How to Properly Label Your Hand Sanitizer

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused countless economic upheavals throughout the world. Many companies have adapted their manufacturing processes to assist in the production of sanitary products and medical supplies to support the healthcare industry in this time of crisis.

One of the most amazing developments is the trend among distilleries and alcoholic beverage manufacturers across the United States shifting gears to produce hand sanitizer due to the extreme shortage our nation is facing.

If your distillery wants to contribute to the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, keep a few things in mind. First, the hand sanitizer your distillery produces is unlikely to meet all applicable regulations and manufacturing standards held by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

However, the FDA has promised not to take legal action against manufacturers who strive to contribute to the fight against the virus as long as they do so responsibly. Labeling is one of the most important things to consider if you wish to shift your business operations toward hand sanitizer production.

RELATED ARTICLE: Adapting Your Business to the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic

Why Is Labeling Important?

While you may wish to turn your company’s focus toward contributing to relief efforts, remember that you have a responsibility as a manufacturer to produce safe, effective, and accurately represented products. If the hand sanitizer you produce does not meet all standard regulations for hand sanitizer production, you must inform consumers of this fact on your label.

It’s also essential to list every ingredient used in the production of your new hand sanitizer so consumers can make informed purchasing decisions. The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a suggested formula for creating hand sanitizer. It’s strongly recommended that any distilleries or other manufacturers that wish to contribute to the fight against COVID-19 in this manner follow the suggested formula as closely as possible.

Developing Your Hand Sanitizer Label

The same basic rules apply for creating hand sanitizer labels as for any other type of consumer product. Your label should include the weight and volume of the package as well as a comprehensive list of ingredients. Some people are allergic to isopropyl alcohol, so if you use the WHO-approved formula that includes isopropyl alcohol, consumers need to be aware of this to avoid allergic reactions. While rare, it is also possible for an individual to have an allergic reaction to glycerol or hydrogen peroxide, two other ingredients listed in the WHO-approved formulas for hand sanitizer production.

Your label should clearly display your brand logo and all required information. Work with an established labeling service to produce high-quality, readable labels for your hand sanitizer as quickly as possible.

Contact Century Label today if you have questions about developing a label for new hand sanitizer products.

Switching to Delivery and Takeout Only? Ensure Safe Products with TamperSeal Labels

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As COVID-19 – otherwise known as coronavirus – continues to ravage the US economy, more and more businesses are looking outside the box for ways to keep their clients. Unfortunately, much of this damage is an unavoidable consequence of the strict but very necessary precautionary measures businesses are undertaking to curb the spread of the disease. Among the hardest hit are the restaurants, bars, and craft breweries that are no longer able to open their doors to dine-in customers.

A Shift in Focus

With grocery stores, supermarkets, and even big box retailers under hours of operation restrictions and empty shelves plaguing retailers across the nation, food shopping is less feasible. Worse, navigating around in a large store with hundreds of others can be risky no matter how many precautions you take. For many clients and food and beverage providers alike, carryout and delivery services are now a lifeline.

Once thought to be a valuable side enhancement to brick and mortar food and beverage providers’ business, delivery and carryout services are more important than ever before. Whether clients come to your front door or drive-through window, or request delivery via your own drivers or a delivery service, shoring up your off-site dining and drinking options is crucial for those who have embraced the practice. Others, however, will need to remain reassured that food delivery is safe.

Add Your Safety Guarantee

With so many third-party delivery services operating today, customers may need reassurance that the packaging containing their food wasn’t opened – and potentially exposed to someone with COVID-19 – along the way. While there’s no proof the disease circulates through food and delivery has been deemed completely safe, many people will appreciate the additional peace of mind that comes with knowing their food is untouched until it’s opened inside their homes. Your solution? TamperSeal™ Labels from Century Label.

These unique labels feature small security slits that are compromised when the package is opened, alerting the purchaser immediately that the product was tampered with. Available in circular 2” and 3” sizes, TamperSeal labels can be customized with your company’s graphics as well as provide a space for pertinent information, such as the person who packaged the product, date and time, and contents. Your customers will get the reassurance they need that their food or beverage product is safe, and you’ll keep your customers, even in these uncertain times.

Contact Century Label Today

Ready to add your branding and begin implementing a solution that will provide reassurance and enhance customer relations long after COVID-19 is a distant memory?

Need more  information about TamperSeal labels? Contact Century Label at 800.537.9429 or reach out online at your earliest convenience.

Why Wine Makers Must Include Sulfite on Labels

It’s a long-standing myth that the sulfites in wine cause headaches. The reality is that many headaches associated with drinking wine result from dehydration, or failure to drink enough water before consuming wine. While this myth has been busted by scientific research, winemakers must still list sulfites as an ingredient on their labels.

What Are Sulfites?

Sulfites are chemical compounds that contain sulfur. Sulfites are naturally occurring substances found in many different foods, including dried fruits, black teas, eggs, peanuts, and many fermented foods. Sulfites are also commonly used as additives in different types of foods to prevent spoilage, including jellies, sausages, soft drinks, and pickled foods.

Sulfites in Winemaking

Any wine enthusiast knows that good wine takes a long time. Typically, the longer a wine ages, the deeper and more complex its flavor becomes. Winemakers use sulfites to slow the oxidization process and maintain their wines’ freshness. Sulfites also help prevent bacterial growth thanks to their antimicrobial properties.

Most wines contain a sulfite content of about five milligrams per liter up to about 200 milligrams per liter. In the United States, the legal limit for sulfite content is 350 milligrams per liter. For the sake of comparison, a high-quality dry red wine will have about 50 milligrams of sulfites per liter.

Acidic wines generally need lower sulfite content than less acidic wines. The higher the pH level of a wine, the less stable it is and therefore it needs more sulfites to maintain freshness. Wines with higher sugar content also need more sulfites to prevent a secondary fermentation from occurring in the sugar.

Why Must Winemakers Label Sulfites?

Ultimately, sulfites are harmless in small portions, but there is a section of the population that may be sensitive to sulfites. The standards set in the United States for the packaging and sale of food products require manufacturers to list any and all ingredients that may cause food allergies or adverse reactions.

