How much thought have you given to the label on your product or package?
While it is functional, often it’s your label that’s also the first tangible experience users have with your brand. As a result, it’s prime real estate for brand-building. So, if you’re not already prioritizing the look, feel, and performance features of your label, it’s time to start.
Label printing is in growth mode.
An indicator that labels are hot. The global market for label printing has seen steady growth since 2014. According to Smithers Pira data, the label market will increase to $49.90 billion by 2024. The Future of Label Printing to 2024.
While the fundamentals of label printing haven’t changed much over the years, the advancements in printing technologies and increased demand for customization by consumers are the significant drivers behind industry growth.
If you use labels for your products, consider incorporating some of the latest trends in label printing.
Embellishments.
Emerging digital print technologies allow for enhancements like foil stamping and textured inks on labels, creating a more substantial look and feel. Custom die cuts and laser cuts are also on-trend applications that add visual interest to products and packaging.
Personalization.
Today’s ink-jet and laser printing technologies delivers exceptional print quality but with improved precision and throughput. Now, personalization is no longer cost-prohibitive. Quick-print processes are less expensive, and they allow for greater flexibility. The result is tailored labels that create a more intimate brand experience through personalization.
Personalized small-batch label runs are wildly popular in the micro-brewing and craft spirits industries. These professional high-quality labels offer that big-brand wow with hyper-local appeal, which enhances the user experience and helps build brand recognition. Great examples are these rich, classic labels for the Cleveland Underground select bourbon collection from Cleveland Whiskey.
Coatings.
Specialty label coatings can transform the look and feel of a product. Matte finish, soft-touch, glossy, and even faux leather—again, thanks to innovative printing, these finishes are now widely available and affordable, even on small runs.
On-demand + Tracking.
Government regulations on tracking and barcoding requirements for medical and pharmaceutical products have increased the use of pressure-sensitive labels. Agility is a big driver—at Shamrock, we print product labels for customers in the cannabis market. Being able to customize tracking codes on quick-print labels allows us to meet their changing needs.
Customization.
The anatomy of a label is now customizable to meet your exact needs—opaque backings cover up origin labels on product boxes, and primers and top coatings accept specialty inks for splashy graphics. Plus, you can choose your label adhesive based on performance requirements. Whether you need your label to adhere to plastic containers, provide UV protection, or withstand extreme temperatures, there’s a label adhesive that is built to perform.
Thanks to advancements in printing technology and the availability of specialty inks and adhesives, specialty labels have become an affordable—and essential—marketing tool. So, there’s no time like the present to revisit your product labels to make sure you’re maximizing that opportunity. And if you want another pair of eyes to review, I’m here for you.
