Product Labels
Short answer
Choose a product label for the packaging surface, storage and handling conditions. Supply the approved product and market-specific information before layout; required content and text-size rules depend on the product and applicable requirements. Printing does not itself establish compliance.
A product label solves two problems that often pull against each other: it has to look good, and it has to carry the information legislation requires. A honey jar, handmade soap, a bag of dried fruit, a cream tube — each has a different surface, size and conditions. This page covers choosing material by product type, planning the information block on the label, and the technical limits of curved surfaces.
Key facts
- Material (dry)
- Paper, matte or gloss
- Material (damp)
- Vinyl
- Shape
- Round, oval, rectangular, contour cut
- Information block
- Use approved copy and applicable legibility requirements
- Curved surface
- Narrower labels sit better
- Barcode
- Possible, needs a quiet zone
- Direct food contact
- No — outer packaging only
- Quote
- Specify sticker dimensions, material, cutting contour, quantity and finishing.
Material by product type
Choose the face material, adhesive, ink and any laminate as a compatible system for the actual surface and exposure. Water resistance, UV resistance, cleaning tolerance and service life are separate properties; confirm the product specification and test the intended application where needed. For cosmetics, soap or chilled food packaging, include exposure to oils, steam, condensation and handling in the brief.
- Dry storage — assess suitable paper or film
- Wet handling — verify the complete construction
- Refrigeration — state application and storage temperature
- Oily packaging — test adhesive compatibility
Planning the information block
Collect the approved information for the product category and intended market before designing. The responsible business should confirm required wording, symbols, language and legibility rules. Allocate room for that content, variable dates or batch codes and the barcode. A generic 6 pt recommendation is not a universal legal minimum; confirm the actual requirements and a final-size proof.
- Confirm approved product information first
- Check applicable text and symbol requirements
- Review a final-size proof for legibility
- Keep code quiet zones clear
Curved surfaces and label width
Measure the actual container, including taper and changes in curvature. Label width, shape, material flexibility and adhesive all affect fit; a wide label does not inevitably fail on every cylinder. For a wraparound design, agree the gap or overlap and test a sample before approving the run.
Product and recommended label
| Product | Conditions | Material | Shape |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honey, jam (shelf) | Dry | Paper | Round or oval |
| Handmade soap | Wet environment | Vinyl | Rectangular, narrow |
| Cream, cosmetics | Steam, wet hands | Vinyl | Narrow, on cylinder |
| Dried fruit, tea, spices | Dry | Paper | Rectangular |
| Drinks (refrigerated) | Condensation | Vinyl | Rectangular or contour |
| Jar lid | Dry or damp | Paper / vinyl | Round |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you determine the mandatory information?
Can I add a barcode to the label?
Should the shelf life be applied separately?
Are small runs possible for handmade products?
The label bonds poorly to a greasy surface — what can I do?
Should the label be removable or permanent?
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