If you are a winemaker who uses sulfites in the production of your wine, it is essential to include this sulfite content information on your wine bottles’ labels. Failure to do so could have your wine products removed from store shelves and may you even incur fines and other penalties. As you design your custom labels for your wine bottles, it’s vital to include all required information so you can sell your products with confidence.

RELATED ARTICLE: How to Create the Perfect Wine Label

Century Label has decades of experience as a professional label printing service, and we have helped many companies create and produce high-quality labels that not only look and perform great, but also meet all compliance requirements under the law.

Contact Century Label today for more information about wine bottle labeling services and find out how we can help you.

Adapting Your Business to the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has dramatically altered everyday life for many Americans. As countless people reshuffle their daily schedules, work from home, and manage kids home from closed schools, businesses across the country are stepping up in several incredible ways.

In addition to school districts offering free meals to families in need and restaurants shifting to purely takeout services, distilleries in the US are shifting gears and creating hand sanitizer from the alcohol they have on-hand and giving it away for free. While this is a noble effort, it is important for both distilleries and the public to know that hand sanitizer produced in this manner may be somewhat effective, it may not meet applicable regulations. Although, most distilleries are following a recommended recipe by the World Health Organization.

A More Sensible Solution Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

While it’s honorable of alcohol-producing companies to strive to contribute toward emergency relief efforts across the country, it may be more realistic for these establishments to shift their focus toward making their own sanitation products that meet applicable standards. The average craft beer distillery may not possess the equipment and materials required to produce sanitary products that meet all applicable regulations. Those that can properly prepare hand sanitizer for consumers and health care professionals will not have to worry about the FDA taking action against them during this epidemic.

Alcohol distilleries in Atlanta, Portland, rural Georgia, and North Carolina are shifting their operations in an effort to provide the public with the sanitation products they need to slow the spread of COVID-19. Labeling is an important consideration for this effort, so if you think your business can contribute to the fight against the spread of the coronavirus, keep a few things in mind. All hands on deck.

The Importance of Labeling for Distilleries and Craft Beer Brewers During the Crisis

First, your labels will need to indicate the ingredients used in the production of your hand sanitizer and other products, and it will also need to indicate that the product has not been fully reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration and other relevant government agencies. It is essential for businesses to refrain from making unfounded claims about their products, especially during a crisis situation like this.

Take time to ensure your labels are accurate, represent the new product you have made in a concise, readable, and truthful way, and provide consumers with all the information they need to make an informed decision about using your product. Manufacturers must continue to hold to their responsibility to provide their customers with safe, effective, and accurately labeled products for the duration of the pandemic.

If you have questions about labeling new sanitation products or want to develop new labels for your products, contact Century Label. We continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and will follow all applicable guidance from the government as we continue to serve our customers to the best of our ability.

Stay Ahead of the Industry with These 2020 Food Trends

There are a multitude of new food trends on the horizon for 2020. To get your food the attention it deserves, you will want to be sure your products are in line with them. More importantly, you will need to ensure your foods are packaged in a way that makes them stand out from the crowd and grab your consumers’ attention.

New, exciting food items and preparation techniques have been making their way into industry conventions and exhibitions for the New Year. Consider working these trends into labeling options for a marketing boost.

RELATED ARTICLE: Boosting Your Brand Identity with Your Label

Sugar Alternatives

Reductions and syrups made from various starches and fruits are moving to the forefront, as they add a unique flavor and creativity to most products. Syrups made from dates, sweet potatoes, pomegranate, coconut, and monk fruit are getting lots of attention and would be smart to include in your labeling strategy.

Meat-less...or Less Meat?

The rise in plant-based meat alternatives has stormed the market in the past year, but it still hasn’t swayed all meat lovers to the vegetarian side. This year, expect to see a surge in actual meat products, such as burgers, that are blended with plant-based ingredients like mushrooms. Meat companies are hoping to reach more traditional meat lovers who may want to cut down on their meat consumption and develop a healthier diet.

Fun Flours

Baking has become a lot more interesting as cooks have discovered nut flours, rice flour, and other alternatives. In 2020, plan on watching this market expand to include banana and other fruit flours. Companies who produce packaged bakery goods will be able to use these new, interesting options to attract new consumers and satisfy the changing palate of their return customers.

Vegan Spreads

Alternatives to butter have been taking center stage in recent industry shows. This year, you will see products that are both delicious and vegan-friendly. Spreads made from nuts have been around for some time, but the varieties are expanding. Macadamia butter is sure to pique consumer interest, as well as oddly tempting spreads made from seeds you never would have imagined, such as watermelon. All nut applications should be clearly marked on labels to avoid allergic interaction.

West African Influence

The big trend in international cuisine this year is definitely West African foods. Superfoods like tamarind and moringa will find their way into grocery stores as this catches on. Ancient grains such as millet, teff, and fonio are also going to be on the dinner table when foodies begin falling in love with this culinary style.

RELATED ARTICLE: 5 Packaging Ideas for Your Gourmet Pet Treats

As you take your food products to the next level this year with the hot new trends on the market, don’t forget to package and label them in a way that will capture your consumer’s eye.

Century Label has over 40 years of experience in printing custom packaging and labels. Call us today at 800-537-9429 to find out how we can take your new product packaging to the next level.

Know the Label Options for Craft Beer

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Craft beers are as unique as their crafters, and labels should explore that uniqueness. However, to nail your brand, you need to understand your options when it comes to labeling your beers. Unlike other industries, the same product poured into a different container can completely affect its labeling. The craft beer industry has been positively booming over the last several years, and competition is fierce. If you want your brand to stand out above the crowd, then you need to choose the best labeling option for your goals.

RELATED ARTICLE: Century Label’s Top Predictions for Craft Beer Labels in 2020

Shrink Sleeves

If you want a sleek and streamlined look for your craft beer, shrink sleeves are a fantastic choice. It’s easy for the team at Century Label to adjust your imagery to conform to the shape of your containers, and shrink sleeves offer smooth and seamless labeling for your craft beers. These are great options if you prefer bold color choices and eye-catching branding.

