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Printed Cans: How to Compare with Shrink Sleeves and Labels

Most beverage brands comparing printed cans are trying to answer practical questions about cost, risk, flexibility, performance, and long-term fit.

We put together this guide to help you compare printed cans directly against the most common alternatives: pressure-sensitive labels, shrink sleeves, and traditional offset printed cans.

Why Printed Cans Are Showing Up More Often

Printed cans have been around for a long time, but they’ve become far more accessible in recent years. Historically, printed cans were limited to very large runs with long lead times.

Digital printing has changed that. Modern direct-to-object digital printing can now achieve high production speeds while supporting smaller runs, faster turnaround, and easier SKU variation. That makes printed cans a realistic option for more and more beverage brands.

We also see beverage brands reevaluating printed cans because of broader industry shifts: more SKUs, shorter product lifecycles, sustainability pressure, and the operational burden of managing multiple packaging components.

Questions Teams Ask Before Switching to Printed Cans

Before making a change, beverage brands typically want to know a few things:

How printed cans would change operations, planning, and scheduling
What flexibility they gain or give up around design and SKUs
How inventory considerations shift compared to labels or sleeves
How printed cans perform in real beverage environments

Printed cans vs. pressure sensitive labels

Printed Cans vs. Pressure-Sensitive Labels

Pressure-sensitive labels are popular because they’re cost-effective, widely accepted by consumers, and flexible across many products. Printed cans become intriguing by comparison when brands want a more integrated feel, fewer materials, and less operational complexity.

Aesthetics

Printed cans offer a seamless, label-free look with no edges, seams, or application variation. The graphics feel like part of the can.
Pressure-sensitive labels can achieve very high print quality and specialty finishes, but the label remains a separate element applied to the can.

Printed cans often win on visual consistency (no seams, full coverage) and that label-less look, while pressure-sensitive labels can be a good option when considering certain specialty finishes or ultra-fine details.

Application

Printed cans arrive decorated and ready to fill, no post-fill labeling step.
Pressure-sensitive labels require labeling equipment, changeovers, and ongoing calibration.

Printed cans simplify the filling process, while pressure-sensitive labels give brands more flexibility later in production.

Cost

Printed cans typically have a higher per-can printing cost, but that cost replaces the label itself, adhesives, liners, and application. The print-on-demand capability also reduces storage and inventory costs, as production can be dynamically adjusted to meet exact demand without producing too much.
Pressure-sensitive labels usually have lower per-unit printing costs and feel safer for short runs, but add recurring material and application costs. For small to mid-size runs. Labels also simply take up less storage space than pallets of printed cans.

Performance

Printed cans hold up well in wet, cold, and refrigerated environments because there’s no adhesive or label edge exposed to moisture.
Pressure-sensitive labels can perform well when planned correctly, but keep in mind that results will depend on adhesive choice and application conditions (don’t worry, we can help you make the right picks). Modern pressure-sensitive labels can use wash-off adhesives and recyclable films that maintain performance while supporting sustainability goals.

Printed cans vs. shrink sleeves

Printed Cans vs. Shrink Sleeves

Shrink sleeves have been widely used because they offer full-can coverage, high image resolution, and compatibility across many can sizes and processing conditions. Printed cans appeal by comparison because they eliminate a secondary packaging layer and simplify the overall system.

Aesthetics

Printed cans deliver that clean, integrated look with optional metallic effects and built-up ink directly on the can.
Shrink sleeves also give you that full 360-degree coverage with very high image resolution and photographic detail.

Shrink sleeves often win on photorealism and high-resolution detail. Printed cans tend to support simpler, bolder, or more minimal looks (don’t worry, we can help you pick which one works if detail and resolution is a factor).

Application

Printed cans remove the need for sleeve applicators, heat tunnels, and distortion mapping.
Shrink sleeves require specialized equipment and careful setup to avoid common issues like seam distortion, wrinkling, or other problems that can increase production scrap.

Cost

Printed cans consolidate printing and decoration into the can itself.
Shrink sleeve costs lie in the materials (sleeve film and inks), specialized equipment (heat tunnels), changeovers, and potential waste.

Performance

Printed cans perform reliably in refrigerated and wet environments.
Shrink sleeves need to be kept in cooler temperature prior to application and in transit or shrink on the roll.

