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5 Ways to Elevate Your RTD Beverage Packaging

Simply put, ready-to-drink beverages are a big deal. Sales for RTD beverages have grown notably year over year as people crave quality mixed drinks in cans and other convenient containers. Of course, that popularity makes it essential that your RTD packaging stands out from the crowd.

Eye-catching packaging can be the difference between your products flying off shelves or collecting dust. It’s critical that your hard seltzers, canned cocktails, or any other RTD beverages make a notable first impression on consumers. Here are five ways that your RTD packaging can promise an elevated beverage experience.

Three hard seltzer cans with attractive RTD beverage packaging.

Go Simple to Make a Big Statement

While craft cocktails can be complex creations, RTD beverages are meant to be just that – ready to drink. People want a quick, convenient way to enjoy a nice adult beverage. Your packaging should do its best to convey that type of message.

A minimalist design approach is a great way to make an impression. When people are looking to kick back with a quality drink, they don’t want or need an information overload on their cans. Using white space or opting for more modern fonts like sans serif will help you quickly and directly communicate everything people need to know, including the flavor, your brand, and more.

That sense of directness also gives your product a sense of transparency and authority. Every small detail is amplified, so you can really highlight key selling points like all-natural flavors or high-quality spirits. Simplicity also pairs well with any RTD beverages positioned as a health-conscious way to enjoy a few adult drinks.

Don’t Slack on Personality

Simple doesn’t mean boring. In fact, RTD packaging shouldn’t be afraid to be loud, proud, and fun.

Big brash colors are a great match for hard seltzers or canned cocktails meant for a day or night on the patio. Bright oranges, yellows, and greens are a perfect complement for any tequila seltzers or other drinks ready to make people appreciate a cold beverage on a warm day. Full color printing can help translate your aesthetic with bright, summery colors to capture your ideal brand look no matter the size of your company.

Stunning colors aren’t the only way to showcase your product’s personality. Different decorations can make a massive impact for the design of your containers. Finishes like matte or glossy laminates will add both elegance and durability to your RTD container. Meanwhile, a soft touch laminate will even make your label feel different, giving your drinks an added edge for intrigued consumers.

A peach bellini breeze from Figleaf Brewing Co with attractive RTD can packaging.

Maximize Your Materials

It’s important not to overlook just how much your materials impact the look of your RTD cans. When it comes to RTD labels, you’re mainly dealing with a film material that will work well in coolers, fridges, and fill lines. Of course, that still means you have plenty of options to optimize your design.

Shrink sleeves are one such eye-catching option. These labels allow you to add a “second skin” that conforms to the shape of the container. The effect gives your label an extremely professional 360-degree look akin to the Whiteclaws and Trulys of the world that’s extra impressive to consumers.

Sometimes your materials can help support your design in different ways as well. For example, you can utilize metallic labels to create a faux foil stamping that will not only look impressive, but also cost you less than the actual decorative effects. Holographic labels are another stunning material that can add a ton of pop to attract your consumers’ eyes.

Show Off All Your Different Products

People love options. Fortunately, you can leverage your packaging to showcase all your different products.

Whether you has an assortment of flavors or styles of RTD beverages, it’s important to give each product a distinctive, yet cohesive look. For example, you can use the same base design and give each flavor a distinct color – a bright green for a lime-flavored tequila seltzer just makes too much sense. These variations will not only give each product its own look, it’ll make for an eye-catching sight for the ever-popular mix packs.

Of course, you also need to balance variety with budget. Different products call for different labels, which can lead to added fees and minimum order requirements with traditional printing means. Fortunately, digital technology allows you to mix and match multiple orders into a single order to order exactly the amount of labels you need for each flavor and take advantage of the lower ‘per thousand’ unit cost.

A six-pack of with purple RTD packaging.

Work With the Right RTD Packaging Experts

It’s important to find partners who can bridge the gap balance quality, durability, and quick turnarounds for your business. That level of expertise and customer service is why companies turn to Blue Label Packaging for their product labels.

Our experts have worked with more than 1,000 breweries and distilleries and know what it takes to print refined, cost-effective RTD labels whether you’re expanding your current product line or transitioning to a new container. Better yet, we can promise turnaround times of five business days so that you get your labels when you need them.

Ready to invest in the perfect RTD labels? Contact us today to make sure your RTD beverages stand out from the competition.

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What is a Release Liner and How Does It Impact Your Label?

There’s more to your labels than what your customers see. Every label is made up of multiple components that play a specific role. While most consumers will see your label material or decorative elements, there’s one key component that makes sure your labels get to where they need to go: the release liner.

What is a Label Release Liner?

To get to the bottom of a release liner’s meaning and role, it’s important to understand how a label is constructed. These are the four main layers of a label from top to bottom.
A breakdown of the different layers of a label, including the release liner.

As you can see, the release liner serves as the base layer for any roll of pressure sensitive labels. This release liner is a thin sheet with a silicone layer that allows adhesive to release the roll so that it can be applied to another surface. If it weren’t for the release liner, also known as a carrier, your labels would simply stick to each other or something else before you could transport it to the next application.

The Different Types of Release Liners

Like label materials, there are different types of release liners available for use. Each of these carriers have different advantages depending on your applicator and other product factors. While there are a variety of options, there are three types of release liners that are common for product labels.

