Walk down the household cleaning aisle of any grocery or home improvement store and you’re likely to see a variety of containers that are used as packaging. Most consumers are unaware of the balanced relationship between household cleaning labels and containers, but as a product owner, it would be helpful to know what labels will work with your container(s) so you can have a successful label application. The following information was compiled to help you better understand what goes into determining whether a household cleaning label is compatible with a particular container so you can achieve great looking packaging.
Labeling Different Container Types
There are many types of containers that are used in the household cleaning market because containers vary in size, shape, material and closure to accommodate a wide range of products. Below is an overview of some container types we regularly print household cleaning labels for so you can get an idea of what’s taken into consideration before we print a job. If your container type isn’t specifically mentioned, don’t worry. Much of the same information and principles can be applied to similar containers.
Plastic Bottles
Many household cleaning products come packaged in plastic bottles because they’re available in various sizes and work with different types of closures. The thing to remember about plastic bottles is that its size and shape impact what types of labels work it. How big or small the plastic bottle is will help determine what size range your household cleaning labels can be printed. When it comes to shape, most plastic bottles are cylindrical so wraparound labels would work well with the container. If the plastic bottle is square or rectangle, a front and back panel label would be easier for labeling because applying a wraparound label to a square bottle can be challenging because the right piece of labeling equipment is needed.
Squeezable
Containers that are “squeezable” means that it’s designed to be squeezed for dispensing the product. Squeezable containers can refer to spray bottles or where the container itself is pliable enough to be squeezed. If you have the later, be aware that the label application area is likely to experience constant handling and the label materials that are selected need to be flexible and durable enough to ensure long-lasting quality. Film would be a more suitable choice than paper materials (e.g. semi-gloss, matte and metalized silver paper) because it can better protect against moisture, abrasion and chemical exposure. Using a finish – like a laminate – would also add an extra measure of protection so your household cleaning labels can have an extended lifespan.
Jugs
Wholesale cleaning products often come in jugs since it’s larger than most container types but easier to carry than buckets. Due to the jug’s size, a large label will need to be used to ensure it’s clearly seen by consumers. If you need a large label size, it’s important that you make sure that your label printing company can print labels in that size. For example, the largest die cut label size that we can create on our equipment is 16″ wide by 24″ long which can be used for labeling barrels. The size of your labels also impact how many can fit onto a roll (which can affect shipping logistics) and whether special labeling equipment is needed.
Custom Labels for Household Cleaning Products
Containers can be made from various materials like plastic, glass or metal, and the type you have can affect your label options – especially if you’re trying to achieve a certain look. For example, a clear plastic bottle can have a “no label” look with clear labels that blend into the bottle while also providing moisture and abrasion resistance since it’s made from film. Another type of label that works well with either plastic, glass or metal containers is shrink sleeve labels. These full-body labels provide 360-degree design coverage and can be applied to almost any container as long as it doesn’t taper downward. That means a wide variety of household cleaning products can use shrink sleeves as part of its packaging.
Finding the right container for your product can be difficult but hopefully, we’ve helped you see the bigger picture of how containers and labels interact so you can pick a container or label that best suits your needs. Shape, size and material can impact your label options in different ways so it’s beneficial to know your container’s characteristics before you start shopping for custom labels. That way, you will be able to discuss with your customer service rep the different label options that can work with your container without feeling confused or wondering if the label will turn out well.