Pressure Sensitive Labels

These are the standby for the beer industry. They adhere easily to bottles and are available in customizable shapes and patterns, so you can get creative with your designs. Pressure sensitive labels are easy to design, cost-effective, and enable quick labeling processes. If you’re looking for the simplest method of getting your brand imagery in front of your customers’ eyes, pressure sensitive labels are a great option.

Metallic Foil Labels

If you want your craft beer to appeal to the high-end crowd, metallic foil labels are the best option for you. This labeling solution provides elegance and sophistication for your beverage containers, immediately providing your brand with an additional sense of quality that can help your craft beer stand out from the crowd. While this option may not be the best choice for heavy ink coverage or reverse print designs, it can be a great solution for craft beer manufacturers that prefer crisp, minimalist label designs that scream quality.

RELATED ARTICLE: Tips for Creating a Memorable Craft Beer Label

Choose an Experienced Labeling Partner for Your Craft Beer Line

The craft beer industry isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. It’s continuing to gain popularity across the country as individual brewers, restaurants, and other businesses continue experimenting with their own unique beer blends, hoping to draw a crowd. If you’re stuck deciding which type of label would be best for your craft beer, Century Label can help.

With more than four decades of experience as a professional product labeling service, we have become an industry leader in craft beer labeling and can help you develop a labeling solution that works for your brand. Contact Century Label today to learn more about our available craft beer labeling options.

How Unique Shaping Can Add Character to Your Specialty Food Product

In a gourmet grocery chock full of products, it’s all too easy for items to get lost on the many shelves, coolers, and displays that line the aisles. Therefore, it’s important to ensure your specialty food product receives the attention it deserves by making it stand out from the competition.

One of the primary ways to identify your food product as a specialty item is by incorporating packaging with a unique shape.

How Does Packaging Shape Influence Consumer Perception?

For specialty food producers, it’s extremely important to differentiate the product from the many competitors. Utilizing uniquely shaped packaging causes your product to stand out, setting it apart from the rest and identifying it as a top-tier food product. In turn, this bit of separation can help consumers view your product as having additional value as compared to all the others, cementing its status as a specialty food item, and inspiring many consumers to spend more to purchase it.

RELATED ARTICLE: Boosting Your Brand Identity with Your Label

Unique Shapes to Try

Far removed from the everyday rectangular boxes and cylindrical jars, specialty food packaging has recently begun to take on a variety of unusual shapes to stand out in the ways listed above.

These shapes could help your specialty food product rise above the rest:

• Hexagonal: While ideal for jars of honey or jam, hexagonal packaging can find a niche in cardboard snack packaging as well. This non-traditional shape stands out from its generic counterparts and imbues a sense of sophistication.

• Tall and tapered: If your specialty product is a liquid, such as a marinade, vinegar, oil, or beverage, try a bottle that is wider at the bottom and tapers to the mouth. This shape is often perceived as elegant and can lend an exotic feel to your product.

• Pyramidic: Teas, chocolates, and other dry goods can do well in a pyramid-shaped cardboard container that opens at the top. This unique shape often reads as imported and high-quality.

• Rounded: A far cry from the traditional cylindrical jars, a shorter, squatter, rounded jar is excellent for specialty spreads and sauces. While round containers are often reserved for small-batch items, larger, spherical shapes can be used for specialty foods of all types.

RELATED ARTICLE: Top 5 Trends in Specialty Food Labeling

Leave the Labeling to Us

Of course, with any unique product packaging shape and size comes one key consideration—how you’ll affix your specialty, branded label so your customers will be able to identify your product.

The experts at Century Label can help you choose from any of our custom-printed, pressure sensitive label types—including digital labels and HD Flexo labels—in the perfect shape to complement your unique packaging choices. Or, use a shrink sleeve, HD printed and guaranteed to conform to packaging of any shape under the sun.

Ready to get started? Call us at 800-537-9429, or request a quote today.

Boosting Your Brand Identity with Your Label

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Small Can be Mighty

No matter what types of products you sell, the labels on those products should be working just as hard as every other aspect of your marketing to promote your brand. This may be a challenge, because your product labels don’t have the same amount of space as your website, and it may seem like you don’t have enough space to really capture customers’ attention. 

While your labels have only a limited space, this does not mean you cannot make a sizeable boost to your brand identity with them. 

Choosing the Right Font

More than 60% of consumers base their purchasing decisions on product labels, so it’s vital to provide your customers with as much information as possible when they look at your products on a store shelf. The right font will make your product’s basic information stand out as much as possible. Clarity is crucial; you want your customers to be able to quickly identify your products as capable of fulfilling their needs and convey required details efficiently. The wrong font can make your label look busy, inconsistent, or low-quality; the right font will provide readability and boost the apparent quality of your products compared to others on the shelf.

RELATED ARTICLE: 3 Tips for Refreshing Your Brand in 2020

Making Effective Use of Color

The colors you choose for your product labels need to reflect your brand identity. It’s certainly possible to create variable color palettes for all your products, but they should still maintain consistency, so a customer viewing different products of yours can quickly assess that they all come from the same manufacturer. Color can play a big role in establishing your brand identity and creating an impactful label. Consider experimenting with different color choices to find one that makes your label stand out.

RELATED ARTICLE: What Does Your Color Palette Say About Your Business?

Developing a Logo at the Perfect Size

You might sell products of various sizes, so it’s important to take the time to develop different labels that maximize the impact of your logo. Determine how much space you have to work with to decide how much of that space you should devote to your logo. While you want your logo to be prominent, you don’t want it to completely overtake the label. 

RELATED ARTICLE: How to Choose the Right Label Size for Your Bottle

Work With an Experienced Labeling Partner

Developing perfect product labels to help you build your brand identity is a significant challenge, and it may feel like you don’t have enough room to include all the information you must while also making a significant impact with your branding. Working with an experienced product labeling service can help you cut production time and develop a successful strategy that boosts your brand image.

RELATED ARTICLE: 4 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Label and Packaging Expert

Century Label has more than 40 years of experience with product labeling, and our team can help you develop the ideal label strategy for your products. Contact us today to learn more about how we can improve your branding strategy with high-quality product labels.