PET (polyester)
Calendered Kraft paper
Polykraft paper

PET release liners

A PET release liner is made with polyester film to create a carrier that’s extremely smooth. A major advantage of PET release liners is that they don’t break as easily as a paper liner. That strength makes PET release liners a great choice for high-speed applicators.

Another benefit of PET release liners is that they’re great for wet applications. For example, beer cans are typically soaking wet by the time they reach the labeling line, so that added durability is a major positive for any adverse applicating environments. PET is also thinner than the usual release liner papers. As such, a standard 1.2 mm PET release liner will allow you to get more labels on a roll and take up less space during shipping and storage.

Calendered kraft paper release liners

While film release liners have their advantages, paper carries are still extremely common for labels in multiple industries. Super calendered kraft (SCK) papers are typically bleached white and are commonplace in the U.S. as many applicators are made to accommodate papers.

The reason why businesses commonly turn to SCK release liners extends beyond paper being an old standby for label carriers. A paper being “calendered” means that it’s polished, so an SCK is smoother than regular paper liners. That smoothness and the ability to work with the majority of applicators makes SCK a go-to option for product labels.

Polykraft release liners

A polykraft release liner is essentially a mid-point between PET and paper label carriers. Polykraft is a brown, unbleached paper that’s a little thicker and heavier than standard kraft papers. This extra heft and thickness is because polykraft has a very thin layer of polypropylene married to the paper.

The advantage of Polykraft is that the layer of polypropylene makes the material more stable and sturdy. These qualities help with moisture barriers while still allowing companies to invest in paper liners. As such, Polykraft is typically used in wine labeling and other industries that are used to paper release liners, but still need that added stability to deal with moisture.

Rolls of labels with different release liners.

How to Identify the Right Label Release Liner

While there are multiple label release liners available, there are a few different factors that can impact which one is best for your needs. To identify the right carrier for your labels, you’ll want to weigh the following considerations.

Your label applicator

The biggest factor in which release liner you should use depends on how you’re going to apply those labels. An applicator reads the gap between labels to know when the applicator should dispense a label. Once the sensor reads a gap, it will dispense a label so that it catches a can, bottle, or any other container. However, the wrong release liner can lead to label application issues.

Simply put, some applicators aren’t made to read clear liners. New applicators are built to accept clear release liners, which means PET carriers shouldn’t pose problems. However, you would need to opt for SCK, Polykraft, or some other opaque release liner if your application process isn’t made to handle clear carriers.

Environmental factors

The applicator isn’t the only potential challenge during the application process. You also need to make sure your release liner works with your applicating conditions.

Different application environments pose certain problems for your release liners. Wet conditions are the biggest issue, especially for paper carriers. If a beer can or some other container is soaking wet, that can cause carriers without enough moisture resistance to tear. As such, you’ll need to invest in a PET release liner or another solution that can hold up to your applicating environment.

Clear labels

Some liner issues are less obvious than others. While the carrier is removed before your labels are applied, it can still have a visual impact on clear labels if you’re not careful.

If you want to use clear labels, its best to use some form of film release liner. The reason for this is that running a clear label on a paper liner can make the label look cloudy. This cloudiness occurs because the label adhesive takes the shape of the carrier. Even a super calendered paper has small fibers that can impact the adhesive. Because of this, it’s best to use a PET release liner that has no imperfections and will enable true clarity.

Invest in the Perfect Labels from Top to Bottom

While they don’t end up on your products, different types of release liners play a pivotal part for your labels. That’s why Blue Label strives to provide the perfect labeling solution for your products. Our experts work with you to uncover any opportunities and potential issues to make sure every layer of your label is perfect for your needs.

Ready to invest in the right labels for your products? Contact us today to talk about your next label project.

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The Difference Between Glossy, Satin, and Matte Labels

There are plenty of finishing options for product labels, but there’s only one that’s perfect for your design. Glossy, matte, and satin finishes can all look amazing in different situations, so it’s important to figure out which options is right for the look and feel of your labels. Let’s break down the differences between these types of label finishes and why one might be the best option for your products.

What is a Glossy Label Finish?

A glossy finish is a characteristic of laminate or varnish that has a high shine effect. This finish will leave a glossy sheen to your product labels that will certainly pop to consumers.

The reason for this shine is because glossy finishes reflect light. A gloss laminate adds a protective film to the top of your label that will not only protect your design, but also catch the light in attractive ways. A gloss varnish is applied as a liquid that cures and dries to form a protective layer that also reflects light while shielding your label from harm.

Glossy label finishes have some visual benefits aside from just catching the light. The shine from a gloss give designs a lot of color contrast, which is great for label design with an interesting on more complex color scheme. That bright luster also makes products feel very new and exciting, much like a toy that just came out of its packaging for the very first time.

A jar of muscle builder gummies with a glossy label.

What are Satin and Matte Label Finishes?

Unlike a gloss, a matte finish is an effect that creates a dulled and non-reflective surface. Matte laminates are applied to the top of your label material in the same fashion as their glossy counterparts, except that these finishes have the opposite of shiny. A satin finish accomplishes the same goal as matte laminate. The key difference is that satin is the term used for UV varnishes, whereas matte is used in describing laminates.

