Labels for Products, Packaging, Warehouse and Logistics
Labels help mark products, packaging, parcels, cartons, shipments, warehouse locations and production and logistics processes. They enable goods identification, barcode printing, marking of batches, series, dates, statuses and information required in business operations.
We select the appropriate label variant for the surface, usage conditions, application method, printing technology and device in which the label will be used. In practice, this means selecting the size, material, adhesive, winding, core, roll diameter and any printing.
When to Use Labels?
Labels are used wherever a product, packaging or process requires clear marking, identification or organized information flow.
Most common applications:
- product marking,
- unit packaging labeling,
- collective carton marking,
- preparation of shipping and logistics labels,
- barcode and QR code printing,
- marking of batches, series and expiry dates,
- warehouse location identification,
- production status marking,
- support for picking, packing and quality control,
- preparation of labels for printer or applicator.
Main Types of Labels
The choice of label type depends on the application, surface, usage conditions and required marking durability.
| Label Type | When to Choose | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Self-adhesive labels | when universal marking of products, parcels and packaging is needed | product, carton, warehouse, logistics |
| Blank labels | when the customer prints variable data in their own process | codes, dates, batch numbers, logistics labels |
| Coloured labels | when colour supports visual identification | statuses, batches, priorities, locations |
| Peel-off labels | when more information needs to be conveyed on a small surface | instructions, ingredients, warnings, language versions |
| Specialist labels | when working conditions are non-standard | moisture, temperature, abrasion, difficult substrates |
| Thermal labels | when the label has a short lifecycle and does not require ribbon | shipments, logistics, courier labels |
| Thermal transfer labels | when a more durable print is needed | warehouse, production, codes, technical markings |
How to Select Labels?
Label selection should start with the application surface, method of use and working conditions. The label size alone is not enough if it is not known whether the label will be used on carton, film, plastic, glass, metal, varnished packaging or a rough surface.
Key parameters:
-
Label size
The format should be matched to the product, packaging, carton, information field, barcode, printer or applicator. -
Label material
Paper works in standard applications. Film and specialist materials are better for moisture, abrasion, difficult conditions or longer usage time. -
Type of adhesive
The adhesive should be matched to the substrate, application temperature, usage time and expected durability. -
Printing method
Labels can be blank, with fixed print or intended for variable data printing. -
Winding and core
When working with a printer or applicator, confirm the winding direction, core diameter, roll diameter and label feeding method. -
Usage conditions
Moisture, temperature, abrasion, transport, storage, hand contact and marking lifespan matter. -
Application method
Labels are selected differently for manual application versus printer, applicator or production line.
Labels for Products and Packaging
Product labels can serve an informational, identification, sales, technical or logistics function. They can contain the product name, barcode, ingredients, batch number, expiry date, manufacturer data, instructions, technical markings or marketing messages.
They work well for:
- cosmetics,
- food products,
- household chemicals,
- technical products,
- unit packaging,
- collective packaging,
- e-commerce products,
- promotional sets,
- warehouse materials,
- products requiring batch or series identification.
Logistics and Warehouse Labels
In warehouse and logistics operations, labels are responsible for identifying goods, locations, shipments, cartons, pallets and processes. They must be legible, well-adhered and matched to transport and scanning conditions.
Typical applications:
- shipping labels,
- courier labels,
- pallet labels,
- warehouse labels,
- shelf and location markings,
- picking labels,
- carton markings,
- barcode labels,
- batch and serial numbers,
- status markings,
- priority markings.
Labels for Variable Data Printing
Labels are often used for printing variable data generated from ERP, WMS, sales or logistics systems.
Most commonly printed data:
- barcodes,
- QR codes,
- batch numbers,
- serial numbers,
- production dates,
- expiry dates,
- location markings,
- order numbers,
- address labels,
- product data,
- picking markings,
- process statuses.
For durable markings, it is worth selecting not only the label but also the appropriate printing technology and thermal transfer ribbon.
Labels on a Roll
Labels on a roll are used in label printers, applicators and series marking processes. The roll parameters must be compatible with the device to avoid feeding, printing or application problems.
Parameters that can be determined:
- label width,
- label height,
- label shape,
- number of labels per roll,
- core diameter,
- outer roll diameter,
- winding direction,
- inside or outside winding,
- number of repeats,
- gap between labels,
- liner type,
- roll packaging method.
