October 24, 2018 by Jackie Jorgenson

Should You Double up on Labeling Technology For One Label?

One label often feels like it’s not enough space to contain all the required copy, eye-catching graphics, and innovative labeling techniques as it is. However, there’s a lot of value to using multiple forms of labeling technology to connect customers to valuable digital content. This technology includes NFC (Near Field Communication), QR codes, hashtags, and even simple URLs. It may seem as though there’s not enough space to include more than one form of connectivity, however, the value it offers your customers make the design effort worth it.

When Only Using One Label, Cut The Fat & Optimize Authentic Connection

Take a good hard look at your design. QR codes, URLs, and hashtags don’t take up too much space. So, if you’re having difficulty finding room for two of those options, you are likely packing too much information and graphics into your design. Unless, of course, minimalism is your goal. In that case, find ways to blend the digital connections in with other copy. However, for those with busy design, it’s time to make space for the digital age.

Promotional Labels & Booklet-Style Labels Expand Content

Only have space for one label? Layer it up. By using peelable promotional labels, the digital content printed on the backside has the potential to be continuously updated. So, keep the cover the same, yet create seasonality with your packaging. Alternatively, booklet-style labels open up to reveal even more content space. This provides even more value for customers and engages their senses in a haptic marketing sense.

A/B Testing

Also, consider testing all designs to gauge which form of technological connection is best for your demographic. By creating several designs and testing with unbiased customers, you get an accurate picture of how to best design using the space available.

Learn how to use marketing strategies to create labels that will delight customers! Download our e-book, The Marketing Guide here.

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October 15, 2018 by Jackie Jorgenson

The Importance of Designing “Feel-Good” Cosmetic Labels

What exactly does it mean to create “feel-good” cosmetic labels? Consider how the self-care concept has grown over the years and the importance of beauty in that regimen. It not only means that customers are seeking products that fit their needs but offer joy through their beautiful design. This Label & Labeling article goes over this cultural shift in more detail. So, in essence, when designing cosmetics labels it’s more important than ever to create packaging that engages and excites in an authentic way.

Social Media Has Impacted The Importance of The Bathroom Aesthetic

The rise of social media has created an influencer dynamic that encourages users to create highly aesthetic and themed content. Crisp, clean white bathrooms are the norm, particularly when showing off a bath bomb that bursts with color. So, consider how you want your label to blend in or stand out. Vibrant colors always stand out against a white backsplash. However, will it make your customers’ social media feed? Then again, does greyscale packaging look bland in photos? Consider that what will be right for some won’t be right for others.

Innovative Labeling Techniques Enhance The Aesthetic of Feel-Good Cosmetic Labels

Engage the senses with haptic labeling techniques. Using foiling, embossing, or even holographic techniques, such as Cast & Cure, create positive, subconscious associations with your brand. Not only do these techniques enhance the features of the label design, but they also create a stunning piece for the overall bathroom aesthetic. For greyscale labels, some gold detailing is one simple way of creating an interesting luxury look.

Connect Customers To Information Using Labeling Technology

Another way to enhance the self-care routine for your customers is by linking them to related content. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), QR codes, simple URLs, and even hashtags all offer easy digital connectivity. Then, link customers to entertaining stories they can read in the bathtub, a beauty-related podcast, video tutorials, or community posts. This little touch goes a long way in creating a long-lasting positive impression.

Learn about how innovative labeling techniques can bring your spooky design to life! Download our e-book, The Complete Guide to Innovative Labeling Techniques.

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October 1, 2018 by Jackie Jorgenson

Why Isn’t Packaging a Major E-Commerce Draw?

This Packaging Gateway article talks about the lack of an e-commerce draw there is for packaging design. Their piece says:

Less than 25% of the respondents in the survey identified packaging as a major contributor in fuelling online sales, even as 73.5% opined that e-commerce/online shopping is an important medium for brands and products.

However, does this truly mean that there’s no room to make packaging part of the products’ value when shopping online? Short answer, no. When packaging offers no value, this statistic makes sense. So, outperform your competition by thinking outside the box and create labels and packaging that excites. Don’t just throw together something flashy. Consider the needs of your demographics and how packaging also works to offer them solutions.

What Constitutes E-Commerce Packaging Appeal?

Online images only show so much of a product. For many products, the packaging isn’t even included. However, if label design isn’t an asset to your product, consider the opportunity available. Afterall, brands that go above and beyond to surprise and delight their customers have the competitive edge.