The Future of CBD Labeling

If you feel like you’re stepping through a minefield when labeling CBD products, you’re not alone. Thanks to complicated and sometimes contradictory requirements, many companies have found themselves targeted by lawsuits claiming that they violated federal or state laws in their packaging, labeling and marketing of CBD products. In this article we’ll take a look at some of the current requirements, as well as what we can expect to see from CBD companies going forward.

What are the requirements?

It’s important to consult the guidelines and requirements for CBD set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). With that said, it’s equally important to understand the CBD packaging laws in your state, as these laws vary considerably.

Wherever you happen to reside, there are a few things you should always remember when labeling your CBD products:

• Product identity has to be featured on the Product Display Panel. In other words, you must clearly describe what the product is and what it does—and the description must be conspicuous.

• The product’s net contents, including the quantity of CBD per serving, must be clearly expressed on both the outer and inner containers. For liquid products, the amount must be measured by volume; for solid products, it must be measured by weight.

• A full list of ingredients is required for all CBD products. This must feature on the outer container. You may also want to include the ingredients somewhere on the inner container.

• Your label should feature cautionary information about how to safely use the CBD product. This includes any relevant warnings for children, pregnant women, and people taking certain medications that could interact with the product.

• Many labels also include extra information like tasting notes. A CBD-infused beverage with added terpenes might impart citrus notes, for example.

How QR Codes are Being Used on CBD Packaging

Quick Response codes, or QR codes, are specific types of barcodes that interact with modern imaging devices like smartphone cameras. Once scanned, the information contained in the QR code is presented in a readable format. QR codes are becoming increasingly popular in a variety of industries throughout the world.

A number of US states, including Indiana, Oregon and Utah, now stipulate that CBD products can only be sold if the package features a QR code. But many companies located in other states are also embracing QR codes as a convenient way to meet some of the requirements listed above, and also to include additional product information of their choosing.

Among other things, a QR code can inform the customer about a CBD product’s ingredients, expiration date, and third-party certificate of analysis. QR codes also frequently contain information about the quantity of active CBD per container and per serving.

The Evolution of QR Codes to Augmented Reality

Some companies are taking QR codes one step further with augmented reality. Using this novel technology, businesses are able to provide information to customers in an exciting and dynamic way. When a customer scans the trigger code with his or her smart device, they are presented with an interactive advertisement that functions as a live tutorial.

In this example, featuring an augmented reality experience for a whiskey that is finished in IPA beer barrels, customers are able to scan the label to see an animated story of the product's inception. The application also includes exclusive special offers, competitions, and cocktail recipes.

Similar use cases for CBD products could include animated stories tracking the product from field to bottle, an x-ray of the product revealing the contents inside, or providing complete laboratory test results for the batch in question and detailed information about the farm where the product was grown.

Clearly, augmented reality holds enormous potential for the CBD industry. It’s safe to assume that we’ll be seeing a lot more companies experimenting with this technology in the coming years, especially as labeling and marketing regulations become more standardized.

For information on how to label your CBD products, please contact Century Label today for all your CBD labeling and packaging needs.

Article written for Century Label by Eric Van Buskirk

Why Private Labeling is a Great Investment in Your Products

Private labeling offers your company an opportunity to outperform your competitors, increase sales revenue, and offer your customers lower prices on the products they purchase every day. “Private labeling”, however, is a somewhat misleading term.

Private labels are also known as “generic” labels that act as lower-cost alternatives to popular brand names. Retailers that develop private labels generally offer their own products alongside their brand-name counterparts at lower prices. For example, Great Value is the Walmart private label, and Kirkland Signature is the Costco private label.

Private Labeling Increases Profits

One of the biggest benefits to investing in private labels is increased profit margins. Building a personality around your brand can increase your dedicated customer base. Once you show your customers that your private label products offer lower-cost alternatives to brand-name products, this will encourage loyalty to your private brand and drive your sales numbers.

Modern consumers have a dizzying level of choice when it comes to purchasing some of the most commonly sought products at major retailers; you can leverage the power of your private label to attract more people to your private label instead of overpriced brand name products.

Private Labels Can Cut Your Overhead

When you purchase brand name goods, you need to sell them at an acceptable markup that balances profit margins with marketability. Some of the products that you should focus your attention on include those that generally sell themselves without much advertisement, such as basic household items, over-the-counter medicines, food products, and cleaning supplies.

Some of the brand-name versions of such products may sell at five or six times the manufacturing cost. Your private label alternatives have a lot of wiggle room when it comes to setting attractive prices, and you will likely wind up with larger orders for your private label items than brand-name products.

Your Private Label Can Build Authority Behind Your Brand

Having your own private label instantly builds credibility with your customers. They will notice that you have your own line of attractively priced products with a unique private label and brand message. This inherently builds your authority as a manufacturer and as a retailer. Invest in a private labeling partner that can help you devise a strong brand image through your private label.

A labeling partner with experience designing and producing custom product labels and other brand imagery for a variety of clients is ideal – just be sure the labeling vendor has the experience necessary to make your private label vision a reality at an acceptable cost.

If you’re interested in the potential a private label could offer your company, we can help. With more than 40 years of experience in the custom label printing industry, our team has the skills and experience to help you craft a brand image and a private label to drive sales and lower your overhead. A private label can provide you with long-term flexibility and dependable sales figures, outshining more expensive brand name products.

Contact Century Label today to find out more about our private labeling services and how we can help you achieve your vision for a successful private label.

How Augmented Reality Stands to Impact the JanSan Industry

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In the digital age, technology advancements have affected nearly every aspect of nearly every sector of business. For example, consider the multiple ways in which the dawning of the internet has influenced how consumers purchase products from start to finish, including the research, comparison, and end purchase stages.

While it may not seem as if the packaging and label industry has experienced similar changes – after all, a printed product hardly seems capable of much technological advancement – nearly every aspect of a label is affected in some way by recent leaps in technology. Perhaps most significant is the way digital technology has enabled companies to provide on-demand product features and information, easily accessible via an augmented reality label.

What Is Augmented Reality Labeling?

Augmented reality labeling provides interactive, informational content on-demand, when the consumer scans a code with a mobile device.

