Tips for Choosing the Best Product Identification Labels for Your Business
What are product identification labels?
Product identification labels are a broad category of product labeling that includes product traceability, brand protection, and information labels. Product identification labels facilitate an important dialogue between manufacturers and consumers. Custom labels communicate information such as product model or serial numbers, barcode labels that allow a product to be inventoried and tracked, or preventative care instructions.
No matter your industry, choosing the right kind of business labels is critical to ensuring operations run smoothly. In this blog, we’ll cover some tips for choosing the best product identification labels and custom labels for your business.
Types of Product Labels
The market for product identification labels has broadened to incorporate a diverse range of printing and packaging options. Here are the top 5 most commonly used types of product labels.
1. Shrink
A shrink label is a printed piece of plastic, unsupported by liner or adhesive, that is placed around a container, seamed, and heated to a temperature that will cause the film to shrink to the exact contour of the container. They are commonly used for bottled beverages or cylindrical containers.
2. Pressure-sensitive
Pressure-sensitive labels are similar to stickers, and are one of the most versatile product labels. They work well with virtually any combination of printing methods and techniques and can be used with any kind of bottle, tube, or jar.
3. In-mold
In this labeling method, a pre-printed film is applied to a mold before the plastic container. They are most commonly used on disposable products with a short life span, such as food containers, cosmetic and personal care containers, and household product containers.
4. Die-cut
Die-cut labels have a custom-made shape or outline, and are used for uniquely shaped packages and containers.
5. Thermal
Thermal labels use synthetically treated, heat-sensitive media that darkens when it passes under the warm printhead. They are commonly used for shipping labels, pharmaceuticals, price tags, barcodes, and product identification labeling.
Tips for Choosing a Custom Business Label
Different businesses will have different requirements for their product identification labels and custom labeling needs. To choose the best label for your product, consider the following factors:
1. Printing method
There are four main types of label printing methods: thermal-transfer, direct thermal, laser, and inkjet. Labels and tags are usually designed to be compatible with a specific type of printer, so it is important to verify the label compatibility with your preferred printing method.
2. Labeling surface
The next element to consider when choosing custom labels for your business is the labeling surface. General-purpose labels are ideal for paper and cardboard boxes used for shipping. For specialized surfaces found in industrial applications such as rubber, plastic, and metal coatings, your product will require specialized labels designed to securely adhere to them. It’s also important to take into consideration the application temperature, as warmer or colder surfaces may require labels with specialized adhesives depending on their environment.
3. Label size and shape
When designing your custom label, you’ll make choices about its size and shape. Consider the amount of information that needs to be communicated, the size of the object that requires identification, and the shape of the label. Working with a custom label printer ensures that your labels will be produced to your precise specifications.
4. Unique label properties
Depending on the function of your product identification label, you may want to incorporate special properties like resistance to extreme temperature and chemical exposure, tamper-evident seals, and radio-frequency identification, just to name a few.
Impact Label Product Identification Labels
Impact Label produces an array of custom product identification labels – from polyester or vinyl sticker labels to dynamic digital variable printed solutions that feature unique, product-level codes. With years of experience in this industry, we can help determine the best solution for your business. Contact us for a custom quote.