If you’re producing plastic products in the UK, your label needs to do more than just tick a few boxes—it needs to actually work on the product.
In most cases, the wording is already sorted. It’s usually supplied by your team, your client, or whoever’s handling compliance.
But once that’s done, the tricky bit starts:
How do you turn all that fixed content into a label that looks right, prints properly, and holds up in the real world—without wasting money?
That’s what we’ll cover here.
Working With Pre-Defined Label Content
Most label jobs don’t start from scratch.
You’re usually given:
– Product descriptions
– Instructions or safety info
– Technical or compliance text
So the wording is set. You’re not rewriting it—you’re making it work.
And that’s where things can go right… or very wrong.
Why Design Still Matters
Just because a label is technically “correct” doesn’t mean it’s any good.
We regularly see labels that:
– Are hard to read once printed
– Feel cluttered or cramped
– Just disappear on the product
Good design sorts that out.
It makes sure:
– The important stuff stands out
– Everything is readable at actual size (not just on screen)
– The label works visually on the product itself
– Everything stays consistent across a product range
This becomes even more important with plastic packaging, where shape and surface can really affect how a label looks.
Designing Labels for Plastic Products
Plastic packaging brings its own set of challenges.
Things like:
– Curved surfaces that slightly distort artwork
– Limited space, especially on smaller bottles or containers
– Transparent or coloured plastics affecting contrast
– Multiple SKUs that all need to feel part of the same range
What looks spot on on your screen doesn’t always behave the same once it’s on the product.
That’s where a bit of practical experience makes a big difference.
Choosing the Right Label Materials
This is where a lot of issues start—print.
A label might look great in a PDF, but if the material or adhesive is wrong, it won’t last five minutes in the real world.
For plastic products, you’re usually thinking about:
Material
Filmic labels tend to work better than paper in most cases.
Adhesion
Different plastics need different adhesives—there’s no one-size-fits-all.
Durability
Will it be handled a lot? Get wet? Stored somewhere cold?
Finish
Matt, gloss, coatings—this affects both look and performance.
Getting this right early saves a lot of headaches later.
Common Label Issues (and Why They Happen)
Clients regularly come to us having previously experienced the same problems time and time again. These tend to be:
– Labels not sticking properly
– Text that’s too small once printed
– Poor contrast against the product
– Artwork not set up properly for print
– Designs that fall apart across multiple SKUs
Most of the time, these aren’t massive mistakes—just small things that weren’t thought through early enough, but they can lead to reprints, delays and extra cost.
What Affects Label Printing Costs?
Printing costs can vary quite a bit depending on things like:
– Quantity
– Number of SKUs
– Material and finish
– How well the artwork is set up
Where businesses often lose money is in the process, not the print itself.
For example:
– Using one supplier for design and another for print
– Having to tweak artwork multiple times
– Not setting things up efficiently for different product lines
It all adds up.
A More Cost-Effective Approach
When design and print are handled together, things tend to run a lot smoother.
You can:
– Get artwork right first time
– Avoid unnecessary reprints
– Keep things consistent across products
– Manage print costs more effectively
It’s not about cutting corners—it’s about doing things properly from the start.
Need a Second Opinion on Your Labels?
If you’re already producing labels, it’s often worth stepping back and asking:
– Are we paying more than we need to?
– Is our artwork set up properly for print?
– Could this work better on the product itself?
Sometimes a quick review can highlight easy wins.
We’re always happy to take a look—no pressure.
FAQs About Label Printing for Plastic Products
- Q) What type of label works best on plastic packaging?
- A) In most cases, filmic labels are the better option. They’re more durable and tend to stick better, especially if the product is handled a lot.
- Q) Why do labels fail to stick to plastic containers?
- A) Usually it comes down to the adhesive or material not being right for that specific type of plastic. Product storage environments can also play a crucial role with heat and humidity both impacting on levels of adhesion.
- Q) How much does label printing cost in the UK?
- A) It depends on volume, materials and finishes. But often the bigger cost issues come from inefficiencies in how the job is set up.
- Q) Can you help if we already have label content?
- A) Yes—that’s how most projects start. The focus is on making sure it works properly once it’s designed and printed.
Final Thoughts
Your label isn’t just there to meet requirements—it’s part of the product.
If it’s done well, it:
– Looks right
– Holds up in use
– Doesn’t cost more than it should
If it’s not, you’ll feel it pretty quickly.
Looking for a more efficient way to handle label design and printing?
We work with businesses producing plastic products to make sure their labels not only look right, but also print properly and stay cost-effective.
If you’re reviewing your current setup—or starting something new—it’s worth having a chat.
Drop us a line and we’ll happily talk you through the options.