While glossy surfaces shine for consumers, matte and satin finishes attract attention for different reasons. The dulled effect is by no means boring – in fact, the subtle, muted look imparts a sophistication that creates a more mature, natural feel for your products.

The “flat” effect of a matte or satin finish also allows other design elements to shine. These capabilities allow you to play with the softer aesthetic of matte and satin finishes to add some class and intrigue to your packaging.

Which Type of Label Finish is Right for Your Products?

Gloss, matte, and satin finishes are all excellent options for product labels, but they’re very different in terms of aesthetic. The key to figuring out which decorative finish is right for your brand largely depends on what type of message you want to communicate with your packaging.

Benefits of glossy labels

When you want your products to look bright and new, glossy is a great look. Glossy finishes feel decidedly more classic than their matte and satin equivalents. They also feel inherently new and exciting, which is great for many retail products. Glossy finishes pair nicely with designs that feature vivid colors, high-contrast images, or other visual elements that need to stand out on their own.

Because of it’s reflective nature, glossy laminates and varnishes work well in low-light environments or places where you really need your packaging to pop. They’re also a natural choice for labels made with holographic materials or other flashy substrates. While a matte or satin finishes would dull these showy effects, glossy finishes allow them to shine right through and wow your customers.

Benefits of matte and satin labels

One major advantage of matte and satin finishes is that they create a much more natural look than glossy finishes. A shiny surface could feel a bit artificial, so a soft matte or satin finish will feel more organic. That’s especially important if you want to attract people with all natural ingredients or showcase some other natural benefits of your products.

Matte and satin finishes can also have a decidedly unique feel to them. A non-reflective label plays nicely with vintage designs, as well as anything you want to feel unfussy and handcrafted. If you want a classic look that screams quality, look no further than matte laminates or satin varnishes.

There are also some practical advantages of matte and satin finishes. In general, it’s easier to write on matte and satin finishes than glossy ones. That can be important if you handwrite batch numbers or add other details to your labels after application. The flat look also makes it easier to read text on matte and satin finishes since you won’t have to deal with any glare.

Three beer bottles with matte labels.

Invest in the Right Label Solution for Your Products

No matter which aesthetic you prefer, it’s important to use the right finish to enhance and protect your design. Blue Label works with you to determine the best mix of material, adhesive, and finish for your exact labeling needs. Whether you need custom matte labels, high gloss labels, or some other solution, we can deliver the right solution for your exact needs.

Ready to invest in quality, custom printed labels for your products? Contact us today to talk about your next label project.

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How to Get a Barcode, UPC, and QR Code for a Product Label

A good product label performs many jobs, including making a great first impression on potential customers. These labels also need to provide important information to both consumers and retailers alike.

UPC barcodes and QR codes aren’t always the most attractive part of your labels, but they serve essential roles for your products. Let’s break down how to create a barcode for a product and what it takes to get UPC barcodes and QR codes for your product labels (and what it takes to make sure they work).

The Differences Between a UPC, Barcode, and QR Code

What is a UPC code? While a UPC and barcode are inherently connected, they are two different things. The UPC is the Universal Product Code, which is a unique identifier for every single product. The barcode is the machine-readable version of that same code. Those two features are then combined into one visual element so that people and machines can read them.

A QR code is a type of two-dimensional barcode, also known as a matrix barcode. Like UPC barcodes, the design contains patterns that represent certain information. However, this information is typically something larger than a product identifier.

These codes are designed to be scanned by a smartphone or some other device with a QR code reader. The scan would then direct users to different websites, videos, or other content that may interest them – QR codes can store up to 4296 characters in total. In short, UPC barcodes are designed to identify a product’s identity, while a QR code is a useful tool for branding and marketing purposes. Keep reading to learn how to make a barcode for a product label.

Product labels with UPC barcodes.

How to Get a UPC Code

The first step toward getting a 12-digit UPC barcode is to join GS1. GS1 is an international group that created UPCs to help standardize the way that vendors track products both online and in stores. The group has different divisions across the country, and GS1 U.S. covers the United States.

GS1 does charge membership fees based on the total number of unique product variations, but it’s a small price to pay for the ability to sell your products throughout the country. GS1 also provides a barcode estimator to help you identify how many UPCs you’ll need.

Once your company joins GS1, it will be assigned a company prefix. This prefix is a six to 10 digit that serves as the manufacturer identification number for all your products. You can then assign each unique product a global trade item number (GTIN). Then, you may license these GTINs from GS1 to allow retailers to identify the various products in your supply chain.

The exact number of digits you get for the item numbers depends on the length of your prefix. The prefix and item numbers must combine to be 11 characters, so a six-digit prefix would require a five-digit item number.

The final number of a UPC is called the check digit. The check digit is a single number that’s used as a redundancy check to check for any potential errors. You can use GS1’s check digit calculator to determine the right number to finish off your UPC. That should give you something like the UPC listed below.

A breakdown of UPC numbers and how to get a barcode.

How to Get a Barcode

Now that you have a UPC, it’s time to get a barcode that matches your 12-digit codes. Every barcode must match the UPC in question. The good news is that GS1 includes machine readable barcodes along with the UPCs you license from them. Members can use the GS1 U.S. Data Hub to create high-resolution artwork to include on their product labels.

How to Get a QR Code

Unlike UPC barcodes, getting QR codes for your business isn’t nearly as official of a process. In fact, anyone with access to the internet can make them.

