I. Conveying Product Information
Completeness
The basic information of the product must be included, such as the product name, model, specification, ingredients, production date, shelf life, etc. For example, food labels need to list in detail the ingredient list, nutrition facts panel, production date, and shelf life. These pieces of information enable consumers to clearly understand the nature and quality status of the product. Regarding the information on food label packaging, the basic information must be clearly marked. Since it is food, the basic ingredient list should be clearly marked without deceiving consumers to avoid negative impacts.
For some special products, such as medical devices, important information such as the scope of application, usage methods, and contraindications also need to be indicated to ensure that users can use the product safely and correctly. Special attention should be paid to special products because they are used by special groups of people. Therefore, it should be clearly marked on the label if some people are not suitable for using such special products.
Accuracy
The information provided should be accurate without any errors. Whether it is the size data of the product or the proportion of chemical substances in the ingredients, any error may lead to serious consequences. For example, if the proportion of ingredients is marked incorrectly on the label of a chemical product, it may affect the usage effect of the product and even cause safety accidents. The information on the label should be accurate to avoid misleading some people and causing negative effects after they use the product, which may affect the popularity and influence of the product brand. Whether it is the materials used or the printed information, everything should be accurate to avoid unnecessary economic losses and affecting the reputation of the enterprise.
Clarity
The size of the text should be appropriate to ensure that it can be easily read at a normal viewing distance. The layout of the label content should also be simple and clear, avoiding overcrowded information. For example, the product name can be placed in a prominent position, and different fonts or colors can be used to highlight important information such as “Warning” and “Caution” to facilitate users to quickly grasp the key content. The clarity of the product label is the key for viewers to clearly see the product information. Moreover, the main function of the label is to convey information. Since the label mainly conveys information through text, and the size of the label is limited and there should be a focused expression, clarity is very important and is an important basis for consumers to understand the product.
II. Compliance Requirements
Laws and Regulations
Different industries and products have different label regulatory requirements. For example, in the cosmetics industry, labels must comply with the “Administrative Measures for Cosmetics Labels”, which have strict regulations on product names, efficacy claims, etc. Pharmaceutical labels are even more strictly regulated and need to include legal contents such as the drug approval number, drug ingredients, dosage and usage, etc. Regarding the laws and regulations that product production should follow, since the production of products should comply with the corresponding laws and regulations.
For exported products, the regulations of the target market country or region also need to be considered. For example, the European Union has strict environmental protection and ingredient identification requirements for textile labels, including fiber ingredients, possible harmful substances, etc.
Industry Standards
In addition to laws and regulations, industries also have their own standards. For example, the product labels in the electronics industry may need to indicate electrical parameters, certification marks, etc. that meet the industry standards. For example, electronic products need to have CE certification (mandatory certification for electronic products sold in the European Union) or FCC certification and other related certification marks. Regarding industry standards, they should also be complied with. For example, if products are exported to other regions or produced in other regions, they should comply with the industry standards. If they do not comply with the industry standards, they will be complained by consumers, and then this brand is likely to disappear.
III. Design and Brand Image
Brand Consistency
The design elements such as the color, font, and pattern of the label should be consistent with the overall image of the brand. Taking Nike’s product brand as an example, Nike’s trademark is a tick, and all clothes, shoes, and peripheral products have tick labels, which can strengthen the brand’s impression in the consumers’ minds, improve brand awareness and loyalty.
Attractiveness
The label design should be attractive and stand out among numerous products. This can be achieved by using vivid colors, unique patterns, or creative layouts. For example, the labels of some children’s products will adopt cartoon images and lively colors to attract the attention of children and their parents.
For high-end products, the label design can focus more on texture, such as using special materials (such as metal-textured labels), and exquisite printing techniques (such as gold stamping, embossing) to reflect the high quality of the product. High-end products generally require more processes, so more investment is needed in economic costs, and the income, that is, more premium can be obtained through beautifully packaged products.
IV. Practicality and Durability
Fitting the Product
The size and shape of the label should be adapted to the product packaging or the product itself. For a circular bottle, the label may be designed as a wraparound type that can closely fit the bottle body. For a product surface with curvature, the label material needs to have good flexibility to ensure that it can be firmly pasted and will not wrinkle.
Durability
The label should be able to withstand various environmental conditions during the storage, transportation, and use of the product. If the product needs to be stored for a long time, the label material should have anti-aging and anti-fading properties. For example, the labels of outdoor equipment need to be able to withstand direct sunlight, rain washing, and temperature changes without getting blurred or falling off due to these factors.