How? Most AR labeling approaches follow these steps:

1. Develop an app for your brand. If your brand does not yet have an app, it is essential to develop one to house all the content you wish potential consumers to engage with. Aside from general business information, you’ll need to provide information specific to each product that you want consumers to experience while holding your product.

2. Convince consumers to utilize your app. Somewhere on the AR label, include an icon or message regarding your app, so that the consumer will download it and experience the full benefits of AR.

3. Showcase the potential for interactive content. Make certain your consumers know more content and a deeper experience with your product lie in wait with just a scan of your label.

4. Display a wealth of information. After the consumer scans your label with a mobile device, make sure it’s worth their time. Include information, video, graphics, and more pertaining to that specific product on screen, via your brand’s app. You can provide product information, training, uses, and more dependent on the type of product.

How Can the Janitorial and Sanitation Industry Benefit from AR?

While excellent examples of innovative, immersive customer experiences via AR abound among the food and beverage, wine, and personal product industries, you may be wondering how AR can benefit a practical industry like Janitorial and Sanitation. However, just like we’ve learned how much packaging and labeling have benefited from technological advancements, we’ve also come to realize just how much JanSan stands to benefit from AR.

Many products in the JanSan industry are comprised of a host of different chemicals of various compositions, with some differing only by a few key ingredients. As such, their ideal uses and the safety measures required of each vary – sometimes widely so – among products manufactured by the same brand.

Imagine the benefit of quickly disseminating all the necessary product information in an instant so that consumers can have knowledge at the tips of their fingers.

Uses for AR in the JanSan Industry

While some brands have attempted to provide additional product information in the past – usually via a link to a website the user then has to navigate independently before sifting through the contents of the site as a whole to find the pertinent information – AR provides a much more user-friendly and thorough approach. With a single scan of a product code on the label, your brand’s app will appear, able to feature product information, safety data, and more.

Far from providing a link to an external website, AR has information for your consumers in an instant and can be utilized to provide access to a host of different product-specific features. For JanSan, AR uses can include:

• Video. From maintenance and training videos to demonstrations of a product’s proper use, AR allows you to include key information that is best presented in video form – right on your product’s label. You can even include best-fit suggestions for additional products and allow consumers to find those products nearby. 

• 3D Modeling. If your product line includes machinery, consider incorporating an AR 3D model to be displayed when a consumer scans your product’s label. Such 3D models can demonstrate the proper use of your machinery or inform the user of its various uses.

• Product Information. Additional product information for the chemicals and machinery so essential for JanSan, which can be lengthy. However, due to the nature of the product, access to this information is crucial. You can use AR to provide instant access to MSDS information, safety techniques, the purpose of any active ingredients, and more.

In fact, the sky's the limit regarding the amount and type of additional information you can include with AR. Consult with a labeling expert for even more ideas regarding potential JanSan uses.

For more information about how augmented reality labeling can benefit your janitorial or sanitation industry business, contact Century Label today.

Avoid These 5 Cosmetic Labeling Mistakes

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The cosmetic product manufacturing industry faces many challenges in this hyper-competitive market, but one of the most significant comes in the form of common product labeling mistakes. It’s easy for some manufacturers to make the following common errors, so do your best to avoid these missteps when creating health and beauty labels.

1. Misleading Product Names

It’s essential for cosmetic products to have reasonable and accurate names. For example, if the base of a product is tea tree oil and coconut oil but the label only mentions coconut oil, this could be construed as false advertising. It’s essential for manufacturers to base their products’ names around the ingredients of the products.

2. Incomplete Ingredient Listings

Just as it is vital to choose a name that reflects the main ingredients of a product, it is just as important to list the ingredients of a product in order of predominance. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has clear rules for cosmetic product labeling, and it is essential for manufacturers to list their product ingredients accurately, such as listing them by weight.

3. Poor Font Choices

The FDA also has clear guidelines for printed fonts on cosmetic product labels. Cosmetic companies must choose a font that allows them to meet these requirements while maintaining a clear, legible product label. The product name, ingredient list, company contact information, and other label information may be difficult to read, so it’s vital to choose a label layout that not only meets all FDA guidelines but is also clear enough to read.

4. Forgetting Required Bolds

While it may seem like a small detail, it is essential to print the net weight of a product in bold lettering on the product label. This is yet another FDA requirement, and failing to include required bolds could lead to expensive label reprints. Be careful when selecting the font, font size, and lettering structure for your labels and bold product net weights.

5. Forgetting Your Contact Information

Many manufacturers forget that the FDA also requires a manufacturer’s contact information to appear on product labels. As long as your company has a listing in a telephone directory that includes the street address, you can simply include the name of your company, city, state, and zip code. However, it’s important to verify your contact information-related requirements before moving to printing to avoid expensive misprints.

RELATED ARTICLE: 6 Cosmetic Labeling Tips You Should Know

These are just some of the challenges that cosmetic product label printing presents. Many manufacturers have made seemingly slight missteps with this process that have led to expensive reprints. You can avoid this issue for your brand by partnering with an experienced product label printing service.

Century Label has more than 40 years of experience producing high-quality product labels for brands across every industry. We know the challenges of meeting required regulations, so contact Century Label today to learn more about our product labeling process for your cosmetics.

5 Packaging Ideas for Your Gourmet Pet Treats

With pet food and treat products, visual appeal is every bit as important as quality. After all, most of the humans making the purchase are not actually going to taste them. Often, however, they will check the package to be sure the goodies purchased for their pet to eat meet FDA regulations, as well as those established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials.

Fun Ideas for Packaging Your Gourmet Pet Treat Brand

Put these five helpful packaging and labeling ideas to work for you and watch your gourmet pet treat business grow.

1. Metal Tins. Metal tins are a classic packaging product that have stood the test of time. They are decorative, functional, and people love them. Many antique product tins are collectable today. A great marketing idea is to advertise refill packs that you offer right on the tin.

2. Cellophane Bags. There are two big bonuses to using cellophane bag packaging. They allow the customer to see the treats they are buying and even smell their goodness; the aroma really comes through. They may not actually taste the treats, but if they smell good, they are likely to purchase.

3. Standup Pouch. Consider using a stand-up pouch. They are practical and versatile. The resealable plastic container is a favorite among pet owners. Choosing a pouch with a clear front panel offers a similar benefit to cellophane, allowing the buyer to view the treats before buying.