The first step toward getting a QR code is to choose a QR code generator. There are a wide variety of options available, many of which include completely free QR codes. There are also more comprehensive generators that allow you to customize the look of QR codes and track performance. Others allow you to make dynamic QR codes that can be updated in real time. No matter your choice, some form of generator will allow you to create a scannable design.

Once you’ve chosen a generator, you can enter your information into the field it provides. For something like QR Code Generator, that’s as simple as copying and pasting a website, text, or something else into a field and having a QR code generated automatically. You can then download those files and add them to your product labels so that people can scan your QR code with a mobile device.

How to Prepare UPC Barcodes and QR Codes for Labels

Getting UPC barcodes and QR codes is the first step, making sure they work on your product labels is the next. A code won’t help at all if it doesn’t work. That’s why it’s important to take some steps to make sure your barcodes and QR codes are properly set up for your labels. Use these practices to improve your label’s barcodes and QR codes.

Use proper colors. Warm colors can lead to scanning issues. Stick with dark colors on light backgrounds to play it safe.
Keep a “quiet zone.” You need to have enough white space around the codes so that the scanner doesn’t try to read other elements. The quiet zone should be at least an eighth of an inch wide around all sides.
Maintain proper sizing. Bigger codes are easier to scan, especially for barcodes. A typical barcode measures 1.469 inches wide by 1.02 inches high.
Send barcodes and QR codes in the right files. The appropriate art files will help ensure your codes translate well to your labels. Make sure to deliver the image files you’ve received from the code providers, as well as an Excel document with a list of UPC numbers.

Make Sure Your Product Packaging is Ready for Success

Barcodes and QR codes aren’t the flashiest part of your labels, but it’s imperative that they work. Fortunately, a good printing company can work with you to ensure that your UPC, barcode, and QR code are set up for success.

From barcodes to label materials, there are several factors that go into a successful product label. Blue Label works with you to identify the best, most cost-effective label printing solution for your products. That includes not only testing out barcodes and QR codes to make sure they work, but also working with you to uncover ways to enhance and protect your label design to wow your customers.

Ready to invest in quality, eye-catching labels for your products? Contact us today to talk about your next label project.

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Craft Brewery Branding: 6 Ways to Build Trust Through Beer Labels

In a crowded market, beer drinkers want to feel confident that they’ve made the right choice. The problem is that without any nearby samples, the average consumer has to judge a book by its cover.

Fortunately, that cover can do a lot to build confidence in your craft brewery’s brand. There are multiple factors that play a role in beer selection. Your beer label is the perfect tool to make a first impression and tell interested consumers what your product is all about. Here are six ways that your beer labels can help you build trust with your customers.

A craft beer bottle with custom craft brewery branding.

Brewed on and Best By Dates

No craft beer lover wants to drink something that’s past its prime. While you can print date codes on the neck of your bottle, adding more details on your label is one way to engender trust with consumers. Including a brewed by date or a best by date will help potential buyers feel confident that your beers are still fresh.

Serving Facts and Ingredient Information

While beer labels are exempt from listing ingredients and nutritional information that doesn’t mean you can’t add them anyway. There’s a reason why massive beer industry brands like Bud Light chose to add serving facts labels in 2019 – it makes them look good.

Simply put, consumers like having as much information as possible. Including your ingredients, serving facts, or other nutritional information is just another way to add transparency about what’s in your beer. Even something as simple as tasting notes will give customers more details to digest before deciding if your beer is right for them.

Local Pride

A little local pride can go a long way toward attracting new customers. Brewery location is one of the top factors consumers consider when choosing craft beer according to Craft Brewing Business – and your labels are a perfect opportunity to play up that local connection.

Just how much does amplifying your local roots boost confidence for regional buyers? Craft Brewing Business learned that “locally brewed” was the most attractive claim to Americans in a survey of craft beer drinkers. Fortunately, your label is the perfect place to proclaim your local pride. There are multiple ways to do this – emblazon your labels with “brewed in [blank],” adjust your design to highlight local ties, etc. – and each can be the extra edge you need to attract new customers.

Craft Beer Sustainability

One major purchasing trend in recent years is the push to support green businesses. That trend is no stranger to craft beer branding. According to a Purdue University study, roughly “75 percent of beer consumers are willing to pay premiums for beer brewed using environmentally sustainable practices.” These practices include:

Water conservation
Energy use reduction
Landfill diversion

Your label is the perfect place to showcase your sustainability initiatives and create consumer confidence in your products. There are a few ways that you can communicate your sustainability efforts. The Environmental Protection Agency allows businesses to add ecolabel seals to their packaging if they meet certain environmental performance criteria.

You could also take sustainability to the next level with certain label materials. Utilizing paper materials made with post-consumer waste, including those certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). By marking your products with an FSC label, you can show your consumers that your labels came from responsibly managed forests and that your company is doing its part to take care of the world’s forests.

Your Craft Brewery’s Personality

Remember when we said that brewery location was one of the top factors people consider when buying craft beer? It turns out that the brewery itself is another major consideration for potential patrons.

People naturally like to have a connection with the brands they support. Using your label to tell your brewery’s story is one way to get people to grow closer to your brand. Don’t be afraid to showcase your personality through your label – that identity is a big part of what makes your brewery different than the competition. In turn, people can feel confident that they’re supporting a one-of-a-kind business instead of just another brewery.

