Labels play a huge role in the modern world, conveying important information. They can make products easier to identify and aid with marketing. Some labels also provide warnings to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. There are many different types of labels, each with its purpose and benefits.
In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the most common types of labels in use today. We will cover product and packaging, food, and medical labels. We’ll examine the key characteristics of each type of label and look at some examples of how and where they might be used.
What Are the Different Types of Labels?
Labels can be generally divided into categories based on their intended usage and the type of products they are attached to. Here are some of the most common types of labels in packaging and on products around the globe.
Product Labels
These are one of the most common labels in use today. Product labeling is essential for almost any product, from consumer electronics to industrial supplies. A typical product label conveys information about the product, such as the product name, the brand or manufacturer of the product, etc.
In some cases, product labeling may involve multiple product labels on each product. Each label can convey various information, like usage instructions, warnings and precautions, and information about the product and how it should be used. We can see product labels on almost every item we buy.
Packaging Labels
Next, we have packaging labels, which could be divided into sub-categories like packaging products and branding labels. As the name suggests, the labels in packaging are placed on the packaging materials of products. Products like boxes and containers use these.
They are often quite similar to product labels, providing information about the product they’re covering.
Packaging labels can convey a range of information. It covers details like packaging and handling instructions, details about the product, who made it, what it contains, how it should be used, and any possible warnings or alerts the user may need to know.
Shipping Labels
Shipping labels are another of the many different types of labels. As the name suggests, they’re used for shipping or delivering products across a country or even worldwide. Postal services and couriers use them, which is crucial for the global supply chain and flow of goods from place to place.
Shipping and logistics labels are purely information-based. They don’t have any marketing or branding purposes. Instead, they provide relevant information for efficiently delivering items, like addresses, contact numbers, lot numbers, product names, etc.
Industrial Labels
Another type of label is the industrial label. Industrial labels can be used throughout various industrial settings and fields. Industries like automotive manufacturing, construction, chemical processing, mining, forestry, agriculture, etc., use them.
Industrial identification labels have a range of possible designs and purposes. Still, their main purpose is to help identify individual materials and pieces of equipment and provide relevant instructions on operating industrial tools and machines. They may also warn about certain risks or dangers that workers must be aware of.
Medical Labels
Product labeling is also very important in the medical industry. Medical goods like medications and medical devices often need special labels. It ensures usage in the safest possible ways. It would prevent unnecessary injuries or accidents for medical personnel or patients.
Medical labeling may contain various key pieces of information that are relevant to the medical and healthcare fields. For example, a medication label must include appropriate instructions for use, recommended dosages, and information about any possible contraindications or risks.
Food Labels
Food and nutrition labeling is another form of labeling that we see and interact with daily. You can walk into a supermarket or grocery store and see countless food labels on the products that line the many aisles. You can see them from fruit juice bottles to ice cream cartons in the frozen foods section.
Food labels have to be very precise and adhere to FDA standards.They provide key pieces of information about the food or drink item. It includes ingredients, possible allergens, and information about the nutritional content of the food, such as the amount of fat, sugar, sodium, and carbohydrates in each serving.
Hazard Labels
Hazardous materials labeling is another method requiring the highest standards of care and precision. Whenever chemicals or dangerous materials are being handled or shipped from place to place, it’s vital to have the right labels for hazardous chemicals on their packaging or containers. It would help reduce the risk of accidents, spillages, or injuries.
These labels often contain precautionary information and warnings. These are sometimes in the form of visual symbols or pictograms. It informs people about chemicals that may be toxic, flammable, or dangerous in other ways. Also, it lets others know about handling it with extreme care or storing it in a certain way.
Environmental Labels
As the effects of climate change are more widely-felt, environmental issues are increasingly prominent in public discourse. Many consumers want to choose more sustainable products to reduce their carbon footprint and the amount they have to spend on energy.
Environmental labels can help influence these buying decisions, as they show how efficient and eco-friendly items (such as electronic appliances and devices) are, with graded rating systems and scores.
Why Polymer Fusion Labeling is The Best Technology for Each Types of Labels
As we can see, many different types of labels are out there. Labels have a major part to play in countless industries. It’s important to use the right technology for label printing and design to get the best results from labels. Polymer fusion labeling is the only method to provide permanent labels fused directly onto the products.
Polymer fusion is the perfect method, from textile care labeling to medical or military labels, no matter what types of labels you’re making. It’s fully sustainable, as every label is 100% recyclable and complies with labeling regulations and standards across industries. Plus, with permanent polymer labels, there’s no risk of the labels peeling or fading away.
