Label Applications: Choosing the Right Label for the Job

Labels are used throughout shipping, warehousing, inventory management, manufacturing, product identification, chemical handling, and many other operations. While many labels may look similar, the requirements of each application can vary significantly.

Choosing the right label involves more than finding the correct dimensions. Printer type, application surface, environmental exposure, required label life, adhesive performance, handling conditions, and scanning requirements can all affect how well a label performs.

This guide covers common label applications and the factors to consider when selecting labels for each one.

Shipping and Fulfillment Labels

Shipping labels are used throughout order fulfillment and transportation to identify packages, communicate shipping information, and support barcode scanning.

Common applications include:

Carton and package identification
Carrier shipping labels
Order fulfillment
Receiving labels
Routing labels
Barcode identification
Return shipping labels
Distribution operations

Direct thermal labels are commonly used for shipping because they do not require a printing ribbon and are well suited for labels that only need to remain readable throughout fulfillment and delivery.

A 4 inch by 6 inch format is widely used for shipping applications, but the correct size depends on the printer, carrier requirements, packaging, and information being printed.

When selecting shipping labels, consider:

Printer compatibility
Label size
Adhesion to corrugated boxes, plastic packaging, or other surfaces
Barcode readability
Handling conditions
Storage conditions
Required label life

For most shipping applications, the label only needs to perform through storage, fulfillment, transportation, and delivery. Applications requiring longer label life or greater durability may require a different material or printing method.

Warehousing Labels

Warehouse labels support identification and organization throughout receiving, storage, picking, packing, and distribution operations.

Common applications include:

Rack identification
Shelf and bin labels
Receiving labels
Pallet identification
Location labels
Inventory movement
Picking and fulfillment
Internal barcode tracking

Warehouse environments can vary considerably. A label used on a carton moving through a facility may have very different requirements from a permanent rack or location label.

Consider:

How long the label needs to remain in place
The application surface
Scanner distance and barcode size
Indoor temperature conditions
Moisture or dust exposure
Frequency of handling
Whether the label is temporary or long term

For temporary inventory and receiving applications, direct thermal labels may be appropriate. Longer term identification may benefit from thermal transfer printing and a more durable label construction.

Inventory Labels

Inventory labels help businesses identify, organize, locate, and track products, materials, components, and supplies.

They may be used for:

Product identification
Stock tracking
Barcode inventory systems
Storage containers
Shelving
Bins
Parts identification
Internal material tracking

The appropriate label depends on how inventory moves through the operation and how long the identification needs to remain readable.

Before selecting an inventory label, consider:

Required label life
Barcode or identification requirements
Printer type
Application surface
Storage environment
Frequency of handling
Whether items will be stored indoors or exposed to more demanding conditions

A temporary inventory label used for fast moving stock may have relatively simple requirements. A label attached to an asset or component for several years may require greater durability.

Manufacturing Labels

Manufacturing operations can use labels throughout the production process, from incoming materials to finished goods.

Common applications include:

Work in process identification
Raw material identification
Component labeling
Lot and batch identification
Quality control processes
Production tracking
Finished goods identification
Barcode tracking
Inventory control

Manufacturing applications often require closer consideration of the operating environment.

Labels may encounter:

Frequent handling
Abrasion
Temperature changes
Moisture
Oils
Cleaning processes
Chemicals
Long storage periods

The appropriate label construction depends on the actual conditions.

Direct thermal labels may work well for temporary production identification in controlled environments. Thermal transfer labels are often considered when longer term readability or greater print durability is required.

Testing labels under actual production conditions is recommended when the application involves unusual surfaces or significant environmental exposure.

Product Identification Labels

Product identification labels can be used to communicate information about products, components, packaging, or materials.

Applications may include:

Product names
SKUs
Barcodes
Lot numbers
Dates
Internal identification
Packaging identification
Tracking information

Before selecting a product identification label, determine how long the label must remain attached and readable.

Also consider:

Product or packaging surface
Storage environment
Handling
Label dimensions
Printer technology
Barcode requirements
Expected product life

A label used on temporary packaging may require a different construction from one expected to remain with a product throughout storage and use.