Multiple cans with custom craft beer branding.

Consistent Quality

According to a survey from C+R Research, 76 percent of people who enjoy alcohol say that price doesn’t influence their decision to buy craft beer. Instead, the top two factors driving people toward craft beer are taste and quality. Simply put, craft beer drinkers don’t want to waste their time on a substandard product – they simply want a great beer.

Fortunately, your beer labels play a pivotal role in conveying the quality of your product. A quality, eye-catching label sends a clear message to consumers that you take your products seriously. Of course, your design is just one part of an attractive beer label. It takes a good label printing company to help your beers dress for success.

At Blue Label, we have the experts and technology to help you get the most out of your beer labels. Our team works with you throughout the printing process to not only enhance your design, but also protect your packaging from unsightly scratches and water damage. We also offer a variety of resources like our designer directory to help you find the right graphic designer to help you capture your brewery’s brand identity.

Ready to make the best first impression? Contact us today about quality, cost-effective beer labels for your brewery.

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Digital vs. Flexo Printing: Which is Right for Your Labels?

Quality labels play a pivotal role in any product. However, there’s more than one way to manufacture your custom labels.

Digital and flexographic label printing are both viable ways to make product labels, but it’s not always obvious why one would be better than another for your business. Let’s break down the differences between the two printing processes (and how you don’t always have to decide between the two).

Flexographic Printing vs. Digital Printing: How They Work

The differences between flexographic and digital label printing largely boil down to how the two processes work. Each method aims to accomplish the same task – print product labels. However, the way they go about this task is very different.

The flexo label printing process

Flexo label printing is the old-school approach where ink is physically pressed onto either film or paper. This process uses custom rubber printing plates to stamp your design onto the label material. These plates are attached to cylinders so that the flexographic printing press can make multiple imprints on a roll of labels. Larger projects will sometimes avoid the rubber plates and engrave the label design directly on metal cylinders instead to accommodate massive quantities.

The problem with flexographic printing is that its various costs can add up rather quickly. Every color will need its own plate for your design, which means you’ll need multiple custom plates for every design.

That number increases dramatically if you have multiple SKUs. Let’s say you need labels for four different SKUs and each of them needs four different colors. That’s 16 total plates that you’ll need to pay for if you go with flexographic printing.

There are additional costs associated with this flexographic printing. Time and labor is a factor as well. Flexographic printers need to align each plate to create a perfect imprint on each piece. This process isn’t short – some jobs can take days to set up properly. Testing these setups also requires a lot of waste material. It’s not uncommon that 15 percent or more of your material costs go toward waste accrued during flexographic setup.

So why would businesses turn to flexographic label printing if there are so many initial costs and delays? This method is well-suited to handle large-scale label printing projects. Larger quantities help amortize initial costs over a long print run of labels, which is why massive businesses, like Budweiser, use flexographic printing for millions of labels. However, that same scale is less likely to be realistic for small to mid-size businesses.

A digital printing press used for digital vs. flexo printing.

The digital label printing process

Digital printing eliminates the need for plates in favor of using technology. Digital label printing presses read art files that lay out your design and call out specific Pantone colors and other key instructions. The printer then uses an electrophotographic process to transfer images onto a material. HP Indigo printers use heated blankets to blend electronically charged particles into a smooth film. This process creates a defined image on the blanket, which in turn is transferred onto the label substrate.

Because of the lack of custom plates and lengthy setups, the digital printing process offers businesses a lot more flexibility and cost-saving capabilities. Because of how they’re made, flexographic presses will use a lot of spot colors. Digital presses do CMYK blending to achieve full color label printing without the need to source different inks for every hue.

Digital label printing is also a much more scalable option. By cutting out tooling and setup costs, digital printing can help accommodate your label needs with quicker turnaround times. That time savings means that you’ll get your labels sooner than you would if you had to wait for new plates any time you adjust your order.

While digital offers several advantages, there are some occasions when the flexographic printing technique is necessary. For example, plates are needed to apply flood or spot coats onto labels. In addition, digital printing technology hasn’t quite come far enough to accommodate more than a few select metallic, fluorescent, and pastel inks. Until those specialty inks are developed, you may need some form of flexographic process to enjoy those types of capabilities.

A digital label printer utilizing flexo label printing techniques for finishing.

Combine Digital and Flexographic Label Printing for the Best of Both Worlds

While both digital and flexographic label printing offer certain advantages, you don’t necessarily have to settle for one or the other. Digital label printing is adaptable enough to include flexographic into its finishing processes so that you can enjoy the benefits of both.

During the digital label printing process, printed labels go through a finishing machine to put on final touches such as decorative treatments or print protection. However, some digital label printing companies have flexographic stations incorporated into the finishing process to address specific needs like flood coats or fluorescent inks.

As with traditional flexographic printing, these added finishing processes will still require plates for any custom designs. However, the costs and time associated with tooling and setup are drastically reduced since you’re only making a single plate. Flood coats of white ink or label varnishes won’t require any plates either, as they require a solid stamp that’s already available in-house. In short, you’re still able to achieve the benefits of flexographic printing without all the extra investment or delays.

