7 steps to getting the right label (Part 1)

7-steps-getting-right-label-part-1<p>I'd like you to image for a moment, that you are a fashion designer’s assistant. (If you are an actual designer’s assistant, this is going to be real easy for you.) Now lets put you in a scenario, you are prepping for a Milan fashion show and into the room come a dozen of the most gorgeous supermodels you’ve ever seen. And then your designer reveals the evening runway wardrobe: a large collection of plain white jumpsuits. Oh they may fit one or two of the models, but just look plain ridiculous on the others. For some they are too tight, and for others they are nearly drowning in them. (But hey, they're supermodels so they still look good, just a bit silly.) The designer turns to you and says “Fineto! it's time to start the show.” In response, you immediately pull out your laptop and start updating your resume.</p> <p>So let's translate this analogy to your product line. The supermodels will be your bottles, jars, lids, etc. You're still you, and the designer is the schmuck who's telling you that clothes (or labels) are a one-size-fits-all solution.</p> <p>Have no fear because CPS is reviewing your resume and we are not that kind of fashion designer. We know the science behind labels and once we know the science of selecting the right label, we can dive into the art.</p> <h2>Step 1: The Shape</h2> <p>We have our container, now we need to find out what shape we want for our label. There are 4 shapes generally used: Rectangles, Squares, Ovals, and Circles. There are other shapes but these generally require a custom die (we'll talk about this later).</p> <h2>Step 2: Size</h2> <p>Ok let's talk about custom dies now. A die is a metal guide used to cut the labels to the right size. Generally there will be stock die sizes it’s rare not to find one that fits your chosen container. These standard dies carry no extra cost. However if you need too, there is usually the option to get a custom die cut if desired. Just keep in mind that this will usually mean an upfront investment, often several hundred dollars. But may be used for many years to come.</p> <p>Talk with a CPS rep to get a label properly sized for a bottle. We have the maximum label areas listed for each item on our website, but a Sales Rep. will be able to give you the closest available standard size.</p> <h2>Step 3: Material</h2> <p>Also known as a sub-straight, this is what your artwork will be printed on. There are a lot of options. We’ll go through some of the most common:</p> <p style=padding-left: 30px;><strong>BOPP (Bi-axially oriented polypropylene):</strong> Well over half the labels ever put on bottles are BOPP. Why? It's the lowest cost, impervious to water and oil and has a permanent adhesive. It also has some color options; Clear, White, Chrome (reflective). As for drawbacks, it doesn’t handle element exposure well. Leave this outdoors or in the sun for a long period of time and it will fade and degrade.</p> <p style=padding-left: 30px;><strong>Vinyl: </strong> Similar to BOPP Vinyl is the tough guy of the label world. This has many of the same properties of BOPP but is ideal for anything that will be outdoors or exposed to the elements.<br /> Squeezable: Made from a white 3 mil film it's a great performer like BOPP but is designed for a container that will be squeezed.</p> <p style=padding-left: 30px;><strong>PLA (Polylactic Acid): </strong> So you like BOPP but want something to show your products commitment to protecting the environment. PLA is you best option. Made from corn based polymer (as opposed to petrochemicals), PLA is a green product. However if you container will be heated (i.e. candles, hot-filling) then keep PLA away as it has a tendency to melt at high temperatures.</p> <p style=padding-left: 30px;><strong>Biostone:</strong> While most paper is made from wood, this is made from stone. That's right this stuff rocks! It's certainly rock solid. Ha, ok that was the last pun, had to get that out of my system. This is biodegradable and fully compostable.</p> <p>Want to find what other options we have? Give us a call, or send us a message (preferably not by tying it to a brick and throwing it through our window, we already get enough of those every day.)</p> <h2>Step 4: Laminates</h2> <p>If you’ve chosen an Eco-friendly label, this step can be skipped. However if you're looking to put the finishing touch, or a protective layer to protect your artwork there are 4 laminates available: High Gloss, Matte, Thermal Transfer, and UV Gloss.</p> <p style=padding-left: 30px;><strong>High Gloss:</strong> lowest cost, popular, protects and makes your label shiny.</p> <p style=padding-left: 30px;><strong>Matte:</strong> protects, make your labels appear more natural with a dull, non-glossy finish</p> <p style=padding-left: 30px;><strong>Thermal Transfer:</strong> If you are doing an over-printing thermal transfer this is your laminate, but you'll want to test this first.</p> <p style=padding-left: 30px;><strong>UV Gloss:</strong> Does your container get a lot of sunlight? If so UV Gloss adds a needed layer of protection, when paired with Vinyl, it's the most durable outdoor option around.</p> <h2>Step 5: Versions</h2> <p>In the industry we refer to these as SKU's. For example if you want to use the same bottles but have more than one flavor/ scent/ type. You'll want to specify how many as well as having the proper artwork available.</p> <h2>Step 6: Quantity</h2> <p>We can order however many you need. However since label making is set up to process a lot of labels at once, quantities of 1,000 or more will get you the best per label cost. Anything less than this, and there is a good chance you'll end up paying a lot more for it. This number would include all versions from step 5 (i.e. if you want 500 labels in 3 versions you would want your quantity to be 1500).</p> <h2>Step 7: Application</h2> <p>You can put the labels on yourself. Or we could do it for you. So now you're done with your labeling process now and it's time to be glad you left that campy jumpsuit designer, and got a job with us. Because in our metaphor, you're the best assistant we’ve had!</p> <p>So you have the science behind the label, in part 2 we’ll talk about the art.</p>