Custom Roll Labels

Unwind direction is the way your label comes off the roll as it feeds into your label applicator, basically which edge leads, and whether the label is coming off the roll from the top or bottom. If it’s wrong, labels can apply crooked, wrinkle, or miss the sensor.

1. Start with your applicator (or co-packer) specs. The fastest path is to ask for their required unwind direction (they’ll often describe it with a diagram, a number, or “labels dispense from the top/bottom”).

2. Match it to how the container travels on the line. Confirm which side of the container gets labeled (front/back), the direction of travel, and whether you’re applying to a round bottle, flat panel, or a contoured surface. Those details drive the correct orientation.

3. Confirm sensor and gap requirements. Some applicators need a consistent label gap, specific liner orientation, or registration marks, unwind direction affects how reliably the applicator detects and dispenses each label.

4. We’ll help you lock it in before we print. If you share your applicator model or the spec sheet (or your co-packer’s requirements), we’ll confirm the unwind direction and set up your rolls so they run cleanly on your line.

We can provide roll label templates and specs for you, no matter the label size. Some other specs to consider:

• Set your document to the die line (final cut size). That’s the exact label size your artwork must fit inside. If you’re using a template, the die line is your “trim” boundary.

• Build in bleed so color and images go to the edge. Extend any background colors, patterns, or photos past the die line so you don’t risk a thin white edge after cutting.

• Keep critical content inside the safe zone. Pull in small text, thin lines, and important elements (logos, QR codes, compliance copy) so normal cutting tolerances won’t clip them.

• If you’re using an applicator, confirm roll specs early. Unwind direction, core size, and label gap don’t change your bleed, but they do affect how your art is oriented on the roll, we’ll line it up so it feeds correctly on your line.

• We’ll check your file before printing. If you send your artwork, we’ll confirm it’s set up with the right bleed and safe zone, and flag anything that could cause trimming issues.

We offer shipping through several vendors like UPS, Fedex, and USPS. Ground, Next-Day, 2-Day, 3-Day, and custom freight options. 

Our preferred file formats are Adobe Illustrator or High-Resolution PDF.  You can view our complete artwork file standards checklist here.

Before printing your labels, we will provide a digital proof via email for your approval. This allows you to review your labels and give proof approval, confirming details like positioning, color accuracy, text legibility, and more, prior to full production. We are committed to ensuring your complete satisfaction through this streamlined proofing process.

While Blue Label Packaging does not directly offer label design services, we do have resources to help with your custom label design needs. We maintain a directory of Blue Label Approved designers who specialize in label design and understand the unique requirements and technical details involved. We also showcase a gallery of label designs for inspiration.

Our printers are capable of matching up to 97% of the full color spectrum, allowing us to achieve precise color reproduction for your roll labels. We use advanced CMYK printing to produce an extensive gamut of colors. For designs requiring an expanded range, we also print using WOVG ink sets which add white, orange, violet and green.

Our top-of-the-line color management program and processes ensure we hit the correct hues, tints and shades. We color calibrate and profile all of our presses so your unique color palettes and gradations print true to your vision.