Though many material reclamation facilities (MRFs) accept cans with shrink sleeves, some regions may not recycle shrink sleeved cans or many add a surcharge if sleeves aren’t removed.

Printed Cans vs. Traditional Offset Printed Cans

Traditional offset printed cans have long been the standard for large beverage brands because they deliver high print quality and low per-can costs at scale. That efficiency depends on long print runs, designs that don’t change, and plate-based schedules that can slow production down when plans change.

Digitally printed cans are often considered when brands want to move faster, support more SKUs, or adapt designs without waiting on plate-based timelines.

Aesthetics

Printed cans make it easier to support seasonal designs, multiple SKUs, variety packs, or frequent artwork updates. Digital cans are printed with four-color inks (CMYK), so they can achieve a full range of colors.
Offset printed cans deliver excellent consistency, but even small changes require new plates and setup. For the most part, offset printed cans are limited to six spot colors.

Application

Printed cans typically offer shorter and more predictable lead times, especially for small to mid-sized runs. Printed cans can be produced in as quick as 10 days from artwork approval.
Offset printed cans require longer lead times due to plate creation, press setup, and scheduling windows. Offset printed cans often take weeks to months to produce from artwork approval, so proper planning is necessary.

Cost

Printed cans have higher per-unit costs at very large volumes, but reduce risk when demand or artwork changes. The ability to produce on-demand helps avoid the inventory holding costs and waste associated with overproduction.
Offset printed cans deliver the lowest per-unit cost at scale, but are most efficient when volumes and designs remain stable. Large minimum order quantities (often 150,000 cans or more) make this method less suitable for smaller brands or seasonal products.

Performance

Printed cans and offset printed cans are generally comparable in durability and performance across common beverage environments.

Are Printed Cans the Right Choice for Your Beverage Brand?

Luckily, your brand doesn’t have to switch to printed cans all at once. You can start with a test run, compare real costs and timelines against your current process, and see how the cans perform with your product and your customers.

If you’re trying to decide whether printed cans fit your operation, we can help you run the numbers on your specific volumes, SKU count, and production setup.

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What is Spot UV and When Should Product Manufacturers Consider it for Packaging and Labels?

Ever noticed how labels for premium products have some elements with a distinct, glossy texture? This is thanks to spot UV, also known as spot gloss or spot varnish, which adds a thick varnish to certain areas of the label.

From beauty and wellness brands to wineries, distilleries and breweries, companies are using spot UV to give their products a unique or high-end look. We’ll discuss spot UV technology, why you should consider using it for labels, where you can add spot UV, and different label materials this technique is compatible with.

Spot UV printing

What is Spot UV?

When you use spot UV for product labels, you’re applying a UV coating to a certain area of a printed label instead of covering the entire surface. As the stock of labels goes through the printing press, rollers cover a board with UV coating. Then, the machine spreads a UV varnish over a cut template. This is a thin film that’s positioned over the label to make sure that only specific design elements are coated.

This technique is different from UV lamination because it doesn’t cover the entire label, just certain elements.

Why Consider Spot UV Labels

Gives Products a Premium Look

A major reason why brands prefer getting spot UV labels is that it gives their products a sophisticated look. By giving your packaging a sleek and polished appearance, it increases the perceived value of your brand.

A study in the Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science even found that consumers associate luxury packaging with superior product quality and are willing to pay a premium for such products.

Improves Durability

Spot UV adds a UV coating over key visuals, making them resistant to scratching and fading. This ensures that important parts of the label, like your brand, logo, and product’s name, will remain intact.

Provides a Tactile Experience

With spot UV, you get a raised, smooth texture on some elements, creating a contrast with the rest of the label. This doesn’t just make the label visually attractive, but gives the customer a tactile experience, too.

In another study, it was found that products that are “aesthetically pleasing through touch” (for example, through spot UV), help build stronger emotional connections and consumer loyalty. Techniques like spot UV can help consumers differentiate your product from the others on the shelf.

Where To Add Spot UV to Labels

You can use spot UV on just about any part of the label, but it’s most commonly used here:

Logos, to help draw attention to your brand identity
Brand name
Borders or frames, which give the label a polished look
Product features or key ingredients
Elements or entire images
QR codes or other promotional elements

Spot UV is Compatible With The Following Materials

Spot UV is a versatile finishing technique for labels and can be used with the following types of materials:

Paper Labels: Matte or glossy paper are the best choices for spot UV labels because they allow precise application and adhesion of the UV coating.
Film Labels (BOPP or PET): Spot UV adheres nicely to smooth plastic surfaces like BOPP and PET labels. This makes them well-suited to durable labels, particularly for products exposed to moisture-prone environments.
Vinyl Labels: You can also apply spot UV to vinyl labels, which are commonly used for their waterproof qualities.

