Beauty on the Outside: The Art and Science of Cosmetic Labels

Cosmetic labels are informative tags, labels, or stickers affixed to cosmetic product packaging. They provide essential information about the product, including its ingredients, usage instructions, warnings, and manufacturer details. These labels serve as a communication tool between the manufacturer and the consumer, ensuring transparency and compliance with regulatory standards.

This article will walk you through the fundamentals of a cosmetic label, including its elements and benefits in the beauty and wellness industry.

Essential Elements of an Effective Cosmetic Label

A good cosmetic label combines clarity, transparency, and compliance to give consumers the information they need for safe and informed product use. Here are the fundamental elements that make up an effective cosmetic label:

• Batch/Lot number: This is a unique code assigned to a specific production run of a product. In case of issues or recalls, this information helps identify specific batches, ensuring consumer safety.
• Country of origin: Some consumers prefer products from particular regions, and this information allows them to make choices based on personal preferences.
• Expiration date: The expiration date is vital for consumers to know the product’s shelf life and effectiveness, preventing the use of expired items.
• Ingredients list: This provides transparency about the components used in the product, helping consumers with allergies or specific preferences make informed choices.
• Manufacturer information: This includes the name and contact information of the manufacturer or distributor. It allows consumers to reach out for inquiries or in case of issues.
• Net weight/volume: This information is essential for consumers to understand the quantity they purchase and allows for easy product comparison.
• Product identity: This refers to the clear presentation of what the product is and its intended use. This ensures that consumers can quickly identify and choose the right product for their specific needs.
• Regulatory information: Including details about compliance with cosmetic regulatory standards reinforces the product’s legitimacy and adherence to industry guidelines.
• Usage instructions: This information guides consumers on the proper application, dosage, or frequency, ensuring optimal and safe use.
• Warnings and precautions: Effective labels include warnings and precautions to inform users of potential risks or adverse effects.

Unique Benefits of Cosmetic Labeling

Cosmetic labeling goes beyond basic product information — it serves as a powerful tool that offers the following benefits:

Brand Communication

Good cosmetic labels are a canvas for brand communication, allowing companies to convey their unique selling propositions, values, and overall identity. They also create a distinct market presence through strategic design and messaging. As a result, they attract consumer attention and foster brand recognition.

Consumer Trust

Trust is a cornerstone of brand-consumer relationships, and clear and accurate labeling builds and enhances this trust. When consumers can easily access information about a product’s composition, features, and safety measures, they are more likely to trust the brand. Trust, in turn, fosters loyalty, encouraging repeat purchases and positive word-of-mouth recommendations.

Differentiation in a Crowded Market

Standing out in a highly competitive cosmetic market is vital, and a decorative label plays an important role in this. Aesthetically pleasing designs, innovative packaging, and informative labels enhance a product’s shelf appeal. In addition, a well-designed label attracts customers and communicates the product’s value proposition, distinguishing it from competitors and influencing purchasing decisions.

To further enhance your label and make it stand out in a crowded market, consider incorporating the following embellishments and services available in FOCUSales:

• Material selection: Choose from various materials to achieve the desired look for your label.
• Laser cutting: Create intricate and precise designs on your labels with laser cutting technology.
• Hot foil: Add a touch of luxury and shine with hot foil stamping, perfect for logos and accents.
• Cold foil: Similar to hot foil, cold foil allows for metallic effects on labels without needing heat.
• Embossing: Create raised textures or patterns on your labels for a tactile and premium feel.
• Laminations: Protect your labels and enhance their appearance with various lamination options.
• Flood coat: Apply a uniform layer of ink or coating across the entire label for a consistent look.
• Spot coat: Highlight specific areas of your label with spot coating for added emphasis.
• Metallic ink: Achieve metallic effects on your labels with metallic ink options.
• Mosaic printing: Create visually stunning effects with mosaic printing techniques.

Legal Compliance

The importance of legal compliance in the cosmetics industry must be balanced, and effective labels are instrumental in meeting these regulatory requirements. Accurate and comprehensive labeling ensures that manufacturers adhere to health and safety standards set by authorities. It also aids beauty companies to avoid legal complications, such as fines or product recalls.

