has text and no images.

Chemical, food & beverages, cosmetics, and healthcare industries must include these labels in their packaging to adhere to consumer regulations. You’d find nutritional panels, product warnings, instruction manuals, and ingredient lists on product boxes or stickers.

Image Source: Canva

Grade Labels

These labels contain a quality rating or standard based on predetermined criteria. Only independent groups can rate products and inform consumers about a brand’s production quality.

Window ratings are perfect grade label examples. Window manufacturers and sellers ensure that their products have energy efficiency ratings to help customers make informed purchases.

Image Source: Canva

Promotional Labels

Many businesses take advantage of promotional labels, also called piggyback or coupon labels, as marketing tools to grab the attention of consumers. They print stickers—its most common product label example—with messages like “BOGO,” “Limited Time Offer,” and “X% Discount” to persuade consumers to act on these deals. Educational institutions use this as a technique to increase their book sales during student fairs and other big academic events.

Shop for Product Label Printers at Integr8

Learning the different types of labels provides you with options, allowing you to choose which best fits your products and their intentions. If you’re not sure what to pick, Integr8 can help!

Our online catalogue sells label printers that are perfect for all business types across industries. We also offer other office products, such as multifunction printers, computers, and workplace accessories to improve your productivity!

Contact us today and let’s find the right printer for your company’s product label needs.

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