4. Paper Bags. If you don’t have the budget for more costly packaging, you may want to think about paper bags. They are recyclable, biodegradable, and can be labeled with upscale stickers.

5. Bakery Boxes. Treats in bakery boxes move quickly because they are cute. People are attracted to the boutique-style look, and the boxes are available in multiple sizes. Another selling point is that they are perfect for giving as gifts.

RELATED ARTICLE: 3 Tips for Refreshing Your Brand in 2020

Now that you have decided on what type of packaging to use, the next step is your label design. You want something that catches the buyer’s eye and stands out from the rest. A good labeling idea is a design and description that appeals to the pet owner’s senses. If something looks and sounds delicious to the human, they are likely to assume their pet will find it delicious, too.

Keep Visuals at the Top of Your Labeling List

Don’t forget to include the required labeling information, such as product name, brand name, species, life stage, feeding guide, quantity, guaranteed analysis, ingredients, calorie statement, nutritional adequacy statement, and manufacturer name and address.

Century Label is here for all your gourmet pet treat packaging and labeling needs. Reach out to us today, and we’ll help you reach those fur babies who haven’t had the pleasure of enjoying your gourmet delicacies made especially for them.

Century Label’s Top Predictions for Craft Beer Labels in 2020

Craft beer has become a nationwide sensation over the last several years. After nearly 8,000 new craft breweries began bottling their own brews over the past decade, it’s safe to say that the craft beer trend has picked up enough steam to last for quite a while. Between 2010 and 2020, craft beer jumped from accounting for 8% of all beer sales in the US to 13%. Century Label has years of experience providing professional labeling services to craft breweries and many other companies. We have several predictions for how craft beer labels could change in the coming year.

We’re Going to See a Lot More Craft Beers

The craft beer trend has gained tremendous popularity, and that means we’re sure to see even more new craft beer lines appear in 2020. This means an increased demand for unique, professionally printed labels. If the craft beer selection seems diverse now, this is sure to increase over the next few years as more and more hopeful brewers start their own lines of craft beer. However, with more craft beers available competition is sure to increase, encouraging craft brewers to experiment with new blends and maybe even add different types of beverages to their lists of offerings to capture the attention of the public.

RELATED ARTICLE: Craft Label Options: How Should I Label My Craft Beer for Sale?

Labels Will Become Even More Unique

The most successful craft brewers have created truly unique brews that no other brewer can replicate thanks to their dedication to originality when it comes to both their beer and their label design. In 2020 and beyond we’re sure to see even more unique labeling strategies, from irregular shapes to cutout labels and even labels designed with augmented reality (AR) functionality. An eye-catching label can make or break a new craft beer. As more brewers join the ranks of America’s craft brewing industry, we’re certainly going to see some interesting takes on the labeling side of production.

RELATED ARTICLE: Tips for Creating a Memorable Craft Beer Label

Successful Craft Brewers Will Establish Recognizable Brand Identities

As craft breweries increase revenue and establish stronger followings, we’re likely to see many of them balance their brand images to appeal to multiple markets. Craft breweries with eclectic labeling practices may start to standardize their labels. For example, they may develop unique borders or label styles for all their bottles with different label artwork for each of their beers. Standardizing pressure sensitive labels can both cut production costs and establish stronger brand identity across multiple varieties of beer, offering craft brewers an easier option when it comes to diversifying their product offerings and appealing to wider audiences.

Century Label offers professional labeling services to craft brewers all over the US. With more than 40 years of experience providing professional labeling to all types of product manufacturers, we offer a wide range of solutions that craft brewers can rely upon to cultivate stronger brand images and carry their brands into 2020 and beyond. Contact us today for more information about our labeling services for craft beer.

3 Tips for Refreshing Your Brand in 2020

The New Year provides the perfect excuse to take stock of your life and resolve to make positive differences for the coming months. While many people resolve to make themselves better, businesses can also benefit from making resolutions and setting new goals.

In 2020, why not resolve to give your brand a little refresh? Here’s how to do it effectively.

1. Understand the Difference between a Rebrand and a Refresh

First, it’s important to understand the distinction between rebranding and refreshing. A rebrand often requires changing a target audience, a brand story or voice, or making big changes to your brand’s narrative. A brand refresh, on the other hand, simply refers to making simple changes to the appeal of your brand, without any drastic changes to the core audience or mission.

RELATED ARTICLE: What’s Ahead: Custom Labeling Trends for 2020

2. Create Visual Appeal with a Twist

A new visual identity can do a lot for your brand’s modernity. If you haven’t looked at your brand’s visual elements in a while, it is possible that they are outdated for the technological age. Something as simple as livening up the colors can make your brand imagery look fresh and new. Now trending are things like monochromatic hues, futuristic typeface, and abstract patterns. Get with a graphic designer and play around a little to find the perfect look.

RELATED ARTICLE: What Does Your Brand Color Palette Say About Your Business?

3. Liven Up Your Labeling and Packaging

Now that you have a visual refresher in mind, add it to your labeling! Before you dive right in, however, consider the following:

• There are always risks and benefits when refreshing your labeling and packaging. Make sure you are minimizing risk while enhancing benefits. Easy, right? One simple way to do this is by resisting the urge to order new labels just because they look cool. Do some basic market research to determine how a new label will perform with your target audience.

• New packaging can increase sales, but only when executed correctly. Instead of a one-off overhaul, think of your relabeling as a natural evolution that builds upon the impressions your business has already made and niches it covers.

RELATED ARTICLE: How to Use Your Label to Tell a Story

When you have a solid understanding of the marketplace in general and your niche within it, you can make good decisions with sales and results in mind. This will give you control of your brand refresh and make sure the investment is a good one.

At Century Label, we work closely with all our clients to ensure all labeling and packaging exceed customer expectations. From stunning graphics to speedy turnaround times, we have everything you need to ensure your brand refresh is a success in 2020. Contact us today to learn more.

