Product labeling is an important part of any business: Having the right information and displaying appealing graphics on your product labeling can help capture the attention of more customers – and ultimately boost product sales. However, lack of information, misleading claims, and inadequate product labeling design can get your business into some trouble. Obviously, you’ll want to avoid this! In most types of businesses and industries, and in larger companies, the responsibilities related to product labeling are usually in the hands of packaging designers and marketing or product/brand managers. In small businesses, product labeling responsibilities are often managed by the business owner or manager, who has a long list of other responsibilities in addition to product labeling.
At first, the product labeling process can seem to be overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be. Product labeling can easily be managed if you follow some simple strategies and guidelines. Here are some product labeling tips and tactics to consider to simplify the process, and to help you appeal to more customers to boost your business’ bottom line:
• Be sure to include the necessary information customers expect to find on product labeling: What information do your targeted consumers expect to find on your type of product’s label? Of course, this information will depend on your industry and the types of products you’re marketing. For instance, product labeling for office supplies will have less and different information than product labeling for over-the-counter (OTC) medicines that will be ingested by consumers. It may seem obvious that food and beverage product labeling will contain more information than the label on a roll of bubble wrap, but be sure to know the type of basic information that’s required for products in your specific industry. This brings us to the next guideline…
• Know and abide by the regulations and product labeling requirements for your specific industry. Lately, in the U.S., it seems that product labeling regulations and requirements are in the news just about every day, and regulations frequently change. Different types of products manufactured and distributed in the U.S. are regulated by various organizations. Consult government and industry-specific organizational resources to make sure you’re on top of the latest product labeling requirements and information for your industry. Here are some links you might find helpful:
v FDA product labeling requirements: The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) regulates food products, drugs, cosmetics and medical equipment, and there are many product labeling requirements that are specific to each of these industries. The FDA website offers specific information about food labeling requirements and cosmetics labeling requirements.
v FTC product labeling requirements: Generally, you can assume that products that are not regulated by the FDA are covered/regulated by the FTC (Federal Trade Commission). The FTC’s mission is to “prevent business practices that are anticompetitive or deceptive or unfair to consumers…” and product labeling is one of the business practices the FTC monitors. You can search the FTC website for information about all different types of products, whether they’re regulated by the FTC or not, and find helpful information related to product labeling.
v CPSC product labeling requirements: As its name implies, the main mission of the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) is to protect consumers. The CPSC regulates a wide range of products and manages compliance to several safety acts that cover different groups of products, including the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA), the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) and the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA). Find more information about requirements related to consumer safety that may affect your product’s labeling on the CPSC website.
v State requirements can also affect product labeling: Be sure to consult your state’s business bureau to find out if there are state regulations that might affect your product’s labeling.
• Hire a designer with experience in packaging design and labeling, if you can. Packaging designers are trained to use their artistic ability and their business sense to grab the attention of customers. Working with a packaging designer is worth the investment, as professional, vibrant designs easily grab consumers’ attention.
Overall, when it comes to product packaging and labeling, remember that your ultimate goal is to attract the attention of more customers, while also meeting the specific product labeling requirements for your industry. At Stamar Packaging, we’d be happy to discuss your packaging and product labeling needs in more detail. Give us a call at 630-282-5400, or contact us through our website.