Chemical Labels

Chemical labeling can involve more demanding conditions than general purpose labeling.

Labels may be used for:

Chemical containers
Drums
Bottles
Secondary containers
Manufacturing materials
Workplace identification
Storage and handling information

When evaluating labels for chemical applications, consider:

Chemical exposure
Moisture
Abrasion
Container surface
Storage environment
Required label life
Adhesive performance
Printing method

Applications involving hazardous chemical communication may also be subject to specific regulatory requirements.

The correct label material alone does not ensure regulatory compliance. Label content, format, application, durability, and other requirements may also need to be considered.

For applications involving hazardous chemicals or GHS labeling, review the GHS Label Buying Guide and Chemical Label Material Guide for additional information.

RFID Label Applications

RFID labels combine printed identification with an RFID inlay that allows information to be read using compatible RFID equipment.

Common applications may include:

Inventory tracking
Asset identification
Warehouse operations
Logistics
Product tracking
Supply chain visibility

RFID label selection involves additional considerations beyond standard label dimensions.

Before ordering, confirm:

RFID printer and encoder compatibility
Label dimensions
Inlay requirements
Frequency requirements
Application surface
Read environment
Required read range
Label placement

RFID performance can be affected by the product, surface, surrounding materials, equipment, and operating environment.

Testing within the actual RFID system is recommended when compatibility or read performance is critical.

Choosing a Printing Method for Your Application

The application can help determine whether direct thermal or thermal transfer printing is more appropriate.

Direct thermal labels are commonly used when labels have a relatively limited useful life and will remain in controlled conditions. Shipping, receiving, fulfillment, and temporary inventory identification are common examples.

Thermal transfer labels are often considered when the printed information must remain readable longer or may experience increased handling, abrasion, or environmental exposure.

Sheet labels may be appropriate for applications where labels are printed using compatible laser or inkjet printers rather than dedicated thermal label printers.

RFID labels are intended for applications that require both printed identification and compatible RFID functionality.

The printer and application requirements should always be confirmed before selecting a label.

Consider the Application Surface

Adhesive performance can vary depending on the surface where the label will be applied.

Common surfaces include:

Corrugated cardboard
Plastic
Glass
Metal
Paperboard
Packaging film
Storage bins and containers

Surface texture, cleanliness, temperature, shape, and material can all affect adhesion.

A label that performs well on a smooth cardboard carton may behave differently on a textured plastic container or curved surface.

For unusual or demanding surfaces, application testing is recommended.

Consider the Environment

Environmental conditions can have a significant impact on label performance.

Before selecting a label, ask:

Will the label be exposed to heat?
Will it experience cold conditions?
Will it encounter moisture?
Will it be exposed to direct sunlight?
Could it contact oils, cleaners, or chemicals?
Will it experience rubbing or abrasion?
How long does it need to remain readable?
Will it be stored indoors or outdoors?

The answers can help determine the appropriate printing method, material, adhesive, and label construction.

Confirm Printer Compatibility

Even when a label is suitable for an application, it still needs to work correctly with the printer.

Before ordering roll labels, confirm:

Printing method
Maximum label width
Core size
Maximum roll outside diameter
Media sensing requirements
Winding direction when applicable

For thermal transfer printing, the ribbon must also be compatible with the printer and label material.

For sheet labels, confirm that the label construction and sheet format are appropriate for the intended laser or inkjet printer.

Start With the Application

A useful way to choose a label is to start with how it will actually be used.

Identify:

What is being labeled
What surface the label will be applied to
Which printer will be used
How long the label must remain readable
What environmental conditions it will face
Whether barcode or RFID scanning is required
What size and format are needed

Once those requirements are understood, it becomes much easier to narrow down the appropriate label options.

Need Help Choosing a Label?

If you are unsure which label is appropriate for your application, share your printer type, label dimensions, application surface, environment, expected label life, and any special requirements with our team.

We can help narrow down the OpStrata label options that best fit your application.