Why are product labels an important part of packaging?
Product labels placed on the packaging or directly on the product provide the required information whilst helping to build the brand’s image. When designed appropriately, they combine an informative function with an attractive presentation of the product.
On the label, you can combine the information required by law with elements of visual identity and marketing communication. In this way, the label’s surface serves both to identify the product and to promote your brand.
- product name and a brief description,
- the brand’s logo, colours and typography,
- composition, net weight and dates as required by the regulations,
- a barcode and a QR code linking to your website,
- a batch number to facilitate quality control,
- information about a promotion or a limited edition.
The label is one of the first things a customer notices when choosing a product. Attractive graphics help the packaging stand out on the shop shelf, whilst consistent labelling across the entire product range makes the brand easier to recognise. Carefully chosen product labels therefore become an important part of your visual identity and help to build a consistent image for your product range.
What information must appear on a food product’s label?
Food product labels provide customers with information about the composition, characteristics and storage conditions of products. They should include the product name, a list of ingredients with allergens highlighted, the net weight, the best-before date or use-by date, storage conditions, the manufacturer’s details and nutritional information.
The scope of the information required is set out in Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council, which has been in force since 13 December 2014. Additional requirements also apply in certain sectors.
- name of the food,
- a list of ingredients with allergens highlighted,
- net weight,
- the best-before date or use-by date,
- storage and usage conditions,
- the name and address of the business operating in the food sector,
- country or place of origin, where required by law,
- Nutritional values table.
Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 applies to cosmetics, whilst the CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 applies to chemical products. Each of these sectors has its own set of required information. When designing a label, it is advisable to plan its layout carefully, taking into account the legibility of the text and the minimum font size specified by the regulations. Before sending the design to print, check the requirements with the relevant regulatory authority for your sector. You can find more information in our article What a product label should include.
What materials are most commonly chosen for printing product labels?
At LabelExpress.eu, we print product labels on a wide range of paper and film materials. You can tailor them both to your brand’s identity and to the conditions in which the product will be stored and used.
Paper materials give labels a natural, handcrafted look and are a cost-effective solution. Plastic materials, on the other hand, are resistant to moisture, grease and frequent rubbing, which is why they are suitable for more demanding conditions.
- paper materials: standard and textured,
- film materials: white, transparent and metallised,
- adhesives selected to suit the substrate and application temperature,
- finishes: gloss, matt, soft-touch, cold foil,
- finishing techniques: gilding, silver plating, 3D and 3D Max,
- Matt, gloss and soft-touch lamination.
Paper labels work well on products stored in dry conditions, such as on shop shelves. For packaging exposed to moisture, it is worth choosing film-based materials. These are suitable, amongst other things, for jars stored in the fridge, bottles chilled in ice, or cosmetics used with wet hands. The film’s resistance to moisture helps to maintain the label’s aesthetic appearance and its adhesion to the packaging. To choose the material best suited to your product, order a sample pack and test different options directly on the packaging.
What shapes and formats do product labels come in?
You can order product labels in any shape, tailoring their outline to the packaging and graphic design. Laser cutting allows us to produce both standard and non-standard shapes without the need to prepare a die-cut template. This means there are no additional costs associated with producing the die-cut template. You can also choose the packaging method yourself – that is, the form in which you will receive the finished labels.
- round, oval, square and rectangular labels,
- sharp or rounded corners,
- custom shapes, laser-cut,
- labels on a roll for machine application and for use in a dispenser,
- labels on sheets for sticking on by hand.
Labels on a roll are ideal for automatic labelling and application using a dispenser, ensuring convenience and speed. Labels on sheets, on the other hand, make manual application easier, particularly for smaller print runs.
It is worth adapting the shape and size of the label to the type of packaging. Vertical rectangular labels look good on narrow bottles, oval ones on short jars, and round ones on lids. Maintaining consistent formats across the entire product range helps to create a uniform look for the packaging and strengthens brand recognition.
How much do product labels cost, and in what quantities do we print them?
At LabelExpress.eu, we print product labels from as little as 1 item, with no minimum order quantity. Prices start from 49 zł net, and thanks to our online calculator, you can find out the cost of your order before you place it.
The price depends on the print run, format, material and finish. You set all the parameters yourself in the calculator, which automatically calculates the total cost of your order. You are free to adjust the number of labels to suit your production volume, whether for small runs or larger orders.
- quantities from 1 item, no minimum order quantities,
- no cost for the cutting die in the case of non-standard shapes,
- multiple designs in a single order,
- online quote, no need to wait for an offer,
- Choose between standard or express delivery.
The ability to order small print runs gives you greater flexibility in production planning and stock management. You can adjust the number of labels to match current sales, update the information on packaging and introduce new product variants without having to order large batches. Each variant can have its own design, and you fulfil orders in line with current demand. This solution fits in with the Just-in-Time model, enabling you to plan production and material usage effectively.
How do I order product labels online?
The process of ordering product labels at LabelExpress.eu is carried out entirely online. Using the calculator, you configure the product specifications yourself, upload your design file and pay for your order. The price is calculated automatically, so you can proceed straight away.
You have two options for creating your design: you can either upload a finished file from your graphic designer or create the design yourself using our free online design tool.
