What is Labeling? Types and Examples

The label is a part of business branding, and it enables product identification for consumers and sellers. Labeling is the process of attaching a label that contains the product information that aids in product recognition in the market and provides all the necessary information about the product. Labeling specifies product information like its components, brand name, brand logo, and instructions that need to be followed for using a product. As per Mason and Rath, labeling is;

“The label is an information tag or seal attached to the product package.“

What is Product Labeling?

When you visit a market, you might have noticed something common in fruit with an attached sticker containing information about expiry, shoes with information attached to it regarding their size and material, and a shirt with a piece of information regarding the size. The common thing in all these products is that labels support them.

Product labeling not only provides information about the product but also needs to comply with all the legal obligations.  Product label needs to fulfill the conditions imposed by the competition and consumer act 2010. For example, all food businesses must adhere to the food and drug administration (FDA) guidelines regarding providing food manufacturing, expiry dates, nutritional value, and ingredients. 

In simple words, we can define product labeling as an information wrapper or tag imprinted with important information about the product’s contents and the direction for its use.

Every brand needs to create its own label to boost independent packaging standards in the industry. Copying or stealing labels’ graphics or content is an offense per FTC (Federal Trade Commission) as it creates unjust competition.

What is Custom Labeling?

Since labels are common among different products, sometimes companies want to add optional attributes to the product data feeds, so they use custom labeling.  Custom labeling allows businesses to strengthen their brand value. Custom labeling is also called specialty labeling As it is specifically designed for one product and  Features different colors, fonts, typography, and themes that help the customer recognize the big difference between your and competitors’ product. The essential aspects of labeling, such as product name brand logo taglines, will remain the same in the specialty or custom labels.  

Many people often confuse packaging and labeling, but let us tell you that packaging and labeling are an integral part of a product’s life cycle. Before touching the product, the consumer’s first exposure is always to the product packaging and labeling. This is the only reason that brands put their hard-earned money and time into creating value through packaging and labeling for consumers, which has proven incredibly effective in boosting companies’ profits.

Packaging plays a functional role for a product as it helps in storing and transporting the product and ensures that the consumer gets the product without any damage. Labeling provides the essential information to customers as its expiry so customers can use the product without any issues. Labeling also helps to communicate with consumers and provides them with all instructions on how to use the product. It also contains information about product ingredients and allergens (Food).

One of the most significant rules that packaging and labeling provide is a perceptual benefit to businesses. There are dozens of similar products on the same shelf, making it quite hard for consumers to select or decide which one will be better for them. Custom packaging and labeling distinguish your products from the rivals. The unique color palette, custom graphics, and attractive designs with your business logos will entice the audiences and help build a position for your brand.

Types of Labeling

Labels are informative notes or tags on the product that defines the product, help in sorting products on retail shelves, and also bring recognition to the product. Businesses can use different types of labels according to their needs to promote the sale of their product. Let’s explore different types of labels,

1. Brand Labels

Brand label, as the name indicates, plays a huge role in giving information about the brand. This label includes information about the brand and conveys the trademark business logo and brand message to consumers. This label is aimed explicitly at advertising and promoting the brand. Information about a product is usually not provided on these labels; therefore, they are mainly by consumer goods manufacturers.

2. Descriptive Labels

Descriptive labels are also restrictive because they specify the product usage instructions and provide product-related information like ingredients, performance, expiry date, manufacturing date, and product care instructions. Descriptive labels are pretty detailed. These labels are used for cosmetics and medicines.

3. Grade Labels

Grade labels describe the aspects of the product and its quality as per the legal requirements and industry standards. Suppose one company is making different products in the same category. In that case, therefore, grade labels are used to show the quality and grade of the product so consumers and intermediaries can easily recognize the product. This level to not contain any other information about the product decides its type. For example, Leather can be genuine, bonded, faux, and full grain. A business producing different types of teas can also use grade labels such as; Green tea, black tea, tea bags, and leaf tea.

Businesses can use any of the above types according to their needs to grid promote or identify the product in the market. Labeling is a crucial factor in increasing the business sale and distribution of the product.

Types of the Label for Clothing

Garments manufacturers use labels to give a special touch to their clothing line and to distinguish their products from other brands in the same niche. These are not only a functional component of the clothing industry but are essential for the success of the brand. Let’s explore some of the most commonly found garments in the clothing industry.

