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8 Things to Consider When Ordering a Product Label

While developing a product, a label may be the last component you think about – but it is often the first one your user will see or experience. For this reason, and more, creating the right label should not be an afterthought. In fact, with the right partner, a high-quality printed label can enhance your product in many ways.

Functional uses for labels.

With today’s advanced printing technologies, labels aren’t just used for branding purposes or conveying product information (although these are very important uses). They can also add valuable functionality to the product or packaging, including:

  • Protection
  • Security
  • Identification, including serial numbers and certification labels (UL, CE, etc.)
  • Indicating action or environmental factors such as temperature, sterilization, humidity, etc.
  • Smart features like NFC and RFID

What to consider when you need a label.

At Tapecon, we employ a thorough process that identifies all the aesthetic and functional needs of your label, as well as manufacturing requirements. Here are eight areas to consider.

  1. Substrate material. Based on the product, it’s purpose, and the conditions where it will be used, what is the best material to print on? This can be anything from paper, polyester, vinyl, polycarbonate, and many other options.
  2. Lamination. Does your label need to include laminate, which is a thin, transparent sheet of plastic that is placed on top of the printed substrate? And if so, what type and how thick?
  3. Adhesive. To select the optimal adhesive, consider what the product is sticking to (especially skin), whether it's for temporary or long-term use, and the environmental conditions and temperature where it will be used.
  4. Varnish. Do you need a varnish, which is a liquid coating that can be applied for protection or appearance, including matte, gloss, UV-protection, and more.
  5. Shape. Based on the specifications of your product, what size and shape do the label need to be? Your converting partner can help identify the best method for achieving the perfect shape.
  6. Printing. Do you need PMS matching or a functional ink? Is there a preferred unwinding direction so the printing reads a specific direction when the spool is unrolled?
  7. Finishing. How do you want your labels provided? How many labels per roll or sheets per bundle? Do you want them shipped with chipboard or shrink-wrapped? Will the labels be applied to the product mechanically or manually?
  8. Other quality requirements. What other specifics do we need to know about your label? Do you need a sample or press proof? Is ISO 13485 compliance required? Do you have a custom supply chain management program?

As you can see, there’s more that goes into making a high-quality, functional label than meets the eye. As a full-service printer and converter, Tapecon is ready to help take your product labels to the next level.

Get started with labels.

At Tapecon, we have over 100 years of experience helping customers solve their complex product challenges. Learn more about our labels and decals applications.

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