Author: Sticker Nation

Sticker Nation has been printing custom labels and stickers in the UK since 2007. What began as a bedroom operation — running off small batches of address labels in the evenings after a day's work — has grown into a dedicated label printing company trusted by more than 60,000 clients. Along the way, we've printed for brands that have gone on to launch in Waitrose and for founders who have gone on to become Dragons on Dragons' Den. We've watched first-time makers grow into established names, and in the process we've learned exactly what separates a label that sells a product from one that doesn't. In 2016 we built our own online designer tool — a direct response to the frustrations of traditional label artwork: bleed margins, colour mismatches, and endless file corrections. That platform, refined year after year, still powers every order today. Customers design in minutes, preview their work in 3D, and submit a print-ready PDF that drops straight onto our press — no back-and-forth, no artwork chasing, no surprises. Everything we publish in our Knowledge Base comes from nearly two decades of hands-on production experience. If you read something here, we've done it ourselves — probably hundreds of times.

Cleaning Product Labels: CLP Hazard Labelling & Safety Data Requirements

CLP Is Mandatory for Cleaning Products

All cleaning products containing classified hazardous substances require CLP labelling. This includes household cleaners, disinfectants, degreasers, laundry products, and any product containing surfactants, acids, alkalis, or biocidal active ingredients.

Common Classifications

  • Corrosive (GHS05): Oven cleaners, drain unblockers, strong descalers
  • Irritant (GHS07): Most general-purpose cleaners, washing up liquid at high concentration
  • Flammable (GHS02): Aerosol cleaners, solvent-based products
  • Environmental (GHS09): Products toxic to aquatic life

Biocidal Products

Disinfectants and antibacterial products are classified as biocidal products and must be registered with HSE before sale. Labels must include the biocidal product registration number, active substance name and concentration, and specific use instructions.

Label Requirements

  • GHS pictograms, signal word, H-phrases, P-phrases
  • Directions for use
  • First aid instructions
  • Net contents
  • Manufacturer/supplier details
  • Batch number

Materials

Cleaning product labels must resist the product itself — chemicals, splashes, and wet handling. Vinyl with UV-cured inks is chemical-resistant. Labels must remain legible for safety throughout the product life.

Ordering

StickerNation prints cleaning product labels on chemical-resistant waterproof vinyl. Design free online or upload your CLP-compliant artwork.

Clear Stickers & Labels: The No-Label Look Guide

What Are Clear Stickers?

Clear stickers are printed on transparent vinyl film, allowing the surface beneath to show through. When applied to glass, plastic, or any smooth surface, the sticker appears as though the design is printed directly onto the product — creating what is known as the no-label look. This effect is highly sought after in cosmetics, beverages, food packaging, and premium branding.

The transparent vinyl is optically clear with high light transmission, meaning there is no visible haze, yellowing, or milky tint. Once applied, the vinyl itself becomes virtually invisible — only your printed design is seen.

How Clear Stickers Are Printed

Clear sticker printing differs from standard white vinyl printing in one critical way: there is no white background. On white vinyl, the white surface provides the base for all colours. On clear vinyl, that base is missing — so any area not covered by ink will be fully transparent.

The Role of White Ink

White ink is the key to clear sticker printing. Since CMYK inks are translucent by nature, printing them directly onto clear vinyl produces washed-out, see-through colours. To achieve solid, vibrant colours on clear material, a layer of opaque white ink is printed first in the areas where colour is needed. The CMYK artwork is then printed on top of this white base.

This means your print file actually contains two layers:

  • White ink layer: Defines which areas are opaque (white base for colour) versus transparent
  • CMYK layer: Your visible artwork, printed on top of the white

Intentional Transparency

The beauty of clear stickers is that you control exactly which parts are transparent and which are opaque. You can have a solid logo floating on a transparent background, text that appears to be printed directly on a bottle, or a design where certain elements fade into transparency.

Best Applications for Clear Stickers

Glass Bottles and Jars

Clear labels on glass create a seamless, premium look. Wine bottles, spirit bottles, olive oil jars, honey jars, and cosmetic bottles all benefit from the no-label effect. The product inside becomes part of the visual presentation.