Some surfaces aren’t very compatible with spot UV finishing, like uncoated paper, textured paper, and fabric-based labels. To learn more about compatibility with your product label, we recommend speaking with our experts at Blue Label Packaging.

Preparing Label Artwork For Spot UV

Here’s how to set up your artwork before sending designs to the printer:

Artwork is typically created using software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop.
Open the artwork in a new file and isolate the elements that will have spot UV printing into a separate file or layer. Design elements that won’t have special effects should be in another file or layer.
Elements that will have a spot UV effect need a spot color. This can be cyan, black, or magenta.
Label each file for your printer clearly so they know which elements need special effects. You should also send them the final rendering so they know what you’re expecting from the final product.
Make sure the final design is saved in an Adobe Illustrator or high-resolution PDF file format.

Get Spot UV Labels For Your Products

Spot UV labels can give your product a premium and luxurious appearance. It’s particularly useful for products that come in bottles, making them a great choice for beer, wine, and liquor labels.

At Blue Label Packaging, we specialize in creating unique effects for your product label and packaging. Get in touch with us today to request a quote on our spot UV labels.

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What Is a Co-Packer and How Do You Find the Right One?

Let’s talk about co-packers, sometimes known as contract packagers or contract manufacturers. A co-packer is a partner who takes your product and dresses it up for market shelves. They specialize in packaging products for other businesses efficiently and creatively.

So why use a contract packaging company? Because they allow you to focus on what you do best—creating fantastic products. They handle the complexities of packaging design, materials selection, assembly line logistics, and more.

If you can relate to this sentiment from Angel Gregorio of the Spice Suite, then looking into a co-packing partner may be beneficial: “I was literally mixing spice blends by hand, bottling them, labeling them, writing on them—It was a very manual, very labor-intensive process.”

If you want your business to grow without getting bogged down by packaging and label logistics, a co-packer can be an important strategic partner.

In this article we’ll explore how contract packaging firms can elevate your brand’s presence in crowded markets—and most importantly—how to find one that aligns perfectly with your products and vision.

Understanding Co-Packers

So what exactly are co-packers? Picture them as your packaging partners. They specialize in assembling and packing products for other businesses. But it’s not just about putting items into boxes; their services span a broad spectrum.

Services Offered by Co-Packers

At the core, they handle basic packaging needs—think bottling sauces, boxing up snack bars, or packaging a private label coffee brand. However, many go beyond this to offer a wide variety of services. This includes:

Procurement: They source all necessary materials.
Production: Some co-packers will offer contract manufacturing.
Packaging: From package and label design to final pack-out.
Distribution: Getting your finished product to market.

In short, co-packers can take an idea from raw ingredients right through to a shelf-ready product.

Benefits of Partnering with a Co-Packer

Partnering with a contract packer can certainly help streamline operations, but the benefits go beyond efficiency. A co-packer can lead to enhanced product quality, broader distribution, and a more compelling product.

Cost Savings: One might assume doing everything in-house is cheaper, but that’s not always the case. Co-packers often have economies of scale on their side—buying raw materials in bulk at lower prices—which translates to savings for you.
Efficiency Boost: Co-packers are experts at streamlining the production process, often translating to faster turnaround times—this can be valuable when responding to market demands or scaling operations quickly without sacrificing quality.
Quality Enhancement: Co-packers can help ensure that every item meets both your standards and regulatory requirements.
Scalability Made Simple: Whether launching new lines or expanding existing ones, partnering with the right co-packer means scalability isn’t limited by your current facilities’ size or capabilities.

By offloading these tasks, your business can concentrate more on product development, marketing strategies, and exploring new markets—essentially focusing on growth while resting assured that your products are being handled behind scenes.

Why Businesses Need Co-Packers

For the many small to mid-sized businesses we work with—whether they’re in the beverage business, the food business, or producing a product for health or home—we find passionate people that are experts at crafting high-quality products.