3 Reasons to Consider SmartSolve Labels

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In today’s business environment, more companies are interested in reducing waste, both literally and figuratively. Understanding the amount of waste that your business reduces and taking steps to reduce your environmental footprint makes good business sense. Not only are you taking steps to protect the environment, you are also capturing more customers who value working with companies that promote sustainability.

Businesses rarely pause to consider how their labelling could affect the environment, but traditional adhesives are non-recyclable and must be disposed of. SmartSolve labels, on the other hand, present a sustainable and convenient solution for business labeling needs.

What Are SmartSolve Labels?

SmartSolve offers a quality product that other businesses can be proud to patronize. There are more than a few reasons for this, but the main ones are that SmartSolve labels are high quality, custom printed labels that can dissolve in water – adhesive included – within 30 seconds. This reveals a cleaner container that is available for repurposing or recycling. Since the removal of labels often requires harsh chemicals, SmartSolve labels offer a more eco-friendly solution for consumers and businesses alike.

RELATED ARTICLE: Labels vs. Stickers: What’s the Difference?

Why Use SmartSolve Labels?

SmartSolve labels have several advantages and are suitable for all businesses and industries. Some of the prime benefits include:

1. Award-Winning Technology

SmartSolve labels have been the recipient of several awards from eco-friendly organizations around the world, including The Toxins in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH) and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). They are additionally certified by the Forest Steward Council, which sets strict standards for responsible forestry practices.

2. High-Quality Printing

Printing directly onto plastic can make a rendering appear distorted or blurry. Printing on a SmartSolve label allows for the highest quality printing and customization with your logo or colors.

SmartSolve labels are suitable for use in all industries and are especially useful for internal business practices that involve the re-use of containers, like food and hospitality. They also promote environmental sustainability, which will be appealing to your younger customers.

3. How Customers Use SmartSolve Labels

• Food storage, which allows businesses to seamlessly change out products without scrubbing labels with harsh cleaners.

• Temporary labeling and customer recycle/reuse programs.

• Hospital labelling, seamlessly changing for each patient during the disinfection process.

• Laboratory labelling for sample and specimen containers.

SmartSolve labels have endless applications in various industries and business environments. They are eco-friendly, convenient, and allow for high-quality rendering of images, decals, and typeface. Century Label proudly offers SmartSolve labels to help businesses promote more environmentally conscious practices. For more information about SmartSolve labels and to learn how we can apply your business designs, contact us today.

Globally Harmonized System and Why it Matters for Chemical Labels

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Countries around the world have different systems when it comes to the labelling and classification of chemical products; in fact, it is not uncommon for several different systems to be in place in a single country. This creates confusion among workers and extra costs to enforce, especially when regarding trade internationally. For this reason, the United Nations devised the idea of the Globally Harmonized System, or GHS, for chemical labeling.

What is GHS?

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, or GHS, creates a method of standardization when it comes to the hazards of chemical products. By using universal safety data sheets (SDS), countries will have a consistent way of communicating the potentially hazardous nature of products. The GHS system is currently considered “non-binding,” so countries are still adhering to it voluntarily.

RELATED ARTICLE: How to Create a High-Quality Industrial Chemical Label

Why is GHS Necessary?

When companies work or trade in different countries around the world, confusion can arise regarding the differences in labelling dangerous products. This is especially problematic for workers, who must understand the potential hazards of a chemical to work with it safely.

GHS stands to present a solution to these safety issues. In addition to promoting safety within the workforce, other potential benefits include:

• Increased efficiency

• Ease in trade

• Clearer regulatory 4compliance

• Reduced cost

• Better transport of hazardous chemicals

• More efficient response to emergency chemical incidents

Classification of Chemicals According to GHS

The GHS system is comprised of two main elements:

• It provides guidance on providing classification of pure chemicals and mixture in adherence to its criteria, and;

• It communicates precautionary information and hazards via safety data sheets (SDS) and labels.

With regard to labels, the GHS stipulates that certain information must appear on the label of a hazardous product. For example, in some cases, the chemical identity of a substance must be outlined. A label may contain standardized statements, symbols, or other signals that provide the classification of the chemical or mixture, along with precautions.

Labels like those set forth by GHS can help improve safety and compliance. Though the rules are currently non-binding, it will likely become more common as businesses and industry adopt the regulatory practices. Compliance with such regulation can also boost a business’s credibility. Certain countries, like Canada, have already adopted some of the GHS system and made them enforceable by law. Trade or export within these countries will require labeling that is consistent with GHS regulations.

Century Label has extensive experience in the labeling of industrial goods and chemicals. For more information about our services and ability to produce GHS compliant labels, please contact us.

How to Create a High-Quality Industrial Chemical Label

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Companies that produce industrial chemicals must meet rigorous quality control standards for various oversight agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, and others. They must meet strict regulations in the creation and packaging of their products.

While these oversight agencies also require manufacturers to meet certain label standards, chemical product manufacturers can meet these requirements and take label design further to create higher-quality labels that increase product safety, provide additional clarity, and result in cleaner, simplified label designs.

Promote Safety With Higher-Quality Industrial Chemical Labels

High-quality industrial chemical labels must first and foremost meet all applicable regulations regarding label information. Once a manufacturer has determined what information must appear on a product’s label, additional consideration should be made concerning safety warnings, instructions for use, and other announcements.

RELATED ARTICLE: How to Use Chemical Labeling to Increase Supply Chain Safety and Efficiency

Investing in high-quality industrial and chemical labels makes this information easier to recognize and easier to read. Ultimately, higher-quality labels make industrial chemical products safer for everyone who handles them in any capacity, from distribution to end use. Make your products safer by:

• Including easier to read instructions for use on the label.

• Making safety warnings and required indicators obvious and legible.

• Creating defined areas of the label for ingredients, acceptable uses, tolerances, and other necessary information.

RELATED ARTICLE: What’s Ahead: Custom Labeling Trends for 2020

Make Product Information Clearer

Industrial chemicals are used in countless applications. It’s possible for one type of chemical product to play a role in the creation of thousands of other products, and the organizations who engage in these operations must use these products as intended. High-quality labels should provide clear instructions for use, make it easy for an end user to quickly and accurately identify a product, and offer simplified but very clear safety indications. Provide additional clarity with your labels by:

• Clearly outlining the product’s intended uses and other vital information on the label.