Cosmetics and Skincare

Clear labels are extremely popular in the beauty industry. They allow the product colour to show through — essential for foundations, serums, and coloured cosmetics where the shade is a selling point.

Window Stickers

Shop window decals, car window stickers, and glass door signage all benefit from clear vinyl. The design appears to float on the glass with no visible label edge.

Product Packaging

For cellophane bags, clear pouches, and transparent packaging, clear labels maintain the clean, uncluttered appearance while still communicating brand and product information.

Gloss Clear vs Matte Clear

Clear vinyl is available in both gloss and matte finishes:

  • Gloss clear: The most common option. The vinyl is perfectly smooth and transparent, blending seamlessly with glass and shiny surfaces. Best for glass bottles, windows, and any glossy surface.
  • Matte clear: Has a subtle frosted or satin appearance. Creates a soft-focus transparency effect. Best for matte-finished containers, frosted glass, or when a more tactile feel is desired.

Design Tips for Clear Stickers

  • Think about the surface colour: Your sticker will take on the colour of whatever it is applied to. A red label on a green bottle will look very different from the same label on clear glass.
  • Use white ink strategically: Areas where you want solid colour need white ink behind them. Areas you want transparent should have no white ink.
  • Outlines and borders: Adding a thin white outline around text or graphics helps them stand out against any background colour.
  • Test on your actual product: The final appearance depends heavily on the surface. Always order samples and apply them to your product before bulk ordering.
  • Consider edge visibility: Die-cut clear stickers to the exact shape of your design to minimise visible label edges. Rectangular cuts on clear vinyl look like clear stickers — contour cuts look like direct printing.

Durability

Clear vinyl stickers share the same durability characteristics as white vinyl:

  • Fully waterproof
  • 3-5 years outdoor UV resistance
  • Temperature range: -20°C to +80°C
  • Resistant to oils, chemicals, and cleaning products
  • Permanent acrylic adhesive

Ordering Clear Stickers

At StickerNation, custom clear stickers are printed on premium optically clear vinyl with UV-cured inks and white ink capability. Our online designer lets you control exactly which areas are transparent and which have a white ink base, with a live preview of the final result.

Pet Food Labels: DEFRA Requirements, Feeding Guidelines & Materials

Pet Food Labelling Regulations

Pet food labelling in the UK is regulated by DEFRA under The Feed (Hygiene and Marketing) Regulations. Requirements differ from human food labelling and include specific declarations about composition, additives, and feeding guidelines that are unique to animal feed.

Mandatory Information

  • Type of feed: Complete feed, complementary feed, or treats
  • Species and life stage: Dog, cat, puppy, kitten, senior, etc.
  • Composition: Ingredients listed in descending order by weight. Category names are permitted (e.g. meat and animal derivatives)
  • Analytical constituents: Protein, fat, fibre, and ash percentages
  • Additives: Vitamins, preservatives, and other additives with quantities
  • Feeding guidelines: Recommended daily amounts by animal weight
  • Net weight
  • Best before date
  • Batch/lot number
  • Manufacturer/distributor name and address
  • APHA registration number if required

Complete vs Complementary

This distinction is critical and must appear prominently. Complete feed provides all necessary nutrition. Complementary feed (treats, toppers) must be fed alongside a complete diet. Mislabelling this can lead to nutritional deficiency in animals.

Materials

Pet food labels face moisture from refrigeration (wet food), oils from treats, and enthusiastic pet owner handling. Waterproof vinyl is essential. Matte vinyl works well for premium brands; gloss for mass-market appeal.

Common Sizes

  • Treat pouches (100g): 70mm x 45mm
  • Wet food tubs (400g): 90mm x 55mm or wrap
  • Dry food bags (2kg): 120mm x 80mm
  • Supplement pots: 60mm x 40mm

Ordering

StickerNation prints pet food labels on waterproof vinyl. No minimum order — perfect for small-batch artisan pet treats and supplements.

Outdoor Stickers & Decals: What Lasts and What Does Not

Not All Stickers Survive Outdoors

The outdoor environment is harsh on adhesive products. UV radiation breaks down inks and polymers. Rain and humidity test waterproofing. Temperature cycles expand and contract materials. Wind-driven debris abrades surfaces. A sticker that looks perfect indoors can fail within weeks outdoors if the wrong material is used.

