What is a Label?

Labels support the product they are attached to.

They exist to communicate specific information, such as:

• Product names and branding

• Ingredient lists or nutritional information

• Instructions, warnings or regulatory details

• Barcodes and tracking details

• Organizational or inventory labeling (storage, sorting or logistics)

Unlike stickers, labels are function-first.They must be easy to read, easy to apply and durable enough for the product’s lifecycle.

Labels are used across nearly every industry. Common examples include:

• Product identification: Labeling items with names, ingredients, and nutritional information.

• Functionality: Labels can be designed for specific purposes, such as resealable labels that maintain product usability, barcodes, QR codes and inventory tags.

• Decoration and personalization: Adding decorative elements to products or packages.

• Branding and marketing: Displaying logos, slogans, and promotional information to build brand recognition and stand out on store shelves.

• Logistics and inventory: Organizing and tracking items in warehouses and for shipping with labels for tracking, packing, and asset management.

• Safety and compliance: Providing essential safety warnings, instruction guides, and tamper-evident seals to ensure product integrity.

• Organization: Keeping items organized with clear identification.

Businesses rely heavily on labels for packaging and brand consistency.

Labels share the same basic structure as stickers but use materials and finishes optimized for packaging, readability, and mass application.

1. Finish (Top Layer) - The finish is the top protective layer applied over the printed label. Labels use thinner and more flexible finishes than stickers because they must conform smoothly to packaging and allow efficient mass-application.
Two types of finishes may be applied:

• Varnish (Gloss or Matte): light protection, cost-efficient, common for product labels

• Laminate (Gloss or Matte): stronger protection against water, oil, chemicals, and abrasion

Some labels have no finish at all:

• Uncoated: used when no protective layer is needed — ideal for dry-goods, short lifecycle labels, or cost-sensitive applications

2. Design (Color Layer) - The printed artwork and information layer. Most labels are printed using CMYK or Pantone to ensure accurate and consistent color reproduction. White ink is essential when printing on transparent, metallic, or specialty materials to ensure opacity, contrast, and readability.

Labels often include structured elements such as:

• product information

• ingredients and nutritional facts

• barcodes or QR codes

• regulatory icons

• safety warnings

• batch numbers and dates

Premium options such as spot varnish and foil can be added when needed to elevate branding or highlight key information.

3. Material (Base Films) - The foundational film that gives the label its look, flexibility, and durability.
Common materials include:

• PP (Polypropylene)

• PE (Polyethylene)

• Paper (indoor, dry goods, or cost-efficient applications)

• PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

Each material has different strengths, environmental characteristics, and application purposes.
Label materials are generally thinner and more flexible than sticker materials, allowing smooth application to packaging and enabling fast application processes.

4. Adhesive Layer - Pressure-sensitive adhesive selected for the product’s surface and environment.
Common adhesive types:

• Hi-tack: high-strength adhesive for textured, curved, or low-energy surfaces

• Permanent: medium-strength, industry-standard adhesive for most packaging and product labeling

• Low-tack (Removable): low-strength adhesive for temporary or repositionable labels

Additional variations—such as freezer-safe or food-safe adhesive—may be required depending on the label’s intended environment.

5. Backing Liner - The protective layer covering the adhesive until application.
Labels are often delivered on sheets or rolls for manual or machine application.
They can vary in thickness, material, and release coating depending on production method and application speed.

Labels are functional, informational adhesive products used to identify, organize, and communicate critical details about objects or packaging.They are clarity-driven, structured, and essential in both small business and corporate environments.