Marketing Opportunities

Beyond basic information, effective labels present countless opportunities for innovative marketing strategies. Incorporating unique designs, QR codes for accessing additional online content, or interactive elements engages consumers on a deeper level. These creative approaches create memorable brand experiences that resonate with consumers.

FOCUSales: Your Partner for High-Quality Labeling Solutions

At FOCUSales, we offer premium, customized labels crafted to meet the distinctive demands of your business! Our comprehensive array of printing options provides diverse choices, allowing us to tailor our services precisely to your specifications. Whether you require labels for products, packaging, or promotional materials, we have the expertise and resources to meet your needs.

Contact us or request a quote to partner with us!

Fit to Perfection: The Rise and Benefits of Shrink Sleeve Labels

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Shrink sleeve labels (or shrink sleeves) are made from a material that shrinks when heat is applied and conforms tightly to the item’s shape. They provide full 360-degree coverage of containers, allowing for vibrant graphics and product visibility. These labels are mostly used in the food and beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries to provide product information, branding, and decoration.

In this article, we will examine the benefits and applications of shrink sleeves and why they are popular in various industries.

Unique Advantages of Shrink Sleeve Labels

Shrink sleeve labeling offers the following benefits that make it a popular choice for packaging:

Customization

Shrink sleeves provide opportunities for customization, allowing brands to tailor their packaging designs to specific target audiences or market segments. This can be achieved through various means, including incorporating localized imagery, language variations, or culturally relevant symbols.

Durability and Protection

The sleeves’ protective layers aid in protecting the items during shipment, handling, and storage, lowering the possibility of damage or spoilage. They can also be designed with specialized barrier qualities to increase the shelf life of perishable items.

Labeling Over Existing Packaging

Shrink sleeve labels can be applied directly over existing packaging without costly container modifications or rebranding efforts. This allows businesses to refresh their designs or introduce seasonal promotions quickly and cost-effectively.

Promotional Capabilities

Brands can use shrink sleeves to communicate product benefits, highlight special offers, or encourage customer participation in loyalty programs. They are effective promotional tools incorporating features like QR codes, promotional messages, or interactive elements.

Tamper-Evident Seal

Shrink sleeves create a tamper-evident seal when applied to the packaging, providing an extra layer of security. Once the label is heat-sealed onto the container, attempts to tamper with or remove it become immediately visible.

Versatility in Product Presentation

The flexibility and versatility of shrink sleeves enable brands to streamline their packaging operations and maintain a consistent identity across product lines. This benefits those operating in industries where product differentiation and brand recognition are critical for success.

Applications of Shrink Sleeve Labels

Here are some key applications of shrink sleeve labeling and how it benefits each industry:

Automotive and Industrial Products

Shrink sleeve labeling is used in the automotive and industrial sectors for packaging automotive fluids, lubricants, adhesives, and industrial chemicals. Its durability makes it suitable for harsh environments, protecting against moisture, chemicals, and abrasion.

Beverage Industry

Shrink sleeves are commonly used in the beverage industry for packaging bottled water, energy drinks, juices, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages. The 360-degree graphics capability of these labels enables brands to create eye-catching designs that attract consumer attention on crowded store shelves.

E-Commerce Packaging

With the rise of e-commerce, shrink sleeve labeling is increasingly used for packaging products sold online. It delivers excellent product protection during shipping and handling, ensuring everything arrives in pristine condition.

Food Industry

In the food industry, shrink sleeves are utilized for packaging condiments, sauces, dressings, snacks, dairy products, and ready-to-eat meals. They provide excellent moisture resistance and durability, making them ideal for products that require refrigeration or are exposed to varying environmental conditions.

Personal Care and Cosmetics Industry

Shrink sleeve labeling is popular in the cosmetics and personal care industry for packaging items like shampoo bottles, lotion containers, and skincare products. Its ability to conform to complex container shapes allows brands to create visually stunning packaging designs that enhance product aesthetics.

Other applications of shrink sleeve labels include the following:

• Electronics and technology products
• Health and wellness products
• Pet care products
• Petroleum and chemical products
• Seasonal and holiday packaging
• Subscription box services

Elevate Your Packaging Game With FOCUSales!