• Brand Label; Brand label, as the name indicates, contains the brand logo that makes people aware of the company’s name in clothes.   Customers often link brand labels as a promise by the company to deliver a high-quality product.
• Size Labels; Size labels show the size of garments so customers can quickly get their required size. For example, S for small, M for medium, and so on.
• Flag Label; Flag labels are normally made of the brand logo and used as a design feature mostly found on the outside side seam.
• Care Label; Labels used to give washing and care instructions about the cloth are known as Care Labels. This level also contains fiber content (100% cotton) and the manufacturing company’s origin.
• Batch Mark Label: The label indicates the batch sewing line of the garment. These labels are used for the company’s internal quality inspection process and are usually attached under the wash label.
• Manufacturer’s Label: This level uses contains manufacturer code to customers can easily track the manufacture of the particular product.
• Special Label; Cloth manufacturers attach special labels to draw customers’ attention by  Highlighting the specific quality of the product. For example 100% organic, Cruelty-free, etc.

Types of Label Material

Labeling has an important role in the success of the business. Have you ever wondered why all the labels look so different? Well, that’s because they are made up of different types of materials. Have a look at some of the materials used for label making.

• Polyester: Tear-resistant labels come in various shapes and types. It can easily withstand harsh conditions so it is perfect for outdoor and indoor applications.
• Foil Paper Labels; these labels are generally used as food stickers due to their captivating look.
• Fluorescent Paper Labels; These labels are usually used to alert the people and are coated on synthetic material
• Satin Labels; Satin acetate cloth labels are famous for holiday gifting purposes 
• Polypropylene Labels are; Inexpensive and popular material used for short-term applications.
• Recycled labels; are usually made from kraft and are 100% eco-friendly.
• Polyethylene; is a malleable and pliant material commonly used for labeling curved surfaces like bottles and jars.

Types of Labels for Handbags

Labels are used on handbags for a high-end look and for aiding customer buying decisions.

Famous types of labels used for handbags are;

• Acetate Satin
• Polyester
• Taffeta polyester

Types of Label Printers

Different types of printers can be used for labeling.

• Thermal Transfer: This label printer is known for high-quality and durable labels.
• Laser printers; Laser printers are common for utilizing standard sheet-fed printers. These are easy and Inexpensive choices for on-demand printing
• Direct thermal printers; these printers have special chemicals beneath the surface that activate on heating and create the image prints.

Types of Labels in Packaging

Are various purposes of product labels; therefore it is good to identify your product and use a perfect level for it so customers can easily understand your product and know your brand. Have a look at different types of product types on labels;

• Shrink labels: These labels are made up of polymer plastic film that is generally wrapped around the entire container and then shrunk by heat so it becomes tighter on the product container. Beverage bottles contain these labels.
• In-mold labels: These types of labels go through a process known as blow molding after printing where these are thermoformed or injected Into the packaging material so it doesn’t look separate from the container.
• Dry-peel labels: These labels are made with adhesives and easily released when people are from the service of the product.
• Thermal labels; A long-lasting label that is a color when heated.
• Pressure-sensitive labels; these levels are made out of a stock that includes a liner and adhesive. These are found on jars, tubes, and bottles.

Example of Packaging and Labeling

Product success or failure depends upon the marketing initiative that the company takes to stun its audiences. The big industries spend a lot of time and money on creating strategies that attract consumers to their products.  Small businesses have a much lower budget for marketing than large enterprises; therefore, they often take online marketing on social media to help make their products reach a wide spectrum of audiences. Many small businesses often overlook the need for good labeling for product success. Product packaging and labeling is a key aspect of a marketing strategy because it gives the product a visual appeal that makes customers swayed by its charm.

Businesses that made packaging and labeling their priority can reinforce the business branding which brings them more audiences.  Informative and attractive labels on the products directly aim at the consumers by giving the product a luxury appeal. Labeling is the only way to directly communicate with your customers and equip them with all the information they need about the product life price, name, ingredients, etc. Product packaging and labeling are your chance to make your product stand out from the competition and boost your product image in consumers’ eyes. Labeling is often a legal requirement too. Just keep in mind that no matter how good a product you make, consumers will be unlikely to choose it if it is not attractively packed and doesn’t contain proper labels.

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