Find the Right Label Printing Partner for Your Company

Both digital and flexographic label printing have their advantages, but it’s important to find the right solutions for your product labels. At Blue Label, our digital label printing technology and flexographic finishing stations allow you to invest in the best, most cost-effective labels for your company.

We strive to do more than simply print labels. Our experts work with you throughout the ordering process to enhance your designs and identify potential issues before they become a problem. Thanks to our flexibility, we can deliver stunning labels that cut out costly tooling costs and lengthy turnaround times. Contact us today to have Blue Label get to work on your next label project.

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Dos and Don’ts for Non-Alcoholic Beer Labels

Even non-alcoholic malt beverages can still get you in hot water with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).

As with standard beer, there are several labeling regulations for malt beverages that contain 0.5 percent alcohol by volume or less. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beer laws have some regulatory crossover, but it’s important not to follow all the same labeling rules for your less boozy beverages. Let’s break down some key differences that will impact your non-alcoholic beer labels.

Don’t Call Your Non-Alcoholic Malt Beverage “Beer”

Some people may informally call non-alcoholic malt beverages “beer,” but federal regulators certainly do not. The TTB defines beer as a beverage that contains “one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume, brewed or produced from malt, wholly or in part, or from any substitute for malt.”

Even if your product is produced from malt and contains 0.5 percent alcohol or less, it would instead be considered a “cereal beverage.” Because of these definitions, non-alcoholic beverages cannot be legally labeled as beer. Your label also cannot reference any other class or designation types associated with beer. These include, but are not limited to:

Stout
Lager
Ale
Porter
Malt liquor

A bunch of non alcoholic malt beverage labels on cans.

Do Use the Correct Class Designations for Non-Alcoholic Beverages

While you can’t label your non-alcoholic drinks as beer, you still need a class designation for your labels. There are a few different terms for products containing less than 0.5 percent alcohol by volume.

Malt beverage
Cereal beverage
Near beer

According to the Electronic Code of Federal Regulation (27 CFR 7.24), these words must all appear on the same label panel (no splitting the words between different backgrounds). Additionally, they must be in the same size, style of type, and color of ink.

Don’t Mix up Regulations for “Non-Alcoholic” and “Alcohol Free” Statements

Even if your product is non-alcoholic by definition, you still need an alcohol content statement. This statement operates a little differently than regular beer labels that must list the exact alcohol content to the nearest 0.1 percent. However, the exact rules depend on whether your beer is non-alcoholic or alcohol free.

Non-Alcoholic

While the term non-alcoholic may sound like there’s no alcohol in your beverage, it technically applies to drinks with an ABV of less than 0.5 percent. You are allowed to include the words “Non-Alcoholic” on your label as long as that same label also states “Contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume.”

Alcohol Free

Any label that contains an alcohol content statement of 0.0 percent alcohol by volume must also state “alcohol free.” One catch here is that the TTB requires a laboratory sample analysis for formula approval per TTB G 2016-1A. As such, don’t be surprised to hear from the TTB if you submit a label making an alcohol free claim.

Do Include Specific Tax Language

Another quirk involving non-alcoholic malt beverages is that they aren’t subject the same taxes as their boozier cousins. Because of this, the TTB mandates that non-alcoholic malt beverages must add some special verbiage on their labels per 27 CFR 25.242. This statement should read “Non taxable under section 5051 I.R.C.”

Don’t Worry About the Government Warning

Typically, beer labels must include a health warning statement. Non-alcoholic beverages are not your typical beer (or by TTB definitions, not beer at all). Since the health warning statements are aimed to warn about the presence of alcohol, non-alcoholic drinks don’t need to include these statements on their labels.

Do Follow Additional FDA and TTB Regulations Beer Regulations

Non-alcoholic malt beverages have some different regulations from beer, but there are some requirements they do share. Certain details are mandatory for any type of malt beverage, whether it contains alcohol or not. These include, but are not limited to:

Brand names
Net contents
Name and address

The TTB is very specific when it comes to not only what you say on a label, but also how you present that information. As such, you’ll need to follow these guidelines to make sure you label is compliant with the TTB. For more information on these requirements, check out our post on TTB malt beverage label requirements.

Creative can labels for non alcoholic beers.

Don’t Skimp on Your Design

It’s no secret that there are a lot of regulatory information that dictates what you can and can’t put on your labels. However, there’s no rule against making your packaging look great.

Whether you need can wraps or bottle labels, it’s essential to make sure your products stand out from the crowd. The right splash of color or an eye-catching design is an essential part of any successful beer label, non-alcoholic or not. At Blue Label, we have the expertise and state-of-the-art equipment to enhance your designs.

Ready to invest in the quality, cost-effective labels for your non-alcoholic malt beverages. Contact us today to get the labels your products need to succeed.

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How to Determine Your Label Unwind Position

The last thing you want is an upside-down label. It’s extremely frustrating to invest time and creativity in stunning labels only to have an improper unwind lead to application issues. Let’s break down how to figure out the proper roll direction and make sure your labels are correctly applied to your containers.

What is Unwind?

Unwind, also known as label roll direction, is the dimension or edge of the label that comes off the roll first. Labels come in long rolls that are fed through an applicator. As the roll runs through the machine, the labels will come off the roll in a specific direction.

If you hand apply your labels, the roll direction isn’t all too important – you’ll simply peel off the labels and place them appropriately on your container. The machine application process isn’t so simple.

