What is product labelling?
Product labelling is the information and branding applied to an item or its packaging. Labels communicate basic identifiers (brand, product name), functional details (ingredients, size, usage instructions), legal content (warnings, certifications), and marketing messages (benefits, claims, promotions). Whether printed, imprinted, or attached as tags, labels must inform, protect, and persuade.
Why labelling matters (four business benefits)
- Consumer trust & safety
Clear labels protect consumers by disclosing allergens, expiry dates, and safe use instructions — and reduce product liability risk. - Legal compliance
Many industries require specific label elements (nutrition facts, warning statements, country of origin). Accurate labels keep products on shelves and out of recall lists. - Shelf impact & conversion
On crowded shelves or search results, an effective label can increase visibility and conversion by communicating value within seconds. - Supply chain efficiency
Barcodes, SKUs, and batch codes speed up inventory, traceability, and recalls when needed.
Main types of labels
- Brand labels: Focus on logo, brand name, and identity (e.g., Coca-Cola’s iconic red label).
- Informational labels: Provide ingredients, usage directions, nutritional facts, and expiry dates (common in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals).
- Grade/quality labels: Indicate a product’s grade, size, or quality class (e.g., tea grades, gemstone grades).
- Regulatory labels: Required warnings, statutory marks, and certification logos (CE, FDA, organic).
- Functional/technical labels: Specification sheets, safety data (for industrial goods, electronics).
- Barcode/traceability labels: UPC, EAN, QR codes for scanning and logistics.
Key components every label should include
- Product name and brand
- Net quantity/weight/volume
- Ingredients or material composition (as applicable)
- Instructions for use and storage
- Expiry or manufacture date and batch/lot number
- Regulatory warnings and safety symbols
- Manufacturer/distributor contact details
- Barcode or unique product identifier
Design & copy best practices (quick checklist)
- Prioritize legibility: Use fonts and contrast that remain readable at realistic viewing distances.
- Hierarchy matters: Make the brand and product name prominent; secondary details like ingredients can be smaller.
- Use plain language: Avoid jargon; shoppers scan labels quickly.
- Icons & symbols: Use universally recognized symbols to communicate at a glance (recycling, flammable, allergen warnings).
- Color psychology: Pick colors aligned with your brand but also consider industry cues (green for natural, blue for trust).
- Mobile-first thinking: If shoppers often view product pages, ensure images of labels are crisp at thumbnail sizes.
- Accessibility: Ensure label contrast and font sizes meet accessibility standards where possible.
Compliance tips (reduce legal risk)
- Know jurisdictional rules: Label requirements vary by country and industry. Food, cosmetics, and medical devices have strict, specific mandates.
- Avoid false claims: Substantiated claims only — unverified health or performance claims can trigger enforcement.
- Retain documentation: Keep certificates, test results, and supplier declarations on file in case regulators ask.
- Language requirements: If selling internationally, local language labels may be mandatory.
- Traceability: Include batch codes and production dates to simplify recalls and customer service.
Arti Kushmi holds a BBA (Bachelor in Business Administration) degree and shares her business and marketing knowledge through this website. While not writing she will be reading and enjoying the moment.