Material Lifespan Outdoors

Paper Stickers: 0-2 Weeks

Paper stickers have no outdoor durability. The first rain will cause the paper to absorb moisture, the ink to bleed, and the adhesive to fail. Paper stickers are indoor-only products.

Standard Vinyl (Unlaminated): 3-5 Years

Quality vinyl stickers printed with UV-cured inks offer 3-5 years of outdoor life. The vinyl resists water and moderate UV, while UV-cured inks are significantly more fade-resistant than solvent or water-based inks.

Laminated Vinyl: 5-7 Years

Adding a clear UV-protective overlaminate extends outdoor life to 5-7 years. The laminate acts as a sacrificial layer, absorbing UV damage while protecting the printed ink beneath.

Polyester (PET): 7-10 Years

Polyester stickers are the most durable option for extreme outdoor environments. They resist UV, chemicals, abrasion, and tearing. Used in industrial, marine, and long-term signage applications.

What Causes Outdoor Failure

UV Degradation

Ultraviolet radiation is the primary enemy. It breaks molecular bonds in both inks and vinyl, causing colours to fade and the material to become brittle. South-facing surfaces receive 2-3 times more UV than north-facing, so a sticker on the south side of a building will fade faster than one on the north.

Temperature Cycling

Daily temperature changes cause materials to expand and contract. Over months and years, this repeated cycling can weaken adhesive bonds and cause edge lifting, particularly on metal surfaces that conduct temperature changes rapidly.

Moisture Ingress

While vinyl is waterproof, moisture can wick under the edges if they begin to lift. Once water gets between the sticker and surface, freeze-thaw cycles accelerate delamination.

Surface Preparation Failure

The most common cause of premature outdoor failure is inadequate surface preparation. Applying over dust, oil, or moisture creates weak spots where peeling begins.

Maximising Outdoor Life

  • Clean the surface thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol before application
  • Apply in mild conditions: 15-25°C surface temperature is ideal. Avoid extreme heat or cold.
  • Press edges firmly — edge lifting is where failure starts
  • Choose light colours where possible — dark colours absorb more UV and heat
  • Consider overlamination for stickers that need 5+ years
  • Avoid direct south-facing placement if maximum longevity is important

Best Applications by Environment

  • Vehicles: Standard vinyl, 3-5 years. Laminated for premium longevity.
  • Building signage: Laminated vinyl or polyester, 5-10 years.
  • Garden/outdoor equipment: Standard vinyl, 3-5 years.
  • Marine/coastal: Polyester with overlaminate for salt spray resistance.
  • Windows (interior-facing): Standard vinyl, protected from direct UV, lasts indefinitely.

Ordering Outdoor Stickers

All StickerNation waterproof vinyl stickers are printed with UV-cured inks and are suitable for outdoor use with a 3-5 year expected lifespan. For extreme outdoor durability requirements, contact us about laminated and polyester options.

Understanding Sticker & Label Printing: CMYK, Bleed & Cut Lines Explained

CMYK vs RGB: Why It Matters

Every screen — your phone, laptop, and monitor — displays colours using RGB (Red, Green, Blue), which creates colours by mixing light. Printers, however, use CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black), which creates colours by mixing ink on a physical surface. These are fundamentally different colour systems, and not all RGB colours can be reproduced in CMYK.

Bright neon greens, electric blues, and vivid purples that look stunning on screen often appear duller or shifted when printed. This is not a printing error — it is a physical limitation of ink-based reproduction. The range of colours a system can produce is called its gamut, and the CMYK gamut is smaller than RGB.

What This Means for Your Design

  • Always design in CMYK colour mode if possible
  • Avoid relying on extremely vivid or neon colours — they will shift in print
  • Use your printer or designer tool s CMYK soft-proof feature to preview how colours will look when printed
  • Pure black in CMYK is C:0 M:0 Y:0 K:100. For a richer, deeper black, use C:40 M:40 Y:40 K:100 (known as rich black)

What Is Bleed?

Bleed is the area of your design that extends beyond the final cut line. It exists to prevent white edges appearing on your finished sticker if the cutting is fractionally off-centre — which is normal and expected in all printing processes.

