Wrap-around Labels vs. Double-sided Labeling: Which Is Best?

Choosing the correct label for your product is essential in bringing your product to the market. Product labels carry vital information about what is inside the packaging and play a significant role in grabbing the consumer's attention and making your product stand out on crowded shelves. Wrap-around and double-sided labels are two commonly used types, but each has distinct advantages. We are here to help you confidently select the right label for your product.

Labeling 101

Labels are critical in your product's marketing and branding strategy and play a significant role in the customer's decision-making process. A well-thought-out and strategically designed label provides essential information about the product and communicates the brand's values to the potential customer.

Two of the most popular techniques are wrap-around and double-sided labeling, each serving different product categories and packaging styles. Understanding these labeling methods, their applications, advantages, and potential drawbacks is a critical step toward making the right choice for your product. Understanding the ins and outs of both wrap-around and double-sided labeling is crucial.

Wrap-around Labeling: This involves wrapping the label around the product's container. This method is frequently used for round containers, such as bottles and jars, providing a large surface area for branding and product information.

Double-sided Labeling: Meanwhile, double-sided labeling involves applying separate labels to a container's front and back. This method is common for flat or rectangular products where information can be split between the two sides for an organized look.

Remember, product labeling is not just about sticking labels onto a product. It is about creating a positive and impactful first impression, communicating your brand's story, and giving customers all the necessary information to choose your product over the competition. When done correctly, labels can significantly enhance your product's market appeal. 

Wrap-around Labeling

Wrap-around labels are predominantly used for cylinders or round containers like bottles, jars, or cans. This equipment seamlessly wraps labels around the products, ensuring complete coverage and visibility.

How it Works

During the labeling process, the equipment holds the product firmly, spinning while the label is applied. This helps to ensure the label is evenly wrapped around the surface. This label style provides a 360-degree area for your branding and product information, making it visible from any viewing angle.

Key Advantages of Wrap-around Labeling

Cost-effectiveness: Wrap-around labeling generally costs less per label, making it a budget-friendly option, especially for larger production runs. This equipment is designed to minimize waste and maximize output, making it a popular choice for businesses looking to optimize production costs.

Efficiency: With the ability to handle large volumes of products in less time, wrap-around labelers are highly efficient. They can significantly reduce manual labor, accelerating the labeling process while maintaining consistency and precision.

Eco-friendly: In the era of conscious consumerism, businesses increasingly seek to minimize their environmental impact. Wrap-around labelers often use less material than other labels, helping reduce waste and making them more eco-friendly.

Accuracy and Consistency: Each label is applied accurately and consistently with automated labeling. This accuracy leads to a professional appearance and minimizes the risk of crooked or misplaced labels which can hurt a product's perceived quality.

Choosing Wrap-around Labeling

If your product is a beverage or comes in a round container, such as a bottle or jar, and requires a full circumference label, wrap-around labeling can be the perfect solution. It is particularly beneficial for products that need extensive information or branding on their labels, as the wrap-around label provides more space to accommodate it. Wrap-around labelers can also provide the speed and precision you require. 

Front and Back Labeling (Double-sided)

Double-sided labeling, or front and back labeling, is a popular choice among many businesses, offering a unique combination of design flexibility and space efficiency. Bottle labeling equipment applies labels to the front and back of a product container, creating an organized and balanced aesthetic.

How it Works

A double-sided labeler typically uses two labeling heads to apply labels simultaneously to the front and back of a product. The product passes between the labeling heads on a conveyor, receiving labels on both sides. This technique benefits flat or rectangular containers where the separate front and back labels can provide a more visually pleasing and information-rich presentation.

Key Advantages of Double-sided Labeling

Space Efficiency: Double-sided labels effectively utilize the available space on a product. By splitting information between the front and back, you can avoid overcrowding a single label and maintain a clean, organized look.

Cost-effective: Although typically not as cost-effective per label as wrap-around labeling, double-sided labels can still be economical. They can often be produced and applied at high speeds, making them a viable option for large production runs.

Design Flexibility: You can clearly distinguish between primary branding and supporting information with two separate labels. This allows you to make the front label more visually engaging, while the back label can provide additional details about the product.

Choosing Double-sided Labeling

Double-sided labeling can be ideal for dealing with a flat or non-round product container, like boxes or square bottles. It allows for a balanced design, ensuring your product looks great from both the front and back. This type of labeling is particularly beneficial when a clear differentiation between the product's branding and its detailed information is desired. The front label can focus on catching the customer's eye, while the back label can contain detailed product information, instructions, or even the brand's story.

The Choice is Yours

While each labeling technique carries its distinct advantages, the best choice for you ultimately depends on various factors, including your product container, the amount of information you wish to convey, your branding strategy, and your production scale.

Practical Considerations

Product Container: The shape and size of your product container play a critical role in the choice of labeling. Wrap-around labels are ideal for round containers as they offer maximum visibility. In contrast, double-sided labels work best with flat or square containers where information can be neatly divided between the front and back.

Information Requirements: The amount and type of information you need to include on your product label can also influence your decision. If you need to provide extensive details, a wrap-around label offers ample space. However, double-sided labels can deliver a cleaner, more organized look if you want to separate your branding and product information.

Branding Strategy: Your chosen label significantly impacts your product's shelf appeal. Both labels can support an eye-catching design. However, double-sided labeling could be the way to go if you prefer a clear differentiation between branding and product information.

Production Scale: The size and speed of your production run should also be considered. If you are dealing with high volumes, choosing a labeling technique that is cost-effective and efficient, like wrap-around labeling, can be a smart move.

Even with these considerations in mind, labeling decisions can be challenging. That is why we are here to support you. Our expertise in labeling solutions can help guide you through decision-making, ensuring you make the best choice for your situation. We understand that each product is unique, and therefore, it requires a tailored approach to labeling.

Choose Suitable Labeling Methods

While each labeling method has advantages, the final decision should align with your product needs and overall business objectives. Your label is more than just an information carrier — it represents your brand, grabs customers' attention, and can sway their purchasing decision. Your choice of labeling must enhance your product's appeal, deliver the necessary information effectively, and reinforce your brand identity. 

Finding the most suitable labeling solution tailored to your needs does not have to be complicated. With our free resource, A Practical Guide to Choosing the Right Labeling Equipment, you can gain valuable insights and tips for a successful labeling process. Download our guide today and take the next step toward a successful product labeling experience.