• Using color to highlight different parts of the label, such as ingredients, uses, instructions, and safe handling instructions.

Create a Clean and Simple Label Design

Many businesses use various industrial chemicals for various applications, and label design can play a major role in how these products are used and how users interact with them. A clean and simple label design is easier to achieve when manufacturers invest in high-quality labels. A few ways to make your chemical product labels cleaner and simpler include:

• Choosing a pleasing and simple color palette for the labels.

• Selecting an easily legible typeface for the written information on the label.

• Investing in high-quality digital label printing that allows for extremely fine detail and high resolution.

Chemical product manufacturers must ensure their labels meet applicable regulations and quality control standards, but taking label design a step further can make their products more attractive, more effective, and safer for end users.

Century Label has extensive experience handling sensitive label creation and provides high-quality label printing for countless applications. Contact Century Label today to learn more about our digital printing process and how it could make your industrial chemical labels clearer, more aesthetically pleasing, and safer.

How to Use Chemical Labeling to Increase Supply Chain Safety and Efficiency

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The chemical manufacturing industry faces innumerable challenges, and many companies’ day-to-day struggles revolve around supply chain efficiency. It’s essential to streamline the supply chain without sacrificing end product value or jeopardizing important professional relationships with suppliers, distributors, and buyers. One of the most surprising yet effective methods a manufacturer can use to boost supply chain efficiency is to rethink chemical labeling.

Why Focus on Labeling?

Chemical manufacturers provide products that can pass through multiple parties until they reach their final destinations or end users. Traceability is extremely important for many chemicals, especially those beholden to federal regulation. The only reliable method of tracking a chemical product from its origin through various distribution channels to its ultimate destination is labeling.

The information that must appear on certain products’ labels is growing more complex, and labeling operations need to be tightly connected to manufacturers’ business processes. Creating an effective and efficient labeling system built upon best practices can help chemical manufacturers manage the constantly changing demands of the chemical manufacturing industry and the regulatory bodies that oversee their products.

Develop Dynamic Labeling Practices to Futureproof Your Operation

Cutting manufacturing costs is one of the best ways to streamline a manufacturing process, but it’s vital to do so in responsible ways that do not diminish traceability or the quality of the final product. A dynamic labeling system that allows a manufacturer to adjust labels as new regulations and compliance requirements appear is one of the best ways to stay ahead of the curve while ensuring long-term compliance with the regulations.

RELATED ARTICLE: 4 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Label and Packaging Partner

Failing to develop a dynamic labeling system that can change with the times will lead to all types of issues. A distributor may not be able to use a recent shipment due to fresh compliance requirements and will send the product back to the manufacturer for relabeling. Some distributors or buyers will simply stop purchasing chemical products with outdated labels to streamline their own operations. These hiccups can cause significant strain on a chemical product manufacturer.

An enterprise-level labeling solution that offers the ability to automatically adjust labeling content in real time can be a tremendous asset for any chemical manufacturing organization. A proper labeling system should be able to retrieve data from multiple sources, ensuring complete compliance with all applicable regulations and compiling labels that satisfy those requirements in an intuitive format.

Work With an Experienced Labeling Provider

Chemical manufacturing companies need reliable labeling solutions to meet the ever-changing demands of a fast-paced industry. Business relationships are crucial to the chemical manufacturing industry, and an effective, dynamic labeling system can have a tremendous impact on any chemical manufacturer’s supply chain efficiency.

Century Label has more than 40 years of experience providing professional labeling solutions to partners across various industries. We can help chemical manufacturers meet their demanding labeling requirements to develop more effective supply chains. Contact Century Label today to learn more about how our labeling services can help you streamline your operations and ensure total compliance with industry regulations.

6 Cosmetic Labeling Tips You Should Know

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If your company sells cosmetic products, you are selling items that help your customers look their best. It’s only natural to invest in product labeling that makes your products look their best as well. In the cosmetics industry, it is essential to convey quality, class, and performance to your customers. Century Label offers custom cosmetic line product labeling to capture customers’ attention and increase your sales.

When you want to develop new labels for your cosmetic products, follow a few simple tips for more successful results.

1. Research before You Start Designing

Take time to look at the cosmetic products available in your market. Which brands are the most successful? Do you notice any similarities or trends when it comes to how they label and market their products? Which demographic are you targeting with your products? Use these questions to inform your strategy when it comes to developing eye-catching cosmetic product labels.

2. Know the Latest Trends

You might be looking at selling to a target market or within a target area, but, even if you’re not planning on marketing your products nationwide or worldwide, you should have a finger on the pulse of the latest cosmetic industry trends. Look outside your target market and at which products are selling the most and what design trends you can spot when it comes to their labeling and packaging.

3. Carefully Consider Every Design Element

Your brand likely has a color palette of two or three colors used in your branded imagery and logo, and you have also probably decided on a typeface for your labeling and packaging as well. Before committing to a design, look at every possible configuration, different color schemes, and consider how your different layouts will look on different types of products. For example, you might have a design you really like for a pouched product, but that design may not translate well to a tubed product like lipstick or a tube of eyeliner.

RELATED ARTICLE: How to Use Your Label to Tell a Story

4. Choose the Right Packaging

Cosmetics need to stay fresh and ready to use, so offering portability is a great selling point. Most women who use cosmetics like to take some wherever they go to reapply and touch up as needed. Choose packaging that not only offers portability and ease of use, but that is also attractive to convey high quality to your customers.

5. Choose a Focal Point for Every Product Label Design

While it’s essential to include all regulatory information, ingredients, and other essential product details, it is also important to devise a label design that clearly draws the eye to the package.

6. Choose the Right Label Partner

Choosing the right labeling partner can make a big difference in the outcome of your product labels and their effectiveness as marketing tools. Century Label has more than 40 years of experience providing professionally designed labels to customers working in various industries, including cosmetic product manufacturing.

RELATED ARTICLE: 4 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Label and Packaging Partner

To create truly stunning cosmetic product labels with sustainable material options and attractive visual design, find our team. Century Label has the experience and skill to make your vision a reality. Contact us today to request a quote or for more information about our labeling and packaging options for cosmetic products.