At FOCUSales, we prioritize meeting your packaging needs with precision and professionalism. Our extensive range of printing options — including digital, gravure, and flexographic printing — ensures your labels are meticulously crafted. We can bring your vision to life whether you require vibrant colors, intricate designs, or specific branding elements.

Contact us or request a quote to start your shrink sleeve labeling project!

How To Buy Shrink Sleeve Labels

Shrink sleeve labels are a popular product labeling solution because they provide full-color, 360-degree coverage. They make the products stand out from the rest on the shelves, especially simple items requiring visual appeal to attract customers. These versatile labels also offer eye-catching designs, increasing business sales and brand recognition.

This article dives into shrink sleeve labels — from how they work to a guide on the standard steps in purchasing shrink sleeves.

How Does Shrink Sleeve Labeling Work?

In shrink sleeve labeling, a pre-printed film sleeve is placed on a container and shrunk to fit the shape using heat. It starts with generating a digital design, subsequently printed onto a flat film. Next, the printed film is cut and joined to form a tube, which is then wrapped around the container and heated. The type of film used determines the heat source utilized, which may be a heat tunnel or a steam tunnel.

This labeling technique offers numerous advantages over other methods. For one, it enables complete coverage of the lid and bottom of the container. Shrink sleeves can also be printed with high-quality graphics and text, making them ideal for branding and promotional purposes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Purchasing Shrink Sleeves

It is important to understand the process involved in shrink sleeve labeling to ensure the procurement of high-quality labels that meet specific needs and budgets. Here is a walkthrough of the process:

Step 1: Determining the Label Needs

Determining the label requirements involves identifying the type of product being labeled, the material of the container, the label size, and the desired visual design. The product type will specify the label materials and durability requirements, such as moisture or abrasion resistance. On the other hand, the label size is determined by the container and any legal requirements for labeling.

Step 2: Finding a Shrink Sleeve Label Manufacturer

Working with a reliable and experienced manufacturer can ensure that businesses receive high-quality shrink sleeves. This can be done through online research, recommendations from colleagues or industry associations, or attending trade shows and events. When selecting a manufacturer, it is crucial to consider their experience and expertise in producing labels for the specific product type.

Businesses should also review the manufacturer’s quality control processes and certification. Other key considerations are the production capacity and lead times to meet the required production volume and delivery timelines.

Step 3: Requesting a Quote

Obtaining an accurate and detailed quote involves providing the manufacturer with specifications like label size, material, finishing requirements, and the quantity needed. This information enables them to give an estimate that covers all the necessary expenses. If assistance is needed to determine the shrink sleeve label size that best fits the container, there are several options.

One option is to send containers to the manufacturer that can be properly measured for the best fitting sleeve. Another option is for the manufacturer to provide film, called grid film, that can be applied to the product then it can be easily measured for the lay flat and cut length requirements.  A quote usually includes material costs, printing, and additional services such as pre-press work or design.

Step 4: Placing the Order

Once a suitable manufacturer has been selected based on the quotes received, the next step is to place the order. The manufacturer usually requires a deposit to initiate printing, typically a percentage of the total order cost. The deposit amount often varies depending on the order size and the manufacturer’s policies.

Step 5: Providing Artwork and Approving Proofs

After placing the order and paying the deposit, the manufacturer will require the artwork for the shrink sleeves. The manufacturer can provide a design template that allows artwork to be properly placed for printing and finishing the sleeves so that all the artwork aligns correctly on the container when it is applied. Providing them in the required format and dimensions ensures a smooth printing process. Some manufacturers also offer design services but may charge an additional fee.

Once the artwork is ready, the manufacturer will present a digital proof for the client’s approval. The proof is a final product model, including the design, size, and finishing details. It is essential to thoroughly review the proof and confirm that it meets all requirements. Any design modifications or adjustments made at this stage may incur additional reprint charges.

Step 6: Receiving the Labels and Applying Them to the Product

The manufacturer will provide a delivery date when the labels will be ready for shipment. Upon delivery, the customer should inspect the labels to ensure they meet the agreed-upon specifications. After that, the application process starts, depending on the product and the available labeling equipment. Some businesses use manual application methods, while others use automated machinery.