Standard bleed for sticker printing is 3mm on all sides. This means if your finished sticker is 50mm x 50mm, your artwork file should be 56mm x 56mm (50 + 3mm bleed on each side).

How to Add Bleed

  • Extend any background colours, patterns, or images to fill the full bleed area
  • Do not place important text or logos in the bleed zone — they may be partially cut off
  • If using our online designer, bleed is handled automatically — you just design within the safe zone

Cut Lines Explained

The cut line (also called a die line or cut path) defines the exact shape your sticker will be cut to. It is not printed — it is a guide for the cutting equipment.

Types of Cut

  • Die-cut: Cut to a custom shape that follows your design. The most professional option — the sticker shape becomes part of the design.
  • Kiss-cut: Cut through the vinyl but not through the backing paper. The sticker remains on a larger backing sheet for easy peeling. Common for sticker sheets.
  • Rectangle/Square cut: The simplest cut — straight lines. Cheapest to produce.
  • Circle/Oval cut: Clean, professional shape. Popular for logo stickers and product labels.
  • Custom contour: The cut line follows the outline of your design with an offset margin. Creates a professional die-cut effect.

Safe Zone

The safe zone is the area inside the cut line where all critical content should be placed. The standard safe zone is 3mm inside the cut line. Any text, logos, or important design elements should be within this zone to ensure they are not affected by cutting tolerances.

Think of it as three concentric zones:

  1. Bleed zone (outermost): Background fills, extends 3mm outside the cut line
  2. Cut line: The actual cutting path
  3. Safe zone (innermost): Critical content, 3mm inside the cut line

Resolution and DPI

DPI (Dots Per Inch) measures the detail level of your artwork. Higher DPI means sharper, more detailed print.

  • 300 DPI: The standard for professional print quality. Text is sharp, images are detailed, and gradients are smooth.
  • 150 DPI: Acceptable for large-format stickers (200mm+) viewed from a distance, but text may appear slightly soft.
  • 72 DPI: Screen resolution only. Not suitable for print — images will appear pixelated and blurry.

When preparing artwork, ensure all images are at least 300 DPI at the final print size. A photograph that looks sharp on screen at 72 DPI will print at roughly one-quarter the expected size at 300 DPI quality.

White Ink in Sticker Printing

Standard CMYK printing cannot produce white — it relies on the white of the vinyl surface showing through. When printing on clear, coloured, or metallic materials, a separate white ink layer is needed.

White ink is printed first as an opaque base, then the CMYK artwork is printed on top. This ensures colours appear vivid and true, rather than being affected by the material beneath.

In professional print files, the white ink layer is specified as a spot colour (typically called RDG_WHITE or White) on a separate layer from the CMYK artwork.

File Formats for Sticker Printing

Best Formats

  • PDF (vector): The gold standard. Preserves text as editable vectors, supports CMYK, and includes bleed and crop marks. If you have access to Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, or Affinity Designer, export as PDF/X-4.
  • SVG: Good for vector graphics and logos. Scalable without quality loss.
  • PNG (300 DPI): Best raster format for stickers. Supports transparency for die-cut shapes.

Acceptable Formats

  • JPG (300 DPI): Suitable but no transparency support. Best for rectangular stickers with solid backgrounds.

Not Recommended

  • GIF, BMP, TIFF: Limited colour support, large file sizes, or compatibility issues.
  • Word/PowerPoint: Not suitable for professional printing — limited colour control and resolution.

Using Our Online Designer

If you do not have design software, our free online sticker designer handles all of the technical details automatically. The designer works in CMYK colour space, adds the correct bleed, shows the cut line and safe zone, and exports a print-ready PDF with vector preservation. You can upload images, add text, create patterns, and preview your design in a CMYK-accurate soft proof before ordering.

CLP Labels Explained: Hazard Labelling for Candles, Cosmetics & Cleaning Products

What Is CLP?

CLP stands for Classification, Labelling and Packaging of chemical substances and mixtures. Under UK CLP Regulation, any product containing hazardous chemicals must carry specific hazard information on its label. This includes many everyday products: fragranced candles, reed diffusers, cleaning sprays, essential oil blends, wax melts, and some cosmetics.