Navigating the world of product packaging? Not so much…

The Challenges

Here are some of the challenges we see and how co-packers can help:

Sustainability Concerns: Today, consumers are more environmentally conscious than ever. For certain products they’re looking for eco-friendly packaging, which can be a tall order for many companies aiming to stay green without breaking the bank.
Cost Management: The balancing act between quality and cost is tricky. High-quality materials often come with higher price tags, making it difficult for businesses to manage expenses while maintaining quality standards.
Supply Chain Complexities: From sourcing materials globally to managing inventory levels efficiently—supply chain management is a puzzle that requires expertise and constant attention.
Regulatory Compliance: Food safety laws, labeling requirements, international trade regulations—the list goes on. Staying compliant amidst constantly changing legal landscapes can be tough.
Innovation Hurdles: In fast-paced markets, continually innovating both products and packaging is important but resource-intensive.

Not Just for Small Businesses

Don’t think that co-packers are just for small businesses and startups—even larger businesses can benefit from a co-packer relationship. An article from Food Technology magazine details how large food companies also benefit from co-packers for testing new products or package changes without the need for significant capital investment.

“For example, the gum industry’s conversion from a focus on individually wrapped pieces of gum within a secondary package to rigid-lidded high-density polyethylene containers, blister packages, and dispensers was managed by using co-packers for the filling, handling, and sealing of these new package formats. Once the packaging acumen was refined, production lines were retooled to accommodate the new package format and were moved to the gum companies.” [How to Pick a Co-Packing Partner, Food Technology magazine]

How to Find the Right Co-Packer

Selecting a co-packer is similar to choosing any kind of business partner—you want to find one that understands your industry, your customers, and your needs as a company. Here’s how you can evaluate potential co-packing services partners:

Key Considerations

Capacity: Make sure they have the bandwidth to scale up with your demand without compromising quality. Touring co-packing facilities and inquiring about flexibility during peak demand seasons will help you gauge whether a co-packing company can support your needs.
Quality Assurance: A top-notch co-packer prioritizes high standards and possesses rigorous quality control processes to back it up. Industry-relevant certifications like ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems), SQF (Safe Quality Food), GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) can be indicators of a dedication to quality.
Experience: Look for a track record in handling products similar to yours; the right co-packer will bring insights and efficiencies unique to your industry. Certain co-packers specialize in industries like beverage products, food manufacturers, home and health products, and even industrial products.
Regulatory Compliance: They must be well-versed in industry-specific regulations, ensuring your product remains compliant at all stages. Check if they have any relevant compliance certifications for your industry (e.g. FDA, GMP, HACCP, ISO, Organic, Non-GMO, etc.).
Design and Innovation Support: The ideal co-packer brings more than just execution; they offer creative input that could improve your packaging design or suggest innovative solutions you hadn’t considered yet.
Flexibility: Understanding a co-packer’s lead times helps in planning production schedules effectively while discussing flexibility ensures that unexpected demands don’t turn into crises. Also consider a co-packer’s minimum order quantities (MOQ) and make sure they align with your production expectations and scale.

Pricing Structures and Anticipated Costs

Co-packers typically charge based on services rendered—be it per unit, by weight or volume of production. Expect setup fees for new projects. It’s essential you get detailed quotes upfront to avoid surprises later on.

Initiating a Co-Packer Partnership

Finding a Co-Packer

Start online but also tap into industry networks for recommendations.

The Association for Contract Packagers and Manufacturers publishes a Membership Directory that can be a good place to start.

Your industry may also have special interest groups or associations with resource lists for co-packers, or you might find an independent directory like the Specialty Food Co-Packers Directory or BevNET’s Co-Packing Listings.

Evaluating Co-Packers

Vet Potential Partners: Beyond checking references, visit their facilities if possible. Check public reviews, news articles, and as we mentioned above, inquire about any relevant industry certifications of accreditations.
Discuss Your Needs Clearly: From timelines to packaging materials, make sure your needs and business goals align with their co-packing capabilities. Understand their pricing model and ensure that it fits within your budget and pricing strategy.
Start Small: If feasible, begin with a trial run before committing fully. This will help you evaluate their production quality, efficiency, and ability to meet your product specifications.

Managing the Transition and Long-Term Considerations

Transitioning your packaging operations to a co-packer is a significant move. It’s about ensuring continuity, quality, and efficiency—all while keeping an eye on future growth. Here’s how you can navigate this phase smoothly.