Trust FOCUSales for High-Quality Labeling Solutions!

FOCUSales is your reliable go-to source for high-quality and customized shrink sleeve labels! We offer various printing options — including digital, gravure, and flexographic printing — catering to different shrink sleeves. Our commitment to excellence in quality and service has made us a trusted partner for businesses of all sizes!

Contact us or request a quote to start your shrink sleeve labeling project.

How To Get Your Custom Label Printing Project Done Right

Your brand’s logo, colors, and design create an identity that helps customers and potential buyers recognize your business from other products or services. Custom labels add to this branding. They provide descriptive information about your brand’s size, content, and how to use it. Essentially, they are a printed communication between you and your target market.

Knowing how indispensable custom label printing is for your business, it is important to do it right the first time. This article will dive into the benefits of having a quality product label and the steps to produce or acquire one.

Importance of Custom Packaging in Marketing Products

First impressions last; the same is true when marketing a product. Memorable custom packaging labels help create an engaging and consistent brand experience for your target market.

Here are more reasons why investing in good custom labels for your brand is critical.

Improves Brand Awareness and Recognition

As a business, you want your product to stand out from the competition. Custom labels and packaging, when done right, is a game-changer that can transform your product, making it unique and noticeable over similar products and direct competitors.

Amplifies Customer Experience

Your product labels and packaging are a medium capable of speaking directly to your audiences. Looking at the content, images, and information that your label and packaging features offer customers a first-hand glimpse into what they can expect from your product.

Increases Brand Value

Custom labels shape the audience’s expectations of a product. Thus, offering a comprehensive and aesthetic label does not only inform your target market of who your brand is. It also builds your audiences’ familiarity and trust in your brand.

Steps for Custom Label Printing Success

A systematic process is necessary to manufacture quality product labels. This section will guide you seamlessly through the process.

1. Choosing the Right Material

Product labels are printed on various materials: white papers (gloss, matte, thermal), specialty papers (wine, laid, wove, recycled, compostable) or films (BoPP, vinyl, polyester, clear, metallic). Choosing the right type of material affects your custom label’s overall aesthetic and functionality.

The material you choose depends on the message you want to convey. For instance, recycled content materials or compostable materials are for a more environmentally-conscious marketing approach. Luxury items can be best presented using high quality wine label materials, foils, embossing and custom varnishes. The more concrete you are with how you want your audiences to perceive who your brand is, the easier it will be to come up with a custom label material that is visually appealing and well-performing

2. Developing an Ideal Graphic Design

Consistency is one of the challenges when designing labels and packaging for products. Thus, work with a professional graphic designer to create a cohesive design for your brand for all marketing aspects — packaging, website design, social media, and other campaigns. Your brand colors, font, logos, and other design elements should represent your brand and appeal to your target market.

3. Choosing an Economic and Efficient Printing Process

Custom label printing and marketing materials are costs included in products. You need an efficient printing process to increase ROI without sacrificing the quality of your labels and packaging. You can choose from a wide array of printing processes, depending on the material of your labels and packaging. The size and shape of your tags and packaging also affect your printing options.

4. Working With a Reliable Custom Label Printing Provider

Working with an experienced and reliable printing company helps you find a custom label that meets your requirements and needs. Hence, partnering with a manufacturer capable of delivering quick turnaround times for high-quality prints is crucial. In addition, a reliable printing company can support you long-term for scheduled orders and last-minute needs.

FOCUSales for Reliable Custom Label Printing Solutions

Stand out from your competition with FOCUSales’s wide array of digital and traditional printing technologies for all your product packaging challenges! We are your one-stop printing solution for custom label printing needs. Our team provides quick and accurate labels for all your packaging and branding needs, from simple to complex custom labels and packaging solutions.

Contact us to solve all your custom labeling printing needs! Free estimates are available when you call (919) 614-3076.

Step-by-Step Label Printing Process

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Businesses need more than quality products to generate the desired sales. In most cases, compelling labels play a vital role in raising brand awareness and forming a loyal customer base. These pieces of paper — no matter how simple they appear — significantly influence the overall image of your product and brand.