Who Needs CLP Labels?

You need CLP labelling if your product contains classified hazardous substances above certain concentration thresholds. Common products requiring CLP include:

  • Fragranced candles — most fragrance oils contain allergens classified as sensitisers
  • Wax melts — same as candles, fragrance-driven
  • Reed diffusers — high fragrance concentration
  • Room sprays — aerosolised fragrance
  • Cleaning products — surfactants, acids, alkalis
  • Essential oil products — many EOs are classified irritants or sensitisers
  • Bath bombs — if fragranced above thresholds

What Must a CLP Label Include?

  • GHS Hazard Pictograms: Diamond-shaped symbols indicating hazard types (exclamation mark for irritant, flame for flammable, etc.)
  • Signal Word: Either WARNING (less severe) or DANGER (more severe)
  • Hazard Statements (H-phrases): Standardised phrases describing the nature of the hazard, e.g. H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction
  • Precautionary Statements (P-phrases): Standardised advice on safe handling, storage, and first aid
  • Product Identifier: Name of the hazardous substance(s) or mixture
  • Supplier Information: Your business name, address, and phone number
  • Nominal Quantity: The amount of product in the container

GHS Pictogram Guide

  • Exclamation Mark (GHS07): Irritant, skin sensitiser — the most common for candles and cosmetics
  • Flame (GHS02): Flammable — relevant for high-alcohol products and some diffusers
  • Health Hazard (GHS08): Serious health hazard — less common for consumer products
  • Corrosion (GHS05): Corrosive — relevant for strong cleaning products
  • Environment (GHS09): Hazardous to aquatic environment — some fragrances

CLP Label Sizing

CLP regulations specify minimum label dimensions based on package size:

  • Up to 3 litres: Minimum 52mm x 74mm for hazard information
  • 3-50 litres: Minimum 74mm x 105mm
  • Above 50 litres: Minimum 105mm x 148mm
  • Pictogram minimum size: Each pictogram must be at least 1cm x 1cm, or 1/15th of the label area, whichever is larger

Separate CLP Label vs Integrated

Many producers use a separate CLP label on the base or back of their product, keeping the front label clean for branding. This is perfectly acceptable as long as all required CLP information is present and legible. A typical separate CLP label is 40mm x 30mm to 60mm x 40mm.

Where to Get Your CLP Classification

Your fragrance oil or chemical supplier should provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each ingredient. The SDS contains the hazard classification you need for your CLP label. If you blend multiple fragrances, you may need to calculate the overall mixture classification — CLP consultants can help with this.

Ordering CLP Labels

StickerNation prints CLP labels on waterproof vinyl with high-resolution GHS pictograms. Available in any size with permanent adhesive. Design using our online tool or upload your pre-made CLP artwork.

Soap Labels UK: Regulations, Materials & CPSR Requirements

Soap Is a Cosmetic Product

In the UK, soap is classified as a cosmetic under EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC 1223/2009), retained in UK law. Every soap sold or given away requires a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR), full INCI ingredient listing, and Responsible Person details.

CPSR Requirement

Every cosmetic product — including handmade soap — must have a CPSR prepared by a qualified assessor before sale. The CPSR assesses safety of all ingredients, manufacturing process, and stability. Cost: typically £50-150 per formulation.

Mandatory Label Information

  • Product name and function
  • INCI ingredients in descending order of weight
  • Net weight with e-mark
  • Batch/lot number
  • Responsible Person name and address
  • PAO symbol or best before date
  • Country of origin if non-UK
  • Safety warnings where applicable

CLP for Fragranced Soap

Soaps with fragrance or essential oils above certain thresholds require CLP hazard labelling — GHS pictograms, signal words, and hazard statements. Check your fragrance supplier Safety Data Sheets.

Best Materials

Waterproof vinyl is essential — paper labels fail in bathrooms. Matte vinyl gives the artisan feel handmade soap brands want, resists fingerprints and oil smudges. Belly band labels (200-250mm x 45-55mm) wrap around the bar with space for branding and regulatory text.