- set the size, shape and print run,
- choose the fabric, finish and style,
- Upload a ready-made file or design a label using the online designer,
- check the preview and approve the design,
- Pay and collect your order confirmation.
The free online design tool allows you to create your own graphics, and if you already have a design ready, simply upload the relevant file. You are responsible for preparing your own graphic designs, as we do not produce them to individual specifications. For non-standard orders not covered by the calculator, please contact us to arrange bespoke terms and conditions.
How long does it take to print product labels?
The standard production time for product labels at LabelExpress.eu is 3 working days. For selected materials, you can also opt for an express service, which means your labels will be ready in as little as 24 hours.
You can find information on the availability of express production directly in the calculator. This allows you to select the material and lead time to suit your planned production or product launch.
- standard: 3 working days,
- express service: in as little as 24 hours, for selected materials,
- The processing time is calculated from the moment the payment is booked and a correctly prepared file is sent,
- Delivery time is added to the production time.
To ensure your order is processed efficiently, please prepare the graphic file in accordance with the specifications. Production time is calculated from the moment the payment is credited and the correct file is submitted. When planning when you will receive your labels, please also take into account the delivery time, which depends on the country and the chosen delivery method.
On which products do product labels work well?
Product labels from LabelExpress.eu are used in the food, cosmetics and household chemicals sectors, as well as for labelling craft products and beverages. They enable products to be presented attractively, convey key information and maintain a consistent brand image across different types of packaging.
For the most common applications, we have created separate pages with pre-set configurations to help you choose the right labels.
- labels for jars and labels for honey,
- bottle labels, juices, beer and wine,
- cosmetics labels,
- printed self-adhesive labels for general use,
- company stickers for bulk packaging and parcels.
If you sell loose or liquid products, you can also order flexible packaging from LabelExpress.eu: doypacks, sachets and laminates on a roll, with a window, a zip closure and laser-cut edges. Our range also includes single-material and biodegradable materials, which help address issues relating to packaging recycling. The ability to produce small batches without the need for printing plates helps reduce raw material consumption and supports the implementation of ESG strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the minimum quantity for ordering product labels?
You can order product labels from LabelExpress.eu from as little as 1 piece, with no minimum order quantity. You can also place cost-effective orders for several dozen pieces and create a separate design for each product variant.
Does the product label have to state the manufacturer?
Yes, the label of a food product must state the name and address of the food business operator under whose name the product is placed on the market. This obligation stems from Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011. Similar provisions apply in other sectors.
Do product labels have to have a barcode?
Labelling regulations do not require barcodes to be included on product labels. However, they are required by retail chains and some online marketplaces. If you plan to sell through these channels, you may wish to include space for a barcode when designing your label.
Is it possible to design a product label online for free?
At LabelExpress.eu, you can design your own product label using our free online designer or upload a ready-made graphic file. You are responsible for preparing the designs yourself, as we do not produce them to individual specifications.
What sort of product labels should you choose for products that come into contact with water?
For products that come into contact with water, choose product labels made from film. This material is moisture-resistant, which helps to maintain the label’s appearance and adhesion. At LabelExpress.eu, you can also select an adhesive to suit the type of substrate and the application temperature.
Can product labels be ordered in several designs at once?
Yes, at LabelExpress.eu you can order several product label designs in a single order. You specify the number of files containing print designs directly in the calculator.
| Colours available | We offer labels in a wide range of colours, from classic white and transparent, through elegant cream and natural kraft, to striking gold and silver, which add prestige and character to your products. You can print labels with your own graphics with us. |
|---|---|
| Size | any |
| Materials | A wide range of label materials: foil and paper, smooth and textured. |
| Adhesive type | It is the adhesive that determines the durability and effectiveness of your label. Choose the one that suits your needs from the following options: standard, strong, removable, opaque, rubber, acrylic, or transparent. |
| Use areas | Product, handicraft, alcohol, informational, event, packaging, personalised, for labelling machines, in sheets, on rolls |
| Usage | LabelExpress labels are ideal wherever aesthetics, the need to convey product information and brand image building are important – from the food, cosmetics and alcohol industries to manufacturing, e-commerce and promotional activities. |
| Processing time | The standard production time for labels is 3 working days. For selected materials, an express option is available, with labels ready in as little as 24 hours. Materials eligible for express production are marked in the calculator. Delivery time is added to the production time; this depends on the country and the chosen delivery method. |
| Packaging | in sheets, on rolls, in boxes |
| Advantages | Less waste, reduced CO₂ emissions, small print runs, excellent print quality |
| Advantages of cooperation | Print smarter with less waste and top quality. Get 24-hour express or 3-day standard service. Produce only what you need – no storage, lower CO₂ emissions, and perfect labels for your packaging. |
| Competitiveness | You don't need to order in advance, you save time and work faster, you are more environmentally friendly. |
| Competitive edge | Get labels fast – even within 24 hours. Order small batches to match current needs, avoid surplus, and respond quickly to market demands. Optimised orders mean less waste and lower CO₂ emissions. |
| Environmental features | Less waste, reduced CO₂ emissions, small print runs |
| Environmental advantages | Choosing short-run printing is a strategy, not a compromise. You eliminate overproduction and storage, reduce waste and your carbon footprint. Less inventory means less waste, more control and faster response to market needs. |