Labeling is critical to increasing your product’s visibility, dependability, and market potential. It also aids in ensuring that you meet your sales expectations while adhering to multiple labeling requirements. This article will go through the label printing process, its definition, various methods, and step-by-step instructions.

What Is Label Printing?

Label printing is the technique of creating customized labels using different methods, including digital, flexographic, and wide-format printing. These methods produce varying results regarding the label’s look, feel, and purpose.

When designing high-quality product labels, you must first consider the consumers’ tastes. Take into account the demographics you want to target with your product labels: What are their preferences, dislikes, and product considerations? Then, create something that reflects the message you want to send to the customers. You can also hire a graphic artist and request mockups to ensure everything is consistent with your brand.

What Are the Different Label Printing Methods?

There are several methods to choose from, each with its applications. Here are some examples to help you decide which one is appropriate for your product and brand:

Digital Printing

Digital label printing, also known as “direct from file to print” or “direct from art to print,” involves sending images made with graphics software applications — such as Adobe Illustrator or InDesign — directly to a print machine. Then, the images are transferred or printed on a substrate without using plates or screens.

This method performs best in the following configurations:

• Unique and complex designs
• Process color, pictures, and vignettes
• Small runs with intricate designs or ordinary spot color overlays
• Small runs with different copy changes
• Any size runs with many colors
• Any design where variable serialization, barcodes, or personalization is required

Flexographic Printing

Flexographic printing, sometimes referred to as “flexo label printing” or “rotary relief printing,” transfers ink onto a substrate using soft, flexible plates. Then, the raised, inked image on the plates is printed onto the material with the printing press’ stations, each producing a single color. After adding the colors, you can further personalize your label with die cutting, sheeting, embossing, or perforating.

This printing type is a versatile technique that can be utilized in various labeling applications, including the following:

• Prime product
• Industrial
• Tamper evident
• Danger and caution
• Barcode and serialized
• Medical
• Large Volumes

Wide-Format Printing

Wide-format printing, also known as “large-format” and “grand-format printing,” is used for printing images larger than the standard 8.5 in. by 11 in., with some accommodating up to 18 in. by 100 in. called plotters. This method initially used pens inside the printer to create the design on paper or vinyl, but it soon evolved into inkjet and lasers for faster and more efficient printing.

Here are a few examples of wide-format printing applications:

• Large-scale labels
• Blueprints
• Car labels or Vehicle Wraps
• Floor and window graphic
• Banners, signs, and posters

How Are Labels Created?

Each label, whether simple or decorative, undergoes a process that results in a specific finished product. Here’s how to transform your design into a product label:

1. Getting the Material Ready

The first step in creating a label is obtaining the necessary material to print on, known as “facestock.” It acts as the primary substrate, with a liner beneath it from which the label is peeled. An adhesive layer is also underneath, attaching the label to the surface. Next, a coating is applied if extra protection or finish is required.

2. Printing the Label

The labels are printed with the design and other pertinent information. The process is primarily done on massive industrial printers that produce thousands or millions of labels per day. They are frequently printed directly onto the primary substrate. But, in some cases, other materials are used for printing and added to the facestock. You can use different methods — such as digital, flexographic, wide-format, thermal, or inkjet printing.

3. Cutting and Finishing

After printing, the labels are thoroughly inspected for quality before being cut or laminated. Finishing refers to all processes after printing, such as die-cutting, perforation, waste stripping, quality inspection, packaging, and delivery. Some manufacturers also use lamination, which adds a protective coating against shipping damage, moisture, UV radiation, or chemicals. Furthermore, labels are subjected to stringent quality regular checking to ensure that they adhere to the required standards and print quality in terms of dimensions, colors, and adhesive capacity.

4. Applying the Label to the Product

This procedure is frequently automated and carried out by label applicators, which can accurately cater to hundreds of items in minutes. Manual label application is feasible but not advisable due to time constraints and unreliable consistency.

Choose FOCUSales for Custom Printing Solutions

Since 2004, FOCUSales has been providing various products and print technologies to fulfill the increasing demands for custom applications. We can print labels for almost anything, from cosmetic products and food to consumer goods and automotive undercarriage.

