5 Types of Custom Labels for Business Products and When to Use Them?

The way your product looks plays a huge part in your conversion rate. Think of it as your business card: it is there to lure consumers in and get them interested in what you have to offer.

Custom labels are the perfect way to elevate how your product is perceived, and they can even boost your sales. But if you are new to the world of labels, finding the perfect custom label for your products can seem overwhelming.

But do not worry. We are here to break down the options for you. This article will discuss the most popular types of custom labels, what makes them special, and when you should use them.

Below you can find everything you need to know about vinyl labels, effect labels, and paper labels. But before we jump in, let us take a look at what labels are.

Labels vs Stickers

When looking for product labels, you will likely stumble over custom stickers. Stickers and labels are very similar. When they are applied, you cannot tell the difference.

But if you are looking to brand your products, ordering labels online will make your life easier. Whereas stickers are individually cut, labels arrive on a sticker sheet. That is usually an A4 sheet, which will make it easier for you to peel your labels, saving you lots of time.

But which custom label material is the right one for you? Let us dive into it to find out more.

1. White Vinyl Labels

White vinyl labels are the perfect all-around branding solution for a wide range of products. This is why they are among the most popular label products on offer.

Vinyl labels are made from a durable plastic material that is resistant to scratches, will not fade in the sun, and is waterproof. This means that no matter if your products will be used outside, in the shower, or the kitchen, these vinyl stickers will keep your product looking great.

White sticker materials are, of course, not your only option. But white vinyl labels form the ideal base for vibrant colours that will turn a simple label into a real eye-catcher. A white label does not have to be boring.

Keep in mind: just like all of the labels you can find in this article, you are still free to choose your ideal shape and size per label.

2. Holographic Labels

Holographic labels are printed onto so-called effect materials. Instead of having to print special effects, these vinyl materials come with effects like glitter, metallic or holographic - and they take your label game to another level.

If you have a luxurious or premium brand, holographic vinyl stickers and labels add the extra pizzazz needed to communicate your brand's quality to consumers. These labels can make a product look more expensive and professional when used correctly.

You can also highlight a special promotion like a limited edition sale with holographic labels. You do not have to get your entire packaging re-printed. Instead, just use a holographic label to differentiate your product lines.

On top of that, a limited edition campaign can boost your sales. They evoke product scarcity, which can encourage customers to buy your product before it's too late.

3. Transparent Labels

As the name suggests, transparent labels are see-through. They are the right choice if you are after a minimalist, simple look for your product's packaging, or if you want to show off your product through the label.

This is why transparent labels are often used to brand drink bottles: you can see the colour of the liquid through the label, which allows customers to see the product before making a purchase.

Transparent labels can be printed onto vinyl materials, making them waterproof and scratch-resistant. But you can also find eco-friendly labelling options. These consist of so-called bio-plastics, which are fully compostable - perfect for eco-conscious brands.

Through the transparent material, you can also achieve stunning coloured effects: when you print colour on top of the material, it will create a stained-glass effect that can completely transform your product packaging.

4. Paper Labels

As the name suggests, paper labels are made of paper. You can even find biodegradable paper labels, making the ideal branding option for eco-conscious businesses.

They work exceptionally well in combination with cardboard packaging, as they have a similar feel that will support your branding. A 2018 study even found that 67% of consumers find paper and cardboard packaging more attractive than other packaging materials.

So do not sleep on custom paper stickers. Just keep in mind that these sticky labels are only splashproof and not waterproof. So if your product is likely to come into contact with water, choose a vinyl-based label option.

5. Die-Cut Labels

Up until here, the label options listed refer to the material your labels are made out of. But when you go custom, there are even more aspects to pick from. One other major part of the ordering process is selecting your shape.

Depending on how much space you want to cover, you can go for more traditional options like round or square labels. But you do not have to be stuck with these standard shapes.

Instead, you can opt for a custom shape that follows the outline of your design. These custom-shaped labels are referred to as die-cut labels. They are still printed onto a sticker sheet, but when you peel them off they will be in the shape of your artwork.

You can get any of the above materials in a die-cut shape. We love using such a custom shape to add some extra edge to a product or to spice up a packaging seal.


Is it safe to say that you are a custom label expert now? We hope so! With all this information, you are sure to find your perfect custom labels in no time - without stressing out or spending too much money.

Which custom label option is your favourite? And what will you be using them for? Let us know by leaving a comment in the section below.