Big ones, small ones, round or flat, long tube, short tube, choose a cap, opt for a nozzle, light weight and easy to use, these are just some of the reasons that squeezable containers are the go-to receptacle for so many manufacturers.  The options are endless and consumers love them, while manufacturers love to hate them, the very art of their attraction is the very reason for their frustration.  Because, when it comes to labelling, besides the obvious considerations that need to be taken into account, flexibility and durability become the two most important.

Labels for Squeezable Containers

Types of industries and products that use squeezable containers

The H.J. Heinz Company first put its famous ketchup into a squeezable plastic bottle in 1983 and the market went wild.  Not only was it user friendly for the consumer, it created less mess and also protected the contents against spoilage, making it the perfect vessel.

Due to its ease of use, squeezable containers are the receptacle of choice for most industries, worldwide, with even baby food being available in squeezable packaging.

The vast majority of household cleaning products come in squeezable containers, they’re lightweight, making them easy to handle and, because they’re plastic, they can be moulded to reach into those impossible nooks and crannies and can come with a nozzle or flip cap, depending on what you need.  From adhesives to beauty products, there’s a squeezable container that fits the bill.  The pharmaceutical industry uses them as the perfect packaging for products like eye drops, toothpaste, powdered paints and more in order to minimise the risk of mess. They’re multi-use and multi-functional, but what do you need to consider when labelling your squeezable container product?

What types of label materials should you use?

Being placed on a squeezable container means that your label is going to be in for some heavy-duty use, regardless of the product.  It’s going need to be flexible and hard-wearing all the while retaining its aesthetic charm and valuable information in clear, legible lettering.

When considering the material of your label, first consider the environment your product will be in, is this wet or dry?  What type of product is it, a cleanser or an adhesive?  What type of container is it in, a tube or a squeezable bottle?  All of these need to be taken into account to ensure that you choose the best material for your product.

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Plastic labels, which can be transparent or coloured or flexible film materials such as polyethylenes (which are more limited in terms of colour) are perfect for squeezable containers for products like shampoo. This is due to the required flexibility of the bottle and its environment.  Laminating your label will also assist in protecting it.

Once you’ve decided on what material to use you now need to make it stick.

What adhesive is the most effective?

Choosing the most effective adhesive is as important as the label material itself, as it is pivotal in keeping your label in place. This however must not be harmful to your label or bottle.  The adhesive you choose must offer good adhesion on the container surface, meaning its adhesion on both polar and non-polar surfaces must be taken into account.  Its resistance to water and other soluble agents, including UV light, must be considered based on the environment it will be in as well as the product itself.  When making a decision it’s always best to consult a professional label manufacturer who is equipped to provide you with the best advice.

Read more: Good product label design advice

Once you’ve decided on how to keep it in place, you now need to decide on shape, design and placement.

Shape, design and placement, things to think about

When deciding the shape, design and placement of your label on a squeezable container, the containers size and type will dictate this.  For example, on a fully squeezable tube container the label should overlap both the crimp edge as well as the width allowing for it to overlap, by at least half a centimetre, helping to avoid any lift.  This will impact your design as these parameters will need to be taken into account.

There are many decisions to make so the best idea is that you partner with a label manufacturer that understands your industry and what you need. Rebsons Labels is a leading supplier of labels in South Africa and produce self-adhesive labels for local and international clientele from various industries. For the highest quality labels through either digital printing or various other label printing processes contact Rebsons Labels today to discuss your needs.