FOCUSales is your one-stop shop for custom labels, folding cartons, shrink-sleeve labels, commercial printing, packaging solutions, and more! Contact us today for more information, and we will be delighted to assist you with your next project.

Direct Thermal Labels vs. Thermal Transfer Labels

There are multiple types of thermal labels, each relying on heat from a printhead to create images. However, slightly different processes are used to create each type. Direct thermal labels and thermal transfer labels and ribbons each feature unique characteristics and are used in different types of applications. When selecting a label for your application, it is important to know the strengths and limitations of each type to ensure your label effectively fulfills its purpose.

What Are Direct Thermal Labels?

Text and images on direct thermal labels are created by applying heat to the label’s surface which features a special surface coating that reacts to heat from a printhead. Images can be printed on direct thermal labels using heat alone.

Each type of thermal label features differing print quality, longevity, and durability. Both paper and synthetic materials are used as thermal facestocks to create labels. Paper labels can be coated or uncoated are best suited for indoor, short-term use. Synthetic materials, such as polyolefin, polyester, or polypropylene, do well in extreme temperature environments and can last up to several years, depending on the material.

Thermal labels have a wide variety of uses, from printing barcodes, receipts, shipping labels, and food packaging.

What Are Thermal Transfer Labels and Ribbons?

Thermal transfer labels are a widely used type of thermal label that features many benefits. In thermal transfer printing, a special ribbon is passed between the printhead and label to create the printed images. Thermal transfer ribbons are made from a thin film featuring a black coating on one side. The coating, typically made from a resin or wax, is heated by the printhead and transfers onto the label. Thermal labels and ribbons are available in many sizes and diameters. The ribbons are sold in wound rolls that come in many color options.

Key Features: Direct Thermal vs. Thermal Transfer Labels

Direct thermal labels and thermal transfer labels and ribbons are created differently, feature different characteristics, and are better suited to different uses and environments. Let’s take a closer look at the characteristics of each type.

Thermal Labels:

Thermal labels are useful for printing information on demand. Ingredients, dates, and barcodes are just some of the many uses for these labels. Direct thermal labels are typically used in short to medium-life applications, where they will not be exposed to moisture or heat after application. Direct thermal labels are highly cost-effective and create clear, consistent images that can be easily read and scanned.

In comparison to the longer-lasting thermal transfer labels, direct thermal labels can fade in as little as 6 to 12 months. They also do not stand up well to high levels of abrasion. However, they are well suited to applications such as shipping and logistics, price tags, meat labeling, and more.

Thermal Transfer Labels and Ribbons:

Thermal transfer labels and ribbons are useful for creating barcodes, QR codes, and sequential numbering applications. In comparison to direct thermal labels, they have the unique benefit of being chemically resistant. These labels can be exposed to substances ranging from water, oil, bleach, and even acetone due to the highly durable resin ribbon with which they are made. They are also resistant to UV light.

Thermal transfer labels and ribbons are well suited to long-life applications and are available in a large selection of materials to meet the demands of many environmental challenges. They can also be backed with an adhesive if required by the application.

Applications

Due to their inherent differences, direct thermal and thermal transfer labels are better suited for different applications.

Thermal Labels:

Direct thermal labels are best suited to industries that don’t involve exposure to high heat or moisture levels. They do well in chilled environments, such as labeling frozen foods, and are used throughout applications spanning many industries including:

• Event ticketing
• Coupons
• Healthcare industry applications, including visitor passes
• Name tags
• Barcodes for retail products and shipping labels
• Receipts
• GHS-compliant labels

Thermal Transfer Labels and Ribbons:

Thermal transfer synthetic labels perform well in outdoor applications as well as those featuring high moisture and abrasion exposure. They are an excellent choice when direct thermal labels are unsuitable or when high print quality is desired. They are used in applications such as:

• Creating high quality, long-lasting images
• Medical applications involving chemical exposure
• Warehouse shelf labels
• Chemical and industrial labels
• Laboratory labels
• Applications requiring color, such as for branding or promotional uses

FOCUSales: Your Source for All Label Solutions

FOCUSales stocks an extensive selection of direct thermal and thermal transfer labels and ribbons. We carry thermal transfer ribbons for all the leading thermal printer manufacturers, as well as hundreds of ribbon varieties. To learn more about our products or talk to an expert about finding the best solution for your application, contact us or request a quote today.