Different applicators place labels onto containers in different ways – left to right, top to bottom, etc. Your unwind needs to accommodate your applicator so that the roll feeds your labels into the machine in the appropriate label wind direction every single time. If it doesn’t, you could end up with labels that are upside down or sideways.

A selection of label rolls with different unwinds.

How to Choose Which Unwind is Best for You

Improper label orientation is a major issue for any business. Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to address the problem and determine your proper label roll direction.

When you don’t know which unwind is right for your business, it’s best to go straight to the source. Each label application machine will have specific instructions on the correct label roll direction. If you apply the label in house, you can refer to the label applicator’s instruction manual or contact the manufacturer. If you have a third-party applicator, they should be able to tell you which unwind is needed for your label rolls.

The Different Label Unwind Positions

There are a variety of unwind directions for labels. These unwinds are named after the edge of your label that will come off the roll first. You can use this handy label unwind chart to visualize the different roll directions.

A label unwind chart with the four different label roll directions.

The unwind direction for labels on the underside of a label roll.

It’s also important to remember that the labels can be placed on the inside or the outside of the roll depending on the applicator. Labels printed on the outside of the roll are considered “wound out” while labels printed on the inside of the roll are “wound in.” Because of this, there are eight possible label unwind directions for your setup. As always, you’ll want to double-check your applicator’s instructions before assuming that the labels should be printed and die cut on the outside of the roll.

Maximize Your Label Costs Associated to Unwind

The unwind isn’t the only way your applicator impacts your product labels. Applicators can require a specific roll size, also known as “Max OD” (Maximum Outer-Diameter). The roll size and unwind position have a direct impact on the efficiency of your label printing process.

The dimensions and positioning of your custom label can lead to unused roll space that will add to your total label costs if you’re not careful. That’s why it’s important to partner with a label printing company that help you maximize label space and mitigate any application issues ahead of time.

At Blue Label, we work directly with you to identify potential issues and provide cost-effective solutions to ensure you get the best possible eye-catching labels for your products. Contact us today to get your next product label project underway.

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Holographic Labels: 4 Design Tips for Stunning Product Labels

When you have seconds to command consumers’ attention, holographic labels give you the means to keep all eyes on your products.

Holographic label materials are an increasingly popular packaging choice for good reason – these shimmering substrates add a whole new dimension for craft beer, specialty foods, and any other products in need of a visual spark. Let’s break down what goes into a holographic label and what you can do to get the most out of your packaging.

What are Holographic Labels?

The name “holographic label” comes from the iridescent effect these labels have on your packaging. The iridescent labels are made with a special film that creates a rainbow-like effect that allows your design to shimmer. Ink is printed on this holographic label material and protected with a laminate to protect your design. This helps protect your labels from scuffs, water, and any other potential hazards.

It’s also important to note that there’s a difference between holographic labels and hologram stickers. A security hologram is a sticker made with serial numbers or logos. Hologram labels are hard to counterfeit, so brands can use them to show authenticity and ensure original product protection. Holographic labels simply refers to the holographic effect of the material that the artwork is printed onto.

A six pack made with holographic labels.

Holographic Label Design Tips

A good holographic label is a great way to attract attention. However, these materials can pose some potential design challenges that can impact the overall look of your label. Here are some key considerations to help you make your holographic labels captivate your customers.

Give the holographic label material room to shine

When you have something as stunning as a holographic label material, it’s important to think about empty space. Empty spaces on your label design allow the holographic effect to shine through without any obstruction from ink or other printed elements.

That empty space could be the entirety of your label that’s not covered in printed details like your logo and text – that’s certainly one way to create a stunning effect from all sides of your container. Empty spaces within design elements can also allow certain aspects of your design to pop out to customers. Both routes will certainly attract attention, so just make sure you give the label material the space it needs to show its magic.

Avoid additional gradients

While color transitions are visually appealing, there can be too much of a good thing. Holographic label materials already add that color-shifting rainbow effect to your packaging. Adding a gradient will only jumble up the color transitions of your label even further.

Use white ink to block out the holographic effect where needed

While that holographic sheen is certainly stunning, there are some elements that need to stand out on their own. Certain label inks are translucent enough that the holographic effect can show through details like text or logos if you’re not careful. As such, you’ll need to take measures to block out that effect for any areas that should be opaque.

If you need to block out the holographic effects, have your printer lay down white ink to create opacity on holographic substrates. You’ll need to include a specific layer called a white file in the art file to lay out exactly where this white ink should go. If you need more information on how to go about this process, check out our post on white file best practices.

Pair holographic label materials with the right laminates and varnishes

The last thing you want to do after investing in gorgeous holographic labels is to cover up what makes them special. Laminates and varnishes play an important role in both print protection and the overall aesthetic appeal of your product labels. However, certain laminates and varnishes are better suited for holographic labels than others.

Glossy laminates and varnishes are generally the best options for holographic label materials. The reason for this is simple – matte finishes will end up dulling the holographic effect. A glossy laminate or varnish will not only allow the holographic material to completely shine through, but also protect your ink from scratches, scuffs, and other hazards.

A trio of beer cans with holographic labels.

