Choosing the best labelling method for your product packaging is not just about sticking the labels–it’s more about selecting the process that contributes to shaping your brand’s identity while increasing its visibility among consumers.

In today’s competitive market, businesses are increasingly focusing on standing out as a unique and appealing option for consumers. To achieve this, it’s crucial for a brand to not just meet but exceed the growing demands of its customers. 

In this blog, we explore the two methods used in the packaging industry– sleeve applicators and traditional labelling. Read on and see how they impact the product’s packaging and which is one of the best choices for your product.

What are Sleeve Applicators?

Sleeve applicators are new-age machines that have improved the process of product labelling in the packaging industry. These machines provide 360-degree coverage and labels for containers such as cans, bottles, jars, etc, with the help of heating. 

These machines run on automated processes, almost reducing the need for manual labourers. This prevents human errors and ensures overall efficiency with high productivity compared to manual help. These sleeve applicators offer consistent and accurate label placement of the packages.

At Interpack Technologies, we offer various sleeve applicator solutions to meet our clients’ unique needs. We offer solutions such as partial, full-body, and tamper-evident sleeves.

What is Traditional Labelling?

Traditional labelling is the classic way to label products and has been here for a long period and is still used by many manufacturers due to its versatility and reliability.

It is the practice of labelling products with adhesive stickers which comes in many forms. This machine helps apply pre-glued stickers to containers such as jars, cans, bottles, etc.

These stickers come in reels or in the form of paper which has to be set in the machine before starting labelling. Unlike sleeve applicators, this labelling is only provided on the front and back flat surfaces.

Contrasting Sleeve Applicator with Conventional Labelling Methods

When comparing sleeve applicators and traditional labelling, it is important to understand the aspects that differ from labelling products.

Understanding the following aspects can help you make an informed decision in choosing the best technique to label your products:

✔ Design Review

Sleeve Applicators:  Sleeve applicators offer an excellent design finish, providing 360-degree labelling on products covering curved parts such as cans, bottles, etc.
With full wrap designs and vibrant colours, it offers a great design that looks very appealing on products and makes them more visible on shelves, resulting in better brand recognition.

Traditional Labelling: In this perspective, traditional labelling may have limited designs due to the size of labels and shape constraints.
However, advanced technology has now occupied the market with expanded design possibilities and more options for high-quality graphics. Traditional labelling was the classic way of labelling products.

✔ Durability Examination

Sleeve Applicators: These offer great resistance to tampering, humidity, heat, etc and they are completely waterproof. While labelling the products their graphics are printed on the other side of the film which makes them resistant to moist environments such as in refrigerators which makes it ideal for beverage cans, bottles, etc. 

Traditional Labelling: The durability of traditional labelling ideally depends on various factors such as what material is used for printing labels, whether the adhesive function is permanent or removable, conditional on the surface the label will be applied to, etc.

✔ Cost-Efficiency Analysis

Sleeve Applicators: Sleeve applicators may cost businesses more than traditional labelling initially but they offer a high economical scale with more production and with lower material cost as compared to adhesive labels. 

Also, these shrink sleeves can be extended over the necks of the bottles to the caps which may eliminate the use of drop-band closure as a seal. This also saves time and money since the sleeve applicators cover labelling and sealing both into one one-time process. 

Traditional Labelling: Types of equipment used in traditional labelling and pressure-sensitive labels are generally less expensive than the shrink applicators. They are more readily available for small and mid-size businesses that may need to operate with less quantity product labelling. However, it is possible that the recurring expenses such as label material costs will increase over the period.

✔ Quick Production Turnaround Comparison

Sleeve Applicators: Labelling products with shrink sleeves will demand more adjustments, reprinting, and required attention to the areas which are not flat such as if your container designs include more curves and edges that require more thought to achieve the desired result. 

However, investing in the best quality Sleeve Applicator Machines helps businesses streamline the labelling process. Interpack Technologies is trusted by many with advanced technology labelling machines and high-quality materials which provide reliability and durability. 

Traditional Labelling: Pressure-sensitive products take less production turnaround time than the shrink sleeves as it does not require heat, water, etc to apply labels to the containers. They are labels that are pre-glued and require no additional steps beyond picking up the labels and sticking them to the containers. 

✔ Sales Performance Evaluation

Sleeve Applicators: Nowadays, brands are not shifting to sleeve applicators due to their cost-efficiency but because they make product packaging look more appealing, resulting in increased brand visibility. 

Shrink sleeves help brands provide a premium look that attracts customers’ attention to shelves. Enhanced customer engagement helps increase sales; the more appealing the product looks, the better the chance of a purchase decision.

Traditional Labelling: While traditional labelling with pressure-sensitive labels can offer a more affordable way, it may provide different visuals and impact than sleeve labelling. 

This conventional method of labelling has been in use for a long time and still can communicate effectively, but not as compared to shrink sleeves, which offer a new approach to enhance brand identity. 

Choosing Between Sleeve Applicators and Conventional Labelling Methods for Your Packaging Solutions

Choosing between sleeve applicators and traditional labelling can be an important decision for any brand’s packaging needs–it is the decision which helps in shaping your brand’s identity. While both methods have their advantages and versatility, there are some factors upon which you have to decide which product packing you should consider for your product. 

Here are some points which will help you make the best choice:

Container Choice

Always look out if you are into a more rounded container or one with more edges. Shrink sleeves provide seamless labelling with a more appealing look to the container with irregular shapes. 

Product Adaptability 

Go through the complete evaluation of how the labelling method will impact your production process. While traditional labelling might be the best choice for small batches, sleeve applicators can provide a more systematic and efficient solution for complex labelling and larger volume production.

Brand Distinction

Consider which labelling method contributes to your brand’s identity and differentiate it in the market. Sleeve applicators offer the brand’s more eye-appealing and unique look in packaging options to make your product stand out on shelves.

Long-Term Reliability

Make long-term reliability in your checklist ticked while choosing the labelling method for your brand. Consider factors like material recyclability, impact on the environment, etc. and choose the best-suited option that aligns with your sustainability goals.

Customer Perception

This is one of the most crucial aspects while choosing the packaging method for your product as it is very important to know how your customers will perceive your product design and how it will impact their purchasing decision. This will not only impact your sales chart but also promote brand loyalty.

Find The Perfect Packaging Solution with Us

At Interpack Technologies, we understand the importance of choosing the right solution for your product’s packaging. 

With our strong commitment to customer satisfaction, quality, and innovation with advanced technology, we have been one of the most trusted names in the industry for over 30 years. 

Our machines are of the best quality which can accommodate your unique packaging needs that can perfectly align with your brand’s identity. 

Contact us today for a free consultation!