What are Pressure-Sensitive Labels?

There is a good chance that most of the products you purchase and the packages you receive have pressure-sensitive labels (PSLs). PSLs are incredibly versatile and make up over 80% of the labels on the market. PSLs can be found on almost every type of product, from medicine to toys to shipping boxes. They identify products, decorate bottles, and display branding.

PSLs are constructed from paper, film, or foil and are compatible with various inks. One of the advantages of PSLs is they don’t require water, glue, or heat to activate. Light and pressure are the only elements needed to adhere them to a product or surface. They come in large rolls or sheets and can be applied by hand or machine. Pressure-sensitive labels offer a range of benefits from saving time and labor to creating visually appealing packaging.

Components of a Pressure-Sensitive Label

Pressure-sensitive labels are fairly simple in construction with only five basic components:

• Liner: The liner is a sheet of paper or plastic film that covers the adhesive backs of the labels, allowing them to be stored without sticking to each other. It is essential in the machine application process as it carries the label to the applicator and releases the label, placing it on the product. The liner protects the label until it’s to be applied. Once a label has been removed, it can be discarded or recycled.
• Release Coat: The release coat is applied to the top of the liner and is designed to resist the adhesive to allow the liner to easily slip away from the PSL during the application process.
• Adhesive: The main benefit of pressure-sensitive labels is that you only need to apply pressure to adhere them to surfaces. The type of adhesive used is determined by several factors, including desired label texture, the storage temperature of the product, the material to which the label will adhere, the environmental conditions the label will need to withstand, the amount of residue left after removal, the amount of pressure needed to apply the label, and if the label is intended to be permanent or removable.
• Face Stock: The face stock is where the ink is applied and what people will see when the label is applied. It can be made of paper, foils, laminates, plastic films, or fabrics. Brands work with PSL manufacturers to find suitable materials and textures that will enhance the artwork on the face stock.
• Topcoat: The topcoat is added to the face stock to protect it and improve clarity and legibility. Top coats help the printing on the PSL stand out and can have a UV coating to ensure the label doesn’t fade.

How do Pressure-Sensitive Labels Work?

Earlier forms of label required solvents, heat, or extreme pressure to make it stick to the product. The reason PSLs are the preferred label is because they only require a light or moderate amount of pressure to apply, and they come in rolls, so they are easy to store.

Since pressure-sensitive labels have the advantage of pre-applied adhesive, they can be simply peeled away from the liner, either by hand or machine, and applied directly to the product or package.

Pressure-Sensitive Label Applications

PSLs are versatile and can be applied to almost any product you can imagine, from wine bottles to toys to shipping boxes. They can also be applied to virtually any surface, including glass, plastic, and cardboard. Some of the most common applications include:

• Automotive Labels: Automotive labels need to withstand extreme environments and tough surfaces. Selecting adhesives and materials that are corrosion resistant and durable is key.
• Chemical Labels: For products containing harsh chemicals, it is important to clearly list product information to meet industry regulations and standards.
• Household Product Labels: Labels on household products need to withstand frequent handling and provide clear information about their intended use.
• Food & Beverage Labels: Food and beverage labels need to be eye-catching to stand out on the shelf. Die-cutting and specialty prints can help these products engage consumers. They also need to be temperature and moisture resistant.
• Wine & Spirits Labels: Like food and beverage labels, wine and spirits labels need to stand out and convey important brand information.

Contact FOCUSales for a Quote on Pressure-Sensitive Labels

FOCUSales specializes in pressure-sensitive labels and can create one to perfectly suit your product. From prime labels to extended content labels to domed labels, FOCUSales can customize a label solution to your specifications. To learn more about our pressure-sensitive label offerings, request a quote from us or contact us for today.

Custom Label Options for Breweries

Custom Label Options for Breweries

With breweries selling numerous brands at retailers, consumers have a seemingly endless choice of beer to choose. The increasing competition has made it hard for products to sell without proper branding and packaging. The shelf space is at an ever-increasing premium and package differentiation is the key to retain consumer attention. A custom brand label that tells the story of your personalized brand is vital to the success of your brewery. Here are some of the options you have while selecting the right material and finish for your label.