Transitioning Packaging Operations

Plan Ahead: Before making the shift, have detailed discussions with your chosen co-packer about timelines, expectations, and any potential roadblocks.
Inventory Management: Coordinate closely to manage existing inventory levels, ensuring there’s enough stock during the transition but avoiding excess that could lead to waste or storage issues.
Pilot Run: If possible, start with a pilot batch. This allows both parties to identify any tweaks needed in processes or communication channels without risking larger production volumes.
Clear Documentation: Ensure all specifications—material types, design files, assembly instructions—are documented clearly. Be sure to sign a co-packing agreement with your partner as well. This reduces chances of misunderstandings and errors.

Maintaining a Successful Partnership

A good relationship with your co-packer isn’t just set-and-forget; it requires ongoing attention.

Regular Communication: Keep lines of communication open for both routine updates and more strategic discussions about market trends or new opportunities.
Performance Evaluation: Set up periodic reviews not only focusing on what went right but also what could be improved—a balanced approach fosters better collaboration.
Flexibility & Adaptability: Market demands evolve; so should your partnership. Be open to revisiting terms if significant shifts in volume or product offerings occur.
Feedback Loop: Encourage feedback from both ends. Your co-packer might offer insights into process improvements or cost-saving measures based on their experience across clients.

Next Steps

As you start your search for a co-packer, remember to:

Reflect on your specific challenges and opportunities and find a partner that can specialize in these areas.
Outline clear goals your partnership should help achieve and share them with potential partners.
List non-negotiables reflecting your values and operational needs.

Are you a business in the food, beverage, or consumer goods working with a co-packer? Blue Label Packaging partners with dozens of co-packers to provide high-quality product labels for a wide variety of packaging types and industries.

Whether you’re launching a new product line or revamping an existing one, we’ll guide you through every step of the packaging process.

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What is Short Run Label Printing and Why Does it Matter for Manufacturers?

Looking for flexibility in producing smaller quantities of labels? That’s where short-run labels come in. From seasonal products to limited edition releases and product testing, short-run labels allow for smaller quantities and quick turnaround times.We’ll discuss some of the considerations and how quickly you can receive a short run of product labels.

Designer looking at product labels

Understanding Short Run Label Printing

If you choose short run printing for product labels, it generally means that you’re printing under 10,000 labels. This is thanks to a faster printing setup, which allows companies to print out short runs of a single label design.

In contrast, traditional methods often require longer setup times because of equipment changeover, so making smaller label runs becomes more expensive.

Why Short Run Label Printing

Here’s a look at some of the reasons you may need short run label printing for your company:

You’re Running a Small Business

One of the most common reasons to consider short run label printing is that you’re running a small business or startup. Whether you have a smaller budget or lower volume, you’ll only need a small number of labels at a time. Short run label printing is a cost-effective way to get quality labels without the higher upfront cost that comes with bulk printing.

You’re Launching Seasonal or Limited Edition Products

For season-specific product launches, it doesn’t make sense to place a big order of labels. The same goes for promotional campaigns and limited edition packaging. Short run label printing allows you to create labels with unique branding and seasonal designs.

You Need To Update Current Labels for Compliance Purposes

In heavily regulated industries like food and pharmaceuticals, there’s always a possibility of regulations changing frequently. This creates the need to update your product label as per current standards. Short run label printing lets you print in smaller quantities to ensure compliance and prevents large numbers of outdated labels from going to waste.

How Small Can a Label Run Be?

We mentioned earlier that a short run is generally any quantity below 10,000, but you’re probably wondering how small a label run can be. At Blue Label, we have no minimum order quantity, though there are cost efficiencies the more labels you order.

How Quickly You Can Print A Short Run

A major focus of short run label printing is cutting down the time it takes to receive your labels. Due to the benefits and speeds of digital printing, we can get your labels to you in just 5 business days after artwork approval. Combine that with expedited shipping options, and you can receive your labels in no time.

Considering Short Run Label Printing for Your Products

In a nutshell, short run label printing is well suited for smaller batches of products, special releases, and seasonal products. It can help you keep costs down, receive your labels faster, and stay compliant with regulatory requirements. And thanks to a combination of digital printing and expedited shipping, you can receive labels without delays.

Have a short run label project ready? Request a quote today.