This previously published article was updated on June 20, 2019. 

Tube labels come with a variety of application and performance challenges, beyond those of “regular” labels. Think about the types of products that come in tube containers — lip balms, shampoos, body lotions, ketchups, sunblock. All of these products are held, squeezed and, inevitably, the product seeps onto the label.

This previously published article was updated on June 19, 2019.

Pressure-sensitive adhesives are the unsung hero of your product label. The right adhesive makes sure your label looks good long after it’s applied, from shipping to point-of-purchase and throughout the product lifecycle. And although you’ll never see it, using the wrong adhesive will turn customers away. Even the most expertly designed won’t help a product sell if it’s sliding off, peeling or wrinkling.

Label packaging seems deceptively simple when you think about the end goal. It's just a sticker, right? But considering all aspects of the label's form and function within the broader context of your brand strategy is the best way to begin a label order. These 15 questions will help prepare you to receive labels with longevity that make your products shine.

By answering these questions, you will be able to provide your customer service representative with the precise information needed to engineer the exact label that's best for your products and your brand, within budget and on time.

With many other topics occupying the daily news feed, the ongoing controversy and division surrounding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in U.S. food has faded into the background. But that doesn't mean the conversation is over. Several recent developments, including federal proposals for food labeling and a landmark lawsuit, have put the spotlight on the issue once again. So what's going on with GMO labels?

Variable data printing (VDP) and variable image printing (VIP) have been around for years, since the dawn of digital label printing. And yet many brand owners are still unaware of the tremendous benefits it offers. Far from its technical sounding title, variable printing offers clear and obvious benefits for brands– cost savings, package personalization, and design flexibility.

BOPP is an acronym for Biaxially-Oriented (BO) Polypropylene (PP), a favorite for personal care products, as well as bath & body and food & beverage brands. And it's easy to see why.

BOPP is a versatile and resilient label material available in white, opaque, metallized, or clear. BOPP labels are thin yet rugged, moisture resistant, product resistant, non-toxic, and food safe.

From small businesses to large corporations, updating your company brand is a big project. Whether you've actively controlled your brand message or it has developed organically – virtually or through consistent consumer interpretation – predicting how your update will perform and impact sales can be more mysticism than science. Even companies with the deepest pockets have learned this the hard way. Remember "New Coke"?

When ordering your labels, particularly for new label orders, there can be some apprehension about how the final printed labels will come out.  Complex label designs with multiple special finishes or embellishments may be difficult to visualize. Trying to imagine how a label design you may have only seen on your computer screen will actually look when printed can be especially challenging when:

• Labels are being printed on a metallized label material (substrate)
• Labels are being printed on a clear substrate
• Labels include foil stamping or hot stamping
• Labels include spot varnishes or special varnishes
• Labels include embossing/debossing
  
  

To help bridge the gap between concept & design and your final printed labels, Advanced Labels NW provides two types of label "proofs", Art Proofs and Press Proofs.