Choosing the custom label base material

Whitepaper

The white semigloss paper material is great for cold beverage labeling. It acts as a perfect canvas for the label design as it has ideal opacity and brightness. The drawback of the white paper base is that it does not hold on well in ice buckets or damp conditions. Because it’s economical, you can opt for this if your brewery is just starting out.

White film

The white flexlyte film is a great choice because of its durability. Apart from being a great base for the label design, it offers better abrasion resistance and improved moisture resistance. No matter it’s a bottle or can, this material works well on both.

Metalized silver paper

The metalized silver paper is one of the premium base label material option that you have. Specific areas in the label can be provided more shine while offering matted effect on others. If you want to make an impact on the shelf, this is the perfect choice for you.

Choosing a custom label finish – Either varnish or overlaminate

Gloss clear UV varnish

This is a protective coating with additional shiny effect. On top of the primary coating, it offers durability and protection from moisture. No need to worry about your brewed products that are placed in damp conditions.

Matte UV varnish

This is also a protective coating with a matte and dull effect. This is a great base for the printing and also offers durability to moisture.

What to Look For in a Label Printer

In case you are considering buying a label printer for your business, you are certainly on a right track to gain more independence and control over your business. There are many issues that arise while using an outside printing source. Delayed shipments and the costs could really go out of control. Now the real question is what you really have to look for in a printer.

Every business has its unique labeling needs, which means that the perfect printer for every business will vary. However, there are certain requirements and specifications that your printer must meet if you want your products to be competitively placed among others.

Size of the labels

Printers come in all shapes and sizes, therefore, it is important to identify the right size before making the buying decision. The width and length of the labels depend on the type of products they need to be used for. A label for an e-liquid bottle of e-cigarettes will require a printer that can print a smaller label of up to 2.48 inches in width. Similarly, a label for a beer bottle would be considerably larger in size.

Meeting Regulations

There are certain requirements by FDA that your labels must comply with. Depending on the type of your business, the requirements may change and you must check with the associated government regulatory authority to see the regulations. Nutrition facts, warnings, expiry dates and other alerts are an integral part of labels, which must be complied with. Your label printer must be able to clearly print this information over designated space without interfering with the creative element of your design.

Do you have to print barcodes? 200dpi or 600dpi

Retail products mostly come with a bar code as it is prerequisite to have one printed. A 600dpi barcode label printer is for sure better than a 200dpi as it has a higher quality print and consumes less space on a label because of a smaller print. However, these can be expensive, which makes the 200dpi printer to come into play. You can improve its quality by printing a larger label but of course, this will result in overutilization of space. You can do your own cost-benefit analysis and choose the right option for yourself.

Why Choose Custom Printed Labels?

It does not matter if you are an established organization, entrepreneurial venture or an NGO, there are convincing reasons to use a custom printed label for your products. Creating a custom label means that you will have to spend some time into research as designing a perfect logo involves great creativity. Branding your products the right way is of utmost importance in this day and age where competition demands you to be unique.

Here are some reasons that might convince you to opt for a custom label design.

Custom printed labels increase sales

Sales are the ultimate goal of every business as every other operation of the business aim to achieve this specific purpose. Custom printed labels on your products have a better chance to entice the customers as they have a unique selling appeal about them. An eye-catching label can totally change someone’s perception of a product. It is the first attribute anyone notices before buying a product, therefore, it must be spot on. You can highlight the core values of your business in the label and increase sales based on positive brand perception.

Brand awareness

Because the attention span of the average consumer is getting shorter and shorter, it is vital for you to strengthen your brand awareness. Your labels represent your business and buy creatively designing a custom label, you can add the subtle details that add to increase brand identity. You can also just five away printed labels on brochures highlighting the value your product offers to the customers.

Discounts and promotions

Often times the best way to attract is a customer is through a discount offer on the label. With custom printed labels you are offering customers a chance to recognize and avail the discount. Larger packing size at the same price with a label highlighting the access is a great way to boost food product sales. Similarly, many other products can be sold just by creatively expending the custom label design.