Offer More Than The Product’s Value

Don’t create a label that accomplishes the bare minimum. Sure, labels offer value no matter what. However, pushing boundaries are required to surprise and excite shoppers. Labels are often overlooked spaces despite the possibilities of creative problem solving being endless. It’s hard to come up with ways to take your design to the next level, so here are some options.

Great Lakes Label’s Video Portfolio

This is a video portfolio of labels created by Great Lakes Label.

Create Beauty in Design With Innovative Labeling Techniques

For some products, the packaging is an exciting part of the product and not simply a protective, informative container. One way to achieve this is through using innovative labeling techniques that shine in the light. There are classic techniques like foiling and embossing or instead try something your competitors aren’t using like the holographic techniques, Motion Coat, and Cast & Cure. When your label is a work of art or makes people want to pick it up, they’ll have yet another reason to buy your products. So, after you incorporate techniques into your design, an e-commerce issue becomes how to best represent the artistry of your labels.

Play With Lighting When Creating Product Photography

Good lighting is everything in product photography. When flatly lighting textural techniques like embossing or tactile coatings they end up looking indistinguishable from the rest of the label. As a result, the unique quality of the design is proven irrelevant. Same goes for any techniques that shine in the light. They need to glisten in product photography so customers know what the product looks like in real life. Not only does it misrepresent your item, but it communicates that an authentic shopping experience isn’t a priority for your brand.

Experiment With Video

Lighting is often still tricky where glare is concerned. So, this is where video steps in to offer better value. Instead of showcasing the product in a single picture, spin it in video form so that customers get a better sense of it as a whole.

Video is also a crucial, popular format to capture shoppers’ attention. More video is consumed online than any other form of media. So use a form that statistically they prefer. This also shows shoppers that your brand puts their needs first and will go above and beyond the competition to provide excellent service.

Unboxing Videos’ Impact

Unboxing videos have been steadily increasing in popularity. It’s no surprise that they highlight the packaging in an honest, unfiltered way, at least when the videos are uploaded by customers. However, not only will your customers share this experience through video, but you should share it as well. When some listings don’t show the label or packaging, this video will make it clear to shoppers what to expect when the item arrives at their doorstep.

Offer Content Value on The Label With Booklet-Style Labels

If consumers don’t find the packaging a major contributor to online sales, then make it so. Offer more value than they get in the grocery store with exclusive e-commerce booklet-style labels. Provide added value through information, translations, or links to digital content. Then, make sure this online special design is promoted through impactful product photography. When customers see that your item goes above and beyond the competition and in-store offerings, they’ll change their mind about the importance of packaging online. In fact, they may find the packaging offers just as much value as the product itself. Afterall, the resources you offer inside helps them use the item.

Great Lakes Label Promotional Holiday Hot Chocolate R&D Design

Link Customers to Added Content Using Labeling Technology

As mentioned above, labels offering linked content also offers value that helps them use the product. So, it enhances your brand perception and makes it more likely that they’ll make a return purchase. There are a few technological options like NFC (Near Field Communication), QR codes, simple URLs, and even hashtags. Yes, hashtags link customers to social media pages with other customer created content. It provides unbiased perspectives and connection.

Why is it Important to Create Authentic and Empathetic Added Value?

Let’s start with the selfish reasoning. When customers better understand how to use your product, see added value in artistic design, or enjoy your blatantly displayed brand values, they’ll buy more. So, while some of these techniques cost money, it earns money too. In fact, it earns loyal customers.

The cold hard fact is that authentic and empathetic value helps your customers which is the point of your business, to begin with. So, when you give them something your competition isn’t giving them, you’ll be offering genuine care for their needs. As a result, you’ll be helping people live healthier, happier, or easier lives.

Learn more about the labeling solutions Great Lakes Label offers. We offer a variety of inks and coatings that create a label that excites customers. Download our e-book, The Resource Guide To All Things Inks & Coatings.

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May 16, 2018 by Jackie Jorgenson

Don’t Get Lost In Labeling Superstitions

Let’s clarify something. “Labeling superstitions” don’t involve walking under ladders or black cats crossing your path. No, instead, these are misconceptions about the label production process.

Why do labeling superstitions exist?

Between self-conscious extrapolations from data, and the curse of comparison, these are persistent superstitions plaguing the industry. Instead of reading into articles, consider your options and then create your own data. See the superstition as a challenge for A/B testing, not an inaccessible measure of success.

