TRENDS IN PRODUCT LABELING

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TRENDS IN PRODUCT LABELING

TRENDS IN PRODUCT LABELINGIn this guide, we cover the latest trends in label

printing and design. You’ll learn new ways to

reinforce your branding and get the best value

when purchasing labels. And we share key

considerations that could affect your label in the

near future.

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TRENDS IN PRODUCT LABELING

Highly decorative labels and increased shelf competitionWith more products on store shelves than ever before,

companies are looking to differentiate their products from

competitors. As a result, there’s been massive growth in labeling

in the U.S., Canada and worldwide. Brands are increasingly turning

to highly decorative labels to earn prominence on store shelves.

Some popular visual customizations include:

• Embossing

• Foil stamping

• Structured varnish finishes

Additionally, many premium brands have increasingly moved

away from traditional paper labels and are instead using newer,

more premium face stock materials. Popular options include films

and metallic foils as well as textured paper stocks, such as Estate

8 paper for wine labels.

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TRENDS IN PRODUCT LABELING

Increased design versatility, faster speed and lower cost with digital printing technologyIn the past decade, digital label printing technology has

progressed rapidly, forever altering the way brands bring

products to market.

Digital presses, which require no printing plates, now offer the

finest printing quality with faster speeds. As a result, smaller print

runs that have previously been unaffordable are now processed

every day. The cost of testing and launching products has fallen

significantly, further increasing product competition on store

shelves.

Through an emerging technology called variable data printing

(VDP), digital presses allow label manufacturers to customize

individual labels within one print run. While this may sound like

a technology primarily used by smaller product manufacturers,

big brands are adopting it as well. For example, Coca Cola has

enjoyed market success with its “Share a Coke®” campaign by

customizing soda cans using VDP.

In the past, digital presses have suffered from three primary

drawbacks, among others:

• Limitations on the size of printable labels

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TRENDS IN PRODUCT LABELING

• Slow print speeds

• Capabilities to print only small quantities at a time

Today, the technology has improved dramatically, with digital

presses rapidly printing large labels in longer runs. Today, digital

label printing is a more economical option for most short and

medium size runs than flexographic printing. Within the next 10

years, technology may progress enough to make digital as fast

and cost effective as flexographic for even the largest orders.

Changing regulations — planning for uncertaintyThere have recently been big regulatory changes in certain

markets, affecting the information required on many product

labels. All chemical labels must now meet the stringent and

specific requirements of the new Globally Harmonized System

(GHS). The FDA has implemented significant regulatory changes

to food labels that will affect a wide range of food products.

And new regulations will continue to impact producers in many

markets.

In order to avoid situations of procuring labels that become

obsolete and unusable due to regulatory

changes, purchasing managers have turned

to procuring highly calculated order sizes.

Purchasers must increasingly balance present

needs with the risk of future obsolescence.

Increased traceability with smart labels

and mobile integration

Producers are facing increasing product

traceability and distribution efficiency

requirements. New label technology has

emerged and continues to develop, helping

producers meet these needs.

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TRENDS IN PRODUCT LABELING

Combined with the right inventorying systems, RFID labels are

helping producers adopt smart label tracking. These labels emit

unique radio frequencies, allowing producers, distributors and

retailers to automatically log inventory without the need to scan

each label with a barcode scanner. This saves time and money

while improving accuracy and traceability.

Additionally, label technology using near-field communication

(NFC) and mobile applications allows producers to log inventory

with cell phones. Within mobile applications and synced

computer dashboards, producers are able to authenticate

products and see previous scan locations of those products.

These anti-counterfeiting functions are critical for expensive and

luxury products and improve oversight of the chain of custody.

Complexity and the move to consultative label printingProcuring labels is no longer just a step in the process of bringing

a product to market. Today, with increased shelf competition and

the new complexities of label design and printing, it’s become

a vital part of not only product branding but also inventorying.

More and more brands require label manufacturers who are

willing and able to be problem solvers and identify custom

solutions — manufacturers who even have specialty knowledge

of regulatory and product safety requirements.

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TRENDS IN PRODUCT LABELING

COPYRIGHT 2015 RESOURCE LABEL GROUP AND ALL SUBSIDIARIES

MORE ABOUT RESOURCE LABEL GROUPAt Resource Label Group, we bring creativity to

each facet of the label process. Through dedicated

investment in a quality team and the latest label

manufacturing technology, we empower our team to

identify and provide you with innovative label solutions

that help get your product to market as smoothly as

possible. From locations throughout the U.S. and in

Canada, we provide nationally scaled label printing and

design. And we deliver it with local service.

You can learn more about us here. To request a label

solution for your product, click here or call us at 1-800-

253-9599 and talk with one of our label specialists.