Salvaging products by using cover-up labels or relabeling

Businesses may want to change the labels of their existing stocks for a myriad of reasons. For instance, some of them may want to change the details on their labels because they’ve rebranded, so they want to showcase their new product name, logo, or graphics. They may also want to launch the product in a new country, so the language used in the packaging needs to be changed. 

In other cases, businesses may have changed their product’s formulation, which may require updating the product’s nutritional and safety information. Or perhaps their labels display outdated information, such as old contact details, product price, or UPC barcode.  

Businesses may also want to fix errors in their labels, such as spelling mistakes, missing text, printing errors, or faded graphics. It’s also possible that they need to change their label in order to stay compliant with the ever-evolving state and industry regulations. For example, California requires cannabis product labels to use at least six-point font

To change the labels of their inventory, they can either use a cover-up label or completely relabel the product. 

Option 1: Cover-up labels

Cover-up labels are placed on top of certain areas of existing labels to block out text, graphics, or barcodes. Unlike traditional labels, cover-up labels are opaque; light can’t penetrate these labels, so people and scanners won’t be able to see the original information that cover-up labels are hiding.

Cover-up labels are opaque due to any or a combination of these factors:

  • Opaque face material
  • Opaque coating on the front or back of the face material
  • Opaque adhesive

Examples of face materials with coatings used for cover-up labels include: 

  • High-gloss paper that has a special opaque barrier 
  • Metallic paper or film overprinted with white ink 
  • Opaque film with a dark barrier undercoating 

Cover-up labels typically use a black adhesive. This type of adhesive helps effectively block out what’s on the original label if the cover-up label’s face material or coating isn’t opaque enough. 

Since they can adhere to various containers, such as boxes, bottles, and cans, cover-up labels can be used for practically any type of package. They can also be die-cut to any shape, and their front can be customized to match the existing packaging’s fonts and graphics. This way, the cover-up labels won’t draw attention to what’s being covered (e.g., grammatical mistakes, old QR codes) but will blend seamlessly with the original packaging. 

Cover-up labels are typically more expensive than traditional labels since the former are made from special materials and have particular printing requirements. However, using cover-up labels is far more affordable, easier, and quicker than complete product relabeling. It also allows businesses to preserve the original packaging in cases where removing the label can damage the packaging. This, in turn, eliminates the need for repackaging. 

Various industries regularly use cover-up labels, including: 

  • Retail – Retailers apply cover-up labels for price markdowns or other promotions on their existing inventory.  
  • Pharmacy – Pharmacists apply cover-up labels to prescription drug packaging before distributing medicines to patients.
  • Logistics – Freight carriers and warehouses apply a cover-up label on products, pallets, and containers before these are shipped off to new destinations. 

Option 2: Complete product relabeling

While cover-up labels are a cost-efficient solution, there may be instances when it makes more sense to completely relabel your product. For example, you want to change the label color or remarket the product by adding a new product name/logo or changing the language used. 

Complete relabeling can either mean peeling off the old label and replacing it with a new one or applying a whole new label over existing labeling or screen-printed decorations. The first option is often more recommended since it will only require using traditional labels. 

However, not all product labels can be peeled off, such as when the adhesive is too aggressive. Moreover, some packages have screen-printed decorations. In those cases, there’s no other choice but to put a completely new, opaque label over those decorations. 

Tips for using product labeling rework services

Whether you choose to use cover-up labels or completely relabel your products, the following tips will help ensure a successful experience with your labeling rework services provider: 

  • Bring the original packaging with you and specify exactly what needs to be covered up. By doing so, the labeling services provider can determine the ideal solution for the situation.
  • If you want to use cover-up labels, send the provider details such as the actual colors, fonts, and materials used in the original packaging. This will enable them to create a label that seamlessly integrates with the original packaging. 
  • Ask for samples so you can have a better idea of how the output will look before you place a job order. 
  • To ensure no mistakes are made during the labeling rework process, thoroughly review the new label design and details. 

Related reading: 4 Benefits of outsourcing labeling rework fulfillment

Work with Pro-Motion Industries for product labeling rework

For high-quality labeling rework services, turn to Pro-Motion Industries. We have over two decades of experience and use first-class equipment and materials, giving you more labeling rework options. Not only that, but we also follow the latest industry best practices, so you can be sure that your cover-up or new labels are applied well and comply with relevant regulations. What’s more, we hand-inspect every package we rework to ensure consistent quality and properly wrap them for shipment so that your products will look pristine once they reach store shelves.

We can perform labeling rework services even if your products are already filled, capped, and boxed. We also offer other fulfillment services including hang tab placement, bottle bundling, manual assembly, and more. When you work with us, you will maintain consistent product quality while keeping costs low. 

Find out for yourself why many of our long-term clients choose us as their labeling services provider. Contact us today at 856-809-0040!

 

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