Design Tips

  • INCI lists are long — plan label size to accommodate at minimum 1.2mm x-height
  • Use front + back labels: branding front, ingredients back
  • Leave space for handwritten batch numbers
  • All labels must be waterproof — even if soap is wrapped

Ordering

StickerNation prints custom soap and cosmetic labels on waterproof matte and gloss vinyl. Die-cut to any shape. Design free online.

Candle Label Stickers: Materials, Sizes & Heat Resistance

Why Candle Labels Are Different

Candle labels face unique challenges that standard product labels do not. They must withstand heat from the burning candle, remain adhesive on curved glass or tin surfaces, resist wax splashes and oil residues, and look premium enough to compete in a market where visual presentation is everything. Choosing the wrong material can result in labels that peel, bubble, discolour, or become unreadable — all of which damage your brand.

Best Materials for Candle Labels

Matte White Vinyl

The industry standard for candle labels. Matte vinyl withstands temperatures up to 80°C, which is well within the safe range for most candle containers (the outer surface of a burning candle jar rarely exceeds 60-65°C). The matte finish resists fingerprints, does not show wax smudges, and gives the premium, artisan look that candle brands demand. It is also waterproof, which matters for candles used in bathrooms.

Clear Vinyl

Creates a beautiful no-label look on glass jars where the wax colour is part of the visual design. Requires a white ink base layer for any elements that need to be opaque. The transparent effect is particularly striking on coloured or layered wax candles.

Kraft-Effect Vinyl

For brands going for a rustic, eco-friendly, or handmade aesthetic, kraft-coloured vinyl replicates the look of brown paper but with the durability and heat resistance of vinyl. Unlike actual kraft paper labels, vinyl kraft labels will not absorb wax or moisture.

Standard Candle Label Sizes

Label size depends on your container. Here are the most common formats:

  • Tin candles (4oz travel tin): 50mm circle (lid) or 105mm x 25mm (wrap side)
  • Tin candles (8oz): 65mm circle (lid) or 145mm x 30mm (wrap side)
  • Small jars (120ml): 50mm x 50mm or 55mm x 35mm front label
  • Medium jars (220ml): 70mm x 50mm or 60mm x 60mm front label
  • Large jars (300ml+): 80mm x 60mm front label or full wrap
  • Wax melts (clamshell): 50mm x 30mm or 45mm circle
  • Packaging seal: 25-38mm circle

CLP Labelling Requirements

Under UK and EU law, fragranced candles are classified as chemical products and must carry CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) hazard information. This is a legal requirement, not optional. Your label must include:

  • GHS hazard pictograms: The appropriate diamond-shaped warning symbols for your fragrance oils
  • Signal word: Either WARNING or DANGER depending on the hazard classification
  • Hazard statements: H-phrases describing the nature of the hazard
  • Precautionary statements: P-phrases describing safe handling and first aid
  • Product identifier: The name of the hazardous substance(s)
  • Supplier information: Your business name and contact details

Many candle makers use a separate CLP label on the base of the candle, keeping the front label clean for branding. The CLP label can be as small as 30mm x 20mm for small containers.

Heat Resistance Testing

We tested standard matte vinyl labels on various candle containers during a full burn cycle. Results:

  • Glass jar (soy wax): Outer surface reached 55°C maximum. Label showed zero degradation — no bubbling, no adhesive softening, no colour change.
  • Tin container (soy wax): Outer surface reached 62°C. Label performed perfectly throughout the burn.
  • Glass jar (paraffin wax): Outer surface reached 68°C (paraffin burns hotter). Label remained fully adhered with no visible changes.
  • Concrete vessel: Outer surface reached only 35°C. No issues whatsoever.

Design Tips for Candle Labels

  • Keep text readable: Candle labels are often small. Use a minimum 7pt font size and ensure good contrast between text and background.
  • Wrap-around vs front label: Wrap-around labels give more real estate but require careful alignment. Front-only labels are easier to apply and look cleaner on faceted containers.
  • Consider the wax colour: If using clear labels, your wax colour becomes part of your label design. Plan accordingly.
  • Scent indication: Make the fragrance name prominent — it is the primary purchase driver for most candle buyers.
  • Batch numbering: Consider leaving a small area for handwritten batch numbers if you do not print them digitally.