Invest in the Best Holographic Labels for Your Products

Holographic labels can add plenty of glitz and glam to your packaging whether you need a stunning can wrap or some other product label. Of course, you’ll need to work with the right label printing company to make sure you get the best, most cost-effective labels for your exact needs.

At Blue Label, we strive to do more than simply print labels. We work with you from start to finish to guide you through the printing process. From assisting with identifying the perfect holographic material to double checking your art files, we put in the time to understand your needs and add value along the way. Contact us today to talk to one of our experts about holographic, eye-catching labels for your products.

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Online Alcohol Packaging: How to Prepare Your Wine and Spirits Labels for Ecommerce Success

Over the years, more people have turned to an increasingly popular destination for wine and spirits: the internet.

Online sales of wine and spirits have steadily increased over the years, making the digital market a prime place for vintners and distillers to sell their products. That trend took off even further when wine ecommerce and other online alcohol sales jumped 234 percent during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whether you use a third-party marketing platform or sell wine or spirits directly from your website, it’s important to make sure your custom labels are just as effective on smartphones and monitors as they are in stores. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to help your wines and spirits succeed online.

An ecommerce spirits label for Skagway.

4 Tips for Online Wine and Spirits Labels

The average consumer already has an incredibly short attention span – that attention span only grows shorter online. When you have roughly eight seconds to make an impression, a great product label can be your best friend.

It’s important to remember that certain aspects of your label may not translate well online. As such, you’ll want to keep ecommerce in mind when you put together a label design for your wine or spirits. Here are five ways that you can help set up your wine and spirits labels for online success.

Color them impressed

A bland bottle typically doesn’t sell well in online stores. A pop of color is one key element that catches ecommerce users’ eyes. A flash of red or a burst of yellow can stop a consumer from aimlessly scrolling past your products so that they will check out what you have to offer.

In terms of what colors to use, it really depends on what type of message you want to send. Colors can influence consumer’s emotions by making them associate with certain feelings. For example, a green label can inspire feelings of relaxation and happiness. Meanwhile, red signifies strength or power. Try to find a color that helps you tell your product’s story – just make sure it’s something that really stands out in an ecommerce store.

It’s also important to note that while vibrant colors can help you stick out in a crowded ecommerce store, too many colors can have the opposite effect. Labels with multiple interlocking colors can appear muddy in a small image. In addition, certain color combinations can help your label pop out to consumers and make it easier to read the text. A color wheel can help you identify opposite colors that still work with each other. Test out how your potential label would look in a product image to make sure it’s just as stunning online as it will be in person.

Clearly identify your wines and spirits

Once you have someone’s attention, it’s critical that users quickly identify your products. Any seemingly missing detail can lead an ecommerce customer to click away to a different product.

Make sure users can immediately recognize your brand name and product designation. While these details may seem prominent in your design, consider how easy it would be to read them in a small product image on a phone screen or monitor. Amplifying these details will help users recognize who you are and what your product is, be it a malbec, a straight rye whiskey, or something else.

Make a big impression

A lot of small, ornate details may look great in person, but it may get lost in a small product image nestled amidst dozens of other bottles. If you want your wine or spirit to truly stick out in an ecommerce setting, it’s time to amp up your design.

There are a few ways that you can go about enhancing your design. As mentioned earlier, large pops of color are one way to make an immediate impression. There are also special printing capabilities that can add an extra dimension to your design. Utilizing hot foil stamping is one way to make your wine and spirits labels look more sophisticated, elegant, or flashy for anyone who scrolls by your products.

While small design details might not show up on small product images, that doesn’t mean you should abandon them altogether. These elements can still make an impression on customers once they receive their bottles. A rougher paper wine stock or an embossed pattern may not show up on screens, but it can add an extra dimension to wow consumers once they get a hold of your bottles.

Follow barcode best practices

While your design is a major factor for ecommerce success, it’s critical not to forget about another key purpose of your wine and spirits labels. Online retailers typically require product labels to include Universal Product Codes (UPC) for scanning and identification purposes. As such, you’ll want to ensure that you follow barcode best practices for your wine and spirits labels.

If you’re not careful, you may accidentally set up your barcodes for failure. There are a few steps you can take to make sure that your barcodes are ready for business.

Maintain a quiet zone. Make sure that the area around your label’s barcode is clear of any texts, graphics, or other printed elements.
Use a simple color scheme. Try to avoid warm colors that won’t work well with red lasers. The safest choice is to stick with black text on a white box.
Utilize proper barcode sizing. Keep your barcode somewhere between the minimum and maximum recommended barcode sizes.
- Minimum – 1.175” wide by .816” high
- Maximum – 2.938” wide by 2.04” high
Send barcodes in the right formats. Once your label design is ready, you’ll need to send a few of your barcodes to your printing company in a few different forms.
- An image file of the barcode you’ve received from the provider
- An Excel document with a list of UPC numbers
- A PDF or EPS of the barcodes

A group of colorful wine ecommerce labels.

Find the Right Printing Partner for Your Wine and Spirits Labels

Once you have your labels ready for online success, it’s time to find a label printing company. At Blue Label, we have the experts and technology to help you get the most out of your packaging.

Our team strives to not only enhance your designs, but also make sure that everything is right before we print your full order. We can work with you to check your art files and identify the best, most cost-effective solutions for your wine and spirits. Contact us today to invest in stunning wine and spirits labels.