Label Companies

A product label is a vital part of a company’s identity, forming an incredible marketing tool that could determine whether a consumer selects one product over a competitor. There are many facets that go into creating this important identifying device.

More about Label Companies

So let’s start at the beginning, what do label companies actually do?

Well for starters, label manufacturers specialise in creating a range of identifying labels for a variety of consumer products. These labels serve to enhance an organisation’s quality while aiding in the sale of products through distinctive branding. In short they are the stickers that companies put on their products so that you (the consumer) can find what you want. There are many many types of labels including (but not limited to):

  • Barcode labels
  • Thermal Transfer Labels
  • Custom Printed Labels
  • Drum Labels
  • Packaging labels
  • Price labels
  • Plant labels
  • Warning labels
  • Pharmaceutical labels
  • Lug labels
  • Blank labels

New Label Rolls3

If you find a good label company to make stickers for your product they should invariably offer a range of services that work together to formulate a complete packaging solution, so that you don’t have to worry about anything other than selling your product. This would include:

  • Graphics and plate making (What the sticker will look like)
  • Mixing inks for colours suited to individual needs (What colour the sticker will be)
  • Supplying materials and adhesives customised for clients (How the sticker will stick)
  • Label lamination to protect against scuffing, spills, moisture and chemicals (How long the label will last)

So what if you want to print stickers yourself? 

Not every business will need a huge amount of stickers in their first run, or they’ll need many small batches many times in 1 month and therefore need quick and easy access to these. In this case, many label companies offer a number of different solutions, depending on what it is that you need. Here are a few products that label companies manufacture:

  • Self-adhesive labels (Stickers)
  • Industrial tags (Heavy duty stickers)
  • Security void labels (Those stickers that set off an alarm at the shop entrance if you forget to void them)
  • Indoor and outdoor signage (Huge stickers)
  • Aluminium labels and nameplates (How the stickers are made)
  • Label ribbons and printers (What the stickers are made with)

label-printer

How do label companies actually make stickers?

There are essentially two ways in which companies manufacture labels – traditional and digital printing. Although both methods – when performed by professionals using high-quality equipment – can provide eye-catching labels, digital is directly from computer to printer whereby traditional uses plates and solvents. Digital, while cost effective for smaller runs, can prove a bit costlier with bigger orders.

There is definitely a move towards digital printing because there is no human factor which means less chance of inconsistency and error. Digital label printing means that the image you see on the computer is exactly what will be printed, with consistent levels of ink allowing for identical images on each run.

Read more: First Panorama Digital Printer in SA

The direct computer-to-printer functionality means that clients can get a sample run that can then be tweaked to specification. Digital printing also allows for variable label printing which means a print run can contain a different set of numbers, barcodes or images for each label.

However, there is still a place for the traditional mechanical presses which use flexography. Flexible printing plates are customised to apply ink onto the material which each colour applied sequentially as the material moves through the press. Although setting the plates and getting the colours right might take some time at the start, flexo is often the best option for bulk orders.

Read more: Why digital printing makes sense

Who usually orders stickers from label companies?

The label is one of the most important parts of a product besides the actual product itself. It provides information, identity and branding for each and every product. Some of the , among them:

  • Food, baking and beverageFood barcode label
  • Chemical, detergent, oil and lubricant
  • Retail
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Wine
  • Dairy
  • Nursery and timber
  • Government
  • Marketing and design

 

5. What are the right questions to ask label companies

With so many burgeoning label companies around, it’s important to be discerning about which organisation will meet your specific needs. Here are a few questions that you should consider asking of each company:

  1. What printing method do you use? Depending on your order size, colour and detail requirements, it will be worth deciding whether digital or traditional printing is the way to go.
  1. What is your capacity? It’s no secret that delays cost companies money and the faster your product is on the shelf, the better. Find out if your label company can handle the workload without delay.
  1. Can I get a sample? Particularly for digital prints, you can ask for a sample of the product to make sure you’re 100% happy with the result before placing a bulk order.
  1. How long will the label last? The label needs to outlast the product. Ask about the adhesive quality and resistance to weathering before placing an order.
  1. Can I see previous work? Any reputable label company will be able to showcase examples of work done to give you an idea of quality.
  1. What is your colour range? This is particularly important for company logos as you have to have the exact shade to make the image recognisable.

6. What are the benefits of using an established label company

Although a start-up label company might be able to offer you a better initial price, an established label company will be able to deliver quality labels suited to your specific requirements. Experience within the industry means that the organisation can tell you upfront whether your label needs will be met and within the allotted time.

An established label company is intimately aware of which materials work best which what colours. You’ve taken time and spent money on the perfect design, so make sure it appears as vibrant on the label as onscreen. Poor quality labels will peel, become scuffed and the ink will run, affecting the overall image of your product.

With so much riding on a product label, it’s imperative that you partner with a superior label company with a comprehensive understanding of the industry and quality final product.

Rebsons Labels have been printing labels since 1953. We know all there is to know about labels and all our adhesive labels are produced to the highest quality and standard. To discuss your label manufacturing requirements contact one of our experts today on sales@rebsons.co.za or visit our website www.rebsons.co.za

adhesive labels

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