Ordering Candle Labels

StickerNation offers custom candle stickers and labels on premium matte and gloss vinyl, clear vinyl, and metallic finishes. All labels are fully waterproof, heat-resistant, and available in any custom size and shape. Use our free online designer to create your labels, or upload your existing artwork.

Food Label Stickers: UK Regulations, Materials & Allergen Requirements

Food Labelling Is Legally Regulated

Food labelling in the UK is governed by the Food Information Regulations 2014 (FIR), which implement EU Regulation 1169/2011. Non-compliance can result in enforcement action, product recalls, and significant fines. If you sell any pre-packed food product, your labels must meet specific legal requirements.

Mandatory Label Information

All pre-packed food sold in the UK must display:

  • Name of the food: The legal name (if one exists) or a descriptive name that tells the customer what the product is
  • Ingredients list: All ingredients listed in descending order of weight at the time of manufacture. Water must be included if it exceeds 5% of the finished product
  • Allergen information: The 14 major allergens must be emphasised (typically bold) within the ingredients list: celery, cereals containing gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, lupin, milk, molluscs, mustard, nuts, peanuts, sesame, soybeans, sulphur dioxide
  • Quantitative declaration (QUID): The percentage of certain key ingredients
  • Net quantity: Weight or volume in metric units
  • Date marking: Use by (for perishable foods) or best before (for other foods)
  • Storage conditions: How to store before and after opening
  • Business name and address: The food business operator responsible for the product
  • Country of origin: Required for certain products including meat, olive oil, wine, and honey
  • Nutritional information: Energy, fat, saturates, carbohydrate, sugars, protein, salt per 100g/100ml
  • Lot/batch number: For traceability

Allergen Labelling

Allergen information is the most critical element of food labelling from a safety perspective. The 14 declarable allergens must be clearly emphasised — typically by printing them in bold within the ingredients list. Some producers also add a separate allergen summary box.

For products made in environments where cross-contamination is possible, precautionary allergen labelling (PAL) such as May contain traces of nuts should be used — but only where a genuine risk exists, not as a blanket disclaimer.

Materials for Food Labels

Waterproof Vinyl

Essential for any food product that will be refrigerated, frozen, or exposed to moisture during handling. Paper labels absorb condensation and become illegible — unacceptable for safety-critical allergen information.

Freezer-Safe Labels

Standard adhesive can fail in freezer conditions. For frozen food products, use high tack adhesive rated to -30°C or specialist freezer-grade materials.

Oil and Grease Resistance

Food products containing oils, fats, or greasy surfaces need vinyl labels. Paper labels absorb grease and become transparent or stained.

Label Sizing for Food Products

  • Jam/preserve jars (200ml): 70x50mm front label + 50mm circle lid label
  • Sauce bottles (250ml): 90x50mm wrap label
  • Spice jars (100ml): 60x40mm front label
  • Baked goods packaging: 65x45mm or 75x50mm
  • Chocolate/confectionery: Custom sized to packaging

Natashas Law

Since October 2021, Natashas Law requires all food that is pre-packed for direct sale (PPDS) — including items packed on the same premises where they are sold — to carry a full ingredients list with allergens emphasised. This applies to bakeries, delis, sandwich shops, and any food business selling wrapped items.

Design Tips

  • Legibility is paramount: Minimum font size for mandatory information is 1.2mm x-height (approximately 6-7pt). For packages with a largest surface under 80cm², the minimum is 0.9mm
  • Allergens must stand out: Bold is the most common method. Some brands use colour highlighting or a separate allergen box
  • Leave space for date stamps: Many food producers apply use by dates after labelling using inkjet coders. Leave a clear area for this
  • Barcode placement: If using barcodes, ensure adequate quiet zones around the bars and test scanning before bulk printing

Ordering Food Labels

StickerNation prints food labels on waterproof vinyl suitable for refrigerated, frozen, and ambient products. All materials are food-contact safe for external packaging labelling. Design online with our free tool or upload your own compliant artwork.

Custom Product Labels: A Guide for Small Businesses

Why Professional Labels Matter

Your product label is often the first physical touchpoint a customer has with your brand. A professionally printed, well-designed label communicates quality, builds trust, and differentiates your product from competitors. For small businesses, particularly those selling handmade, artisan, or boutique products, the label is a critical branding tool that directly influences purchasing decisions.

