Everything You Need To Know About Testing Your Labels
When you fire up your labelling machine and get started applying your newly designed labels to your products, you will have high expectations for these stickers. It is critical that your labels can perform consistently and dependably, and verifying this before loading up your advanced labelling system is so important. Beverage labels need to be able to withstand fluctuating temperatures, shower products must have water resistant labelling, and household cleaners need to withstand chemicals and handling. The only way to be sure your product labels are going to perform as planned is through testing.
When To Test Product Labels
Label testing can be handled by your contract labelling service, or using your own inhouse labelling machines depending on your set up. It is not necessary to test labels regularly or on a periodic basis, but there are some scenarios where you should ensure you test before production.
- New Containers Or Container Suppliers: When your product container changes, you should test that your labels are still able to perform as planned. Even if you are using the same containers but purchased from a new supplier, you should conduct testing as there could be some minor differences. Jars, bottles, and tubes can look visually identical but perform very differently in real world environments. New containers might require the level of label adhesive to be adjusted, or the positioning of the label to be reconsidered.
- Changes To Label Environment: Any change to the environment your labels are stored in or applied in should be tested carefully. Even a new advanced labelling system could have an impact on the performance of your labels. Consider if your labels are being stored and applied in a climate-controlled environment, or are they exposed to various temperatures.
- New Label Dimensions: If your labels have undergone a redesign, then the dimensions might have changed to suit this. Even if you are making no change to your label stock or adhesive, the difference in size could affect your label’s performance. Incorrect label size can lead to finishes which are unsmooth, or problems during the application stage.
How To Test Product Labels
The best way to test product labels is to conduct formal testing in real world environments. Expose your labels to the elements, products, and scenarios that they will face in reality, and see how well they perform. This often involves subjecting labels to extreme temperatures and chemical settings. If your label is likely to get wet but it is essential it doesn’t lose its adhesive, be sure to recreate this scenario and see what happens. Test multiple labels and products for an accurate picture of performance, and then make any adjustments depending on how well the testing goes.
Our team of specialists at Atwell Labellers can help with contract labelling and labelling machine requirements. If you are looking for new labelling equipment for your production line or need a knowledgeable service to handle your labelling on your behalf, get in touch today.