How to Choose the Ideal Label: 10 Key Rules

Determine which label you need

Before choosing a material, answer these questions: what surface will the label be applied to (glass, plastic, metal)? Will the packaging come into contact with moisture or temperature changes? Do you need full coverage or is partial wrap enough?

• Shrink sleeve labels — fully wrap the package, creating a seamless look
• Heat-shrink labels — shrink when heated and take the shape of the package

Choose the right material

An overview of materials and their pros/cons:

Determine the ideal label size

The right size matters to avoid problems with fit on the package.

• Shrink sleeve labels — cover the entire surface, precise sizing matters
• Heat-shrink labels — shrink when heated, account for the shrink ratio

Consider the packaging shape

The same design can look different on different packages.

• Cylindrical packaging — any label type will work
• Contoured packaging — choose heat-shrink so the label follows the contours

Create an effective design

• Clear contrast — so the text is legible
• Simple composition — no cluttered background
• Prominent logo — boosts brand recognition
• Colours that trigger associations — for example, green for eco products

Choose the right colours

Colour scheme affects how the product is perceived:

• Red — stimulates appetite (drinks, sweets)
• Blue — associated with trust (water, technology)
• Green — symbolises naturalness (eco products)

Check the layout before printing

• All text is legible
• Colours match your brand
• The layout is in CMYK (not RGB)
• Bleeds of 2–3 mm are added for precise trimming

Consider resistance to external factors

The material must withstand the storage and use conditions of the product — moisture, temperature, friction during transport.

Don’t forget marking and barcodes

• Production date and expiry date (for food products)
• Ingredients and nutritional value
• Barcode, QR code (if needed)

Test the label under real conditions

Before launching the full run, make test applications on the packaging and check:

• How tightly it fits
• Whether the ink rubs off
• Whether the text is legible