Research consistently shows that consumers make judgments about product quality within seconds of seeing the packaging. A cheap-looking label on a premium product undermines the perceived value, while a high-quality label on even a simple product elevates the entire brand experience.

Choosing the Right Material

The material your label is printed on should match both your brand aesthetic and the practical demands of your product:

Matte White Vinyl

The most popular choice for artisan and premium brands. Non-reflective, fingerprint-resistant, and waterproof. Ideal for candles, cosmetics, soap, food jars, and any product that will be handled frequently or exposed to moisture.

Gloss White Vinyl

Best for designs with photographs, bright colours, or where maximum visual impact is needed. The reflective surface makes colours pop but shows fingerprints and can create glare in product photography.

Clear Vinyl

Creates a no-label look where your design appears printed directly onto the product surface. Perfect for glass bottles, clear containers, and products where you want to showcase the contents. Requires a white ink base layer for any non-transparent design elements.

Metallic Vinyl

Gold, silver, and brushed metal finishes create an immediate premium impression. Popular for spirits labels, luxury cosmetics, and limited-edition products where shelf presence is paramount.

Label Sizing Guide

Getting the right label size is crucial. Here are standard recommendations by product type:

  • Candle tins (8oz): 55mm x 35mm wrap-around or 50mm circle lid label
  • Candle jars (medium): 70mm x 50mm front label or 50mm x 50mm
  • Cosmetic bottles (100ml): 80mm x 40mm or 60mm x 60mm
  • Soap bars: 90mm x 50mm belly band or 70mm x 40mm front
  • Food jars (standard): 80mm x 50mm front label
  • Packaging seals: 25mm-40mm circles or 50mm x 30mm ovals
  • Shipping labels: 100mm x 60mm or 100mm x 150mm

Legal Requirements for Product Labels

Depending on your product type and market, there are legal requirements for label content:

Cosmetics (UK/EU)

  • Full INCI ingredients list
  • Product name and function
  • Net weight or volume
  • Batch number
  • Best before date (if shelf life under 30 months) or PAO symbol
  • Manufacturer name and address
  • Country of origin

Food Products (UK)

  • Product name
  • Ingredients list (in descending order of weight)
  • Allergen information (highlighted)
  • Net quantity
  • Best before or use by date
  • Storage instructions
  • Business name and address
  • Nutritional information (for pre-packed foods)

Candles

  • Burning instructions and safety warnings
  • Weight
  • Fragrance or wax type (optional but expected)
  • CLP hazard warnings if fragranced (required by law)

Design Tips for Product Labels

  • Keep it simple: The most effective labels have a clear hierarchy — brand name, product name, key information. Do not try to fit everything on the front label.
  • Use your brand colours consistently: Your label should be instantly recognisable as part of your brand family across all products.
  • Leave breathing room: White space (or negative space) makes labels look more premium. Crowded labels look cheap.
  • Choose 1-2 fonts maximum: A heading font and a body font. Too many fonts look unprofessional.
  • Test at actual size: Always print a test at 100% scale and hold it on your product before ordering. What looks good on screen often needs adjustment at physical size.
  • Consider the background: If your product container is coloured, dark, or transparent, your label design needs to account for this. White ink or a white label may be needed.

Printing Options for Small Businesses

Modern digital printing technology has made professional-quality labels accessible to small businesses without the minimum order quantities that traditional offset printing demands. Key advantages include:

  • No setup fees: Digital printing requires no plates or screens
  • Low minimums: Order as few as 25 labels
  • Variable data: Each label can be different (useful for multiple scents, flavours, or SKUs)
  • Fast turnaround: Digital labels are typically printed and shipped within 2-5 working days
  • Full colour: CMYK process colour at up to 1440 DPI with no colour limitations

Getting Started

At StickerNation, we make it easy for small businesses to create professional product labels. Our free online designer lets you upload your existing artwork, create designs from scratch, or import PDF files. All labels are printed on premium waterproof vinyl in your choice of matte, gloss, clear, or metallic finishes.