Share
Identifying the perfect label size for your product’s packaging.
The percentage of space a label takes up on a package can vary significantly based on factors such as the type of product, packaging design, branding strategy, and regulatory requirements. There is no strict industry standard for the percentage of package space dedicated to labels, as it depends on the overall design and marketing considerations.
However, some general guidelines or common practices may be observed in certain industries. For example, on food packaging, labels often cover a significant portion of the package to provide necessary information such as nutritional facts, ingredients, and branding elements. In other cases, particularly with luxury or high-end products, labels may be more minimalistic, allowing the packaging material or product itself to play a more prominent role in the visual presentation.
Ultimately, the best approach is to consider the specific requirements and goals of the product and work with packaging and design professionals to create an effective and compliant labeling solution. If there are regulatory requirements in your industry, it’s crucial to ensure that the label provides all necessary information while adhering to relevant guidelines.
What happens when you just don’t. have. enough. space?!
Is a single ply label not cutting it? Whatever it is that brought you here to explore the wonderful world of extended content labels, find comfort in two things.
- You’re not alone. Many brands face similar challenges.
- We’re here to help. This guide has been carefully crafted to present options and aide you in your quest for the best label solution for your product!
What are some common use cases for extended content labels?
Here are some typical reasons you might be looking for a little more real estate on your label.
Regulatory compliance
- Adhering to laws, regulations, guidelines, and specifications relevant to a particular industry or business activity. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in legal consequences, fines, reputational damage, or other penalties.
- Ask yourself: Are we adding drug facts statements, ingredient listings, or active ingredients claims?
Multi-lingual
- If your consumer base spans across geographies where multiple languages are spoken, your products may benefit from inclusion of more than one language to convey important information effectively.
- Ask yourself: Is it better to have one label that includes multiple languages vs having multiple product SKUs with unique labels?
Source Reduction / Sustainability
- Reduce the amount of waste generated at its origin or source: in terms of packaging, using smaller vessels or eliminating the need for outer packaging like folding cartons is possible through the use of Extended Content Labels.
- Ask yourself: Trying to hit our sustainability goals for next year?
Promotion
- Leverage the design and presentation of your product’s packaging to attract consumers, enhance brand visibility, and stimulate sales.
- Ask yourself: Is our marketing team running a sweepstakes that you want to make known front-and-center at time of purchase?
Trending use case: Reduction of retail footprint.
Scenario: Brand “A” was using folding cartons as part of their overall packaging. When you’ve got to pay to play for shelf space, how was it that they were able to get more product on-shelf for less money?
Solution: Extended content labels reduce the amount of packaging required to tell the story while also lowering total costs. Brand “A” eliminated the need for folding cartons by adding 2-ply labels onto the product directly.
Trending use case: Market requirements when exploring new geographies.
Scenario: Company “W” is considering expanding its distribution beyond the U.S.A., starting with Mexico, the country with the largest Spanish-speaking population in the world. Whether it’s because of compliance or because they want to position their brand with cultural awareness in mind, they’re considering including both Spanish and English copy on their labels, yet couldn’t possibly fit it all and have it still be legible.
Solution: Extended content labels allow extra space for copy translations so you can ensure you’re getting the right message across to a multilingual population.
What types of Extended Content Labels exist?
Let’s break down the standard formats of ECLs at MCC (*as long as you know we can customize at scale as well!)
Multi-ply (2, 3, and 4-ply constructions)
Multi-panel labels consisting of two or more webs of material.
360° and greater wraps
Multi-panel construction consisting of a single web of material. The extra panels of printable space are created by having the label overlap itself during application.
Booklets and Onserts
Multi-panel construction consisting of a paper booklet held to an oversized pressure-sensitive bottom panel with a clear film lamination.
Plow Fold
Multi-panel construction consisting of a folded paper top ply held to an oversized pressure-sensitive bottom panel with a clear film lamination.
Innovation Spotlight: EasyTab®
Not all ECL’s are created equal. And to be honest, some are harder to actually open and access than others. EasyTab is a booklet with a tab, but could also be 2-ply and beyond!
Overall benefits of Extended Content Labels?
- Incorporate more into a single label to reduce SKU complexity and streamline logistics.
- Provide bonus space for games/promotions to increase consumer engagement.
- Meet your brand and/or regulatory guidelines for including mandatory information on your labels.
If you’re looking for an ECL partner that’s committed to your success as much as you are, we’ve got you covered (and then some) at MCC. Click here to get in touch!