Labels for Printers and Applicators
If labels are to work in a label printer or applicator, the roll parameters must be matched to the device.
| Device / Process | What to Determine | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal printer | thermal material, size, core, roll diameter | printing without ink ribbon |
| Thermal transfer printer | material, ribbon, size, core, winding | print durability and device compatibility |
| Automatic applicator | winding direction, gap, liner, roll diameter | correct application on the line |
| Manual application | format, adhesive, ease of peeling | workstation ergonomics |
| Warehouse process | code legibility, durability, adhesive | efficient scanning and identification |
Adhesive Selection for Labels
Adhesive is one of the most important label parameters. Even a well-chosen material will not perform its function if the adhesive is not matched to the surface and usage conditions.
| Adhesive Type | When to Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | cartons, paper, typical packaging | for basic applications |
| Strong | more difficult substrates, shipping cartons, rough surfaces | stronger grip |
| Removable | temporary markings, promotions, documents | easier removal |
| Low temperature | cold rooms, chilled products, cold warehouses | requires matching to application temperature |
| Specialist | moisture, plastics, metal, difficult conditions | selection after consultation |
Paper, Film, Thermal and Thermal Transfer
The choice of material depends on usage conditions, printing technology and expected marking durability.
| Material | When to Choose | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Paper | cartons, documents, standard packaging, shorter lifecycle | economical and universal |
| Film | moisture, abrasion, frequent contact, more difficult conditions | more durable than paper |
| Thermal material | courier labels, short-term, logistics | printing without ribbon |
| Thermal transfer material | codes, technical data, longer lifecycle | requires thermal transfer ribbon |
| Specialist material | unusual surfaces or demanding environment | selection after process analysis |
Typical Problems with Poorly Selected Labels
| Problem | Possible Cause | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Label detaches from packaging | mismatched adhesive or difficult substrate | select adhesive for surface and application conditions |
| Print wears off | wrong material or incorrect printing technology | select material and thermal transfer ribbon |
| Codes scan poorly | low contrast, wrong format or print quality | optimize label size and printing parameters |
| Roll does not fit printer | wrong core, diameter or winding direction | match roll parameters to device |
| Label wrinkles on product | material mismatched to surface | choose more flexible material |
| Label does not stick in cold room | adhesive mismatched to temperature | use low-temperature adhesive |
| Label damages packaging when removed | too strong adhesive | choose removable or weaker adhesive |
What Information to Provide Before Pricing?
To select the right labels, provide information about the product, surface, device and usage conditions.
When inquiring, provide:
- label type, if known,
- label size,
- expected quantity,
- type of surface the label will be applied to,
- whether the surface is smooth, rough, curved, flexible or varnished,
- label usage conditions,
- application and storage temperature,
- expected marking durability,
- whether the label should be paper, film, thermal, thermal transfer or specialist,
- whether the label should have printing,
- whether variable data will be printed,
- printer or applicator model,
- core diameter and winding direction,
- application method: manual or automatic.
Who Are Labels For?
Labels are intended for companies that need to mark products, packaging, parcels, cartons, locations or processes.
They are most commonly used by:
- manufacturers,
- online stores,
- warehouses,
- logistics centers,
- fulfillment companies,
- wholesalers,
- retail,
- food industry,
- cosmetics industry,
- industrial companies,
- packing plants,
- logistics operators,
- quality control departments,
- picking and shipping departments.
Labels — FAQ
What are labels used for?
Labels are used for marking products, packaging, parcels, cartons, shipments, warehouse locations, batches, series, dates, barcodes and production, logistics and sales processes.
How to select labels for an application?
Labels should be selected based on the application surface, usage conditions, size, material, adhesive, printing method, printer, applicator and expected marking durability.
What are the main types of labels?
The main types are self-adhesive, blank, coloured, peel-off, specialist, paper, film, thermal and thermal transfer.
Can labels be ordered in custom sizes?
Yes. Labels can be made in individual sizes, with matching material, adhesive, winding, core, number of labels per roll and printing method.
Are labels suitable for label printers?
Yes. Labels can be prepared for thermal and thermal transfer printers. The material, size, core, winding, roll diameter and optionally thermal transfer ribbon must be selected.
Which adhesive should be chosen for labels?
The adhesive should be selected based on the surface, application temperature, usage time and working conditions. Different adhesives work on carton, plastic, glass, metal, film or rough surfaces.
Order Labels for Your Process
Need labels for products, packaging, parcels, cartons, warehouse, production or logistics? Provide the application surface, size, quantity, material, adhesive, printing method and printer or applicator model. We will select the label variant for your process.