What are Labels?

With the growing demand for a number of industries, including the automotive and electronics industries, it is crucial to have labels that display the necessary and correct information about a product and meet all regulation requirements, all while being visually appealing to grab the customer’s attention.

What Do Labels Have to Contain?

Different products require different labeling, so it is important to check with your specific industry to make sure you are meeting all labeling requirements.

Requirements set by the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) are used for products that are sold or distributed by weight. These labels must include a declaration of identity, a declaration of responsibility, and a declaration of net quantity, servings, and uses. Stating what the product is, the name and address of the manufacturer, packer, and distributor, and the amount of product in the packaging is important to consumers so they know what they are purchasing and who they are purchasing from.

Similarly, the Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulation (UPLR) and NIST Handbook 130 require packaging to include the identity of the product, the name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer, and distributor, and the net quantity of contents.

DRG Technologies has the capability to provide all necessary labeling information for a wide range of products.

The Importance of Labeling

Important to the Marketing of the Product

Having a label that is colorful and well-designed grabs the attention of your consumers. Gaining their attention is the first step to getting them to make the purchase. Labeling is also important in giving information to consumers so they can easily make the decision between different products.

Used for Identification

Designing and printing unique labels for your product sets it apart from the competition, but making sure your ingredients or components are printed clearly on the label is critical to building trust with your customers. Being clear with what is in your product gives consumers peace of mind that they are purchasing what is right for them.

Used for Safety Measure

All necessary safety information needs to be presented on labels to ensure your consumers know how to properly use, store, and care for the product. If your label supplies this information about the dangers, medical issues, or hazards associated with your product, consumers can avoid injuries and you can avoid unnecessary lawsuits.

Types of Labels

There are many different kinds of labels, however, there are four major overarching categories that are used for products.

Brand Labels

Brand labels provide consumers with the brand name of the product. This allows customers to easily identify your brand throughout all of your products.

Informative Labels

These labels carry necessary information and descriptions about the product for consumer knowledge. Instructions, precautions, and warnings are included on these labels.

Descriptive Labels

Descriptive labels include information describing the products, such as size, weight, ingredients, nutritional value, and composition.

Grade Labels

Grade labels present the quality or grade of a product. Not all products need a grade label, however, if they do, these tags, stickers, labels, marks, or symbols on the packaging identify which grade a product falls under. Foods generally have to have a grade label and they are classified by government regulators.

What Makes a Good Label?

Labels are a critical part of your marketing plan. Aesthetically pleasing labels that are informative and consistent throughout your brand draws new consumers in and keeps prior consumers coming back. The right label for your product needs to do a few things.

Communicate Clearly

Making sure all necessary information about your product is printed clearly on your label is important to building trust with your customers. Whether it is desired information or expected information, consumers want to know what they are buying.

Aesthetics

Attractive labels hold attention. Focusing on the right color, fonts, graphics, shapes, sizes, and materials of your label to make sure it fits the goal and expectations of your products draws consumers in.

Credibility and Legibility

Information about the product, like ingredients and safety information, and information about who is producing the product is important for your label. You need to leave out any information that your consumers will find unnecessary to continue building trust.

Adaptable

Having labels that are consistent throughout your brand but have different characteristics for each individual product will maintain a sense of brand unity and draw consumers to keep buying different products from your overarching brand.

Choosing the Right Labeling Solution

Consider Size and Shape

How much information do you want to display? How large is the product? What shape is the packaging?

Answering these questions will help you decide what type of label and what material is the right fit. For example, if you have smaller products that require a lot of information, you may go with an expanded content label.

Consider Regulations and Requirements for Your Label

Different products require different regulations and standards for their labels. Making sure you are aware of the requirements and regulations for your industry is important to selling your products.

For food labeling, consider RPC labeling that meets government labeling requirements with printing, ribbon, and knitting services for organic and non-organic food.

UL labels are durable and great for identification, instructions, and warnings.

High-temperature labels are needed for products that are going through harsh manufacturing or other difficult conditions. These labels are used in the aerospace, automotive, and electronic industries.

Polyurethane domes are great for a high-end look that is also durable. Used largely in the automotive industry, these labels are able to withstand UV rays, dents, scratches, and harsh weather conditions.

IFUs, instruction sheets, and manuals are used for safety information. These types of labeling products are generally quite long, so it is good to consider outsourcing their printing.

ID labels distinguish products from one another, pop out to consumers, and make it easy for organizations to easily organize and shelf them.

Advanced technical labeling solutions are the best options for products that require extra security. These labels consist of security and authenticity tags, brand protection, anti-counterfeiting, and tamper-evident seals.

Work with DRG Technologies for Your Labeling Needs

Our expert team is here to help you with any label you need. With more than 30 years of experience, we know the ins and outs of various industries and can match your product with the perfect label.

Navigating the World of Product Labels