Labels That Touch Water Will Peel and Tear

Have you ever pulled a beer from a tub of ice to see that the label is peeling off? Or, have you peeled it off yourself after finding weak adhesive dissolving? This doesn’t have to be the standard for your brand. Regardless of industry, the WestStick™ label is a water and ice resistant label with an adhesive chemistry so strong that it can even be applied underwater. Show customers that your brand stands apart from the industry with professional product design.

Labeling Your Product “Organic” is Ineffective & Not Worth Pursuing

You’ve likely seen data backed studies that customers don’t trust organic graphics on labels. That data is indisputable. What it doesn’t cover, however, is how the graphic fits in with the rest of the brand identity. Authenticity and clarity are key. If your product is organic and it’s important for customers to see your brand as thoughtful and empathetic, create labels that actually fit that message.

Yes, use the organic graphic. On top of that, link customers to a behind the scenes video on how the item is created. Show customers what makes it organic. It’s as simple as including a QR code.

Or, create sustainable labels. Put thought and care into other aspects of the label design that re-enforce that your brand is making moves to be better. Also, customers will engage with good design.

Good Label Design Can’t Compete With Established Brands

Let’s say you’re a bottom shelf brand getting passed over. Consider ways in which your label design will work twice as hard to catch customer attention. Labeling techniques such as foiling catch the light and shine (wherever they are), ultimately catching customer attention. Don’t focus on competition, focus on improving your brand. Communicate the values of your brand so effectively customers won’t resist bending down.

Learn how to use marketing strategies to create labels that will delight customers! Download our e-book, The Marketing Guide here.

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May 9, 2018 by Jackie Jorgenson

Why You MUST Consider Hygge Label Design

Hygge (pronounced hue-guh) is the Danish principle of creating coziness in everyday life to increase happiness. This concept started trending in 2016 and drastically grew in 2017. Now, it’s time to examine how hygge benefits label design. Because, yes, really it does.

Hygge Basics

There are some items and activities that Danes find particularly hygge. These include:

Soft pools of light, and well-lit rooms
- Yes, also fireplaces
- Especially candles
Long walks
Homey food, like soups
Warm drinks and spicy cocktails
Enjoying the company of friends and family

So, while all of these things are lovely, how do you incorporate it into your label? There are simple tricks to trigger a feeling of coziness with your customers. Whether that’s with the design or the copy, any product can improve a customer’s mood right there in the grocery store aisle.

Add Light To Your Label With Labeling Techniques

Okay, so you can’t exactly add a candle to your label, but there are some exciting ways to manipulate light to make your design glow. As customers walk down the grocery store aisle, the packaging will catch the light and literally outshine the competition. Plus, it subconsciously draws a connection to that hygge feeling of home and warmth.

Cast & Cure

Don’t just add light, add the rainbow. Cast & Cure is a holographic labeling technique that comes in many various patterns. While holographic designs are trending due to nostalgia, it also replicates the colorful waxing and waning of an open fire. Again, it doesn’t outright try to be something it’s not. Instead, this Bissell R&D label relies on subconscious implications to evoke a sense of nostalgia on various levels.

Foiling

Like Cast & Cure, foiling shines in any light. Better still, it can be used anywhere on the label, including intricate designs. The below Brewhouse label incorporates foiling over the title to make it shine against other techniques.

Motion Coat

MotionCoat, as seen in the background of the above Brewhouse label, creates dimension using texture and light. What’s special about this technique is that it can match any Pantone color, perfectly fitting in with established branded color schemes. Create dark depths like above, or shining bright light with silver instead.

Emphasize How The Product Creates a Cozy Lifestyle

Beyond using implications, flat out share how the product creates a hygge life. Even color schemes communicate a lot. Warm colors bring up warm feelings. Especially for spiced drinks like cider.

Color

As mentioned, color is an important tool in conveying your message. Warm colors denote warm feelings, and spiciness. When creating product photography, consider how to create a cozy atmosphere.

Inspirational Imagery

How can your product create hygge? Show it! Use imagery where people are taking your snack for a walk, or drinking your wine snuggled up by a bonfire. This can be trickier for industrial products, so show how your item can lead to something else? Does this medicine make a cottage getaway possible? Do the pencils allow for making morning doodles in a breakfast nook? Show the possibilities right there on the label.

Let Labeling Technology Make Direct Connections

Use labeling technology such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) or NFC (Near Field Communication), and yes, even a simple QR code, to connect to customers after the point of purchase. Use it to link customers to videos, blogs, and even apps that promote the hygge ideology. Share tasty recipes that use your product, or a hygge home decor video tutorial featuring your home fragrance. Not only does the extra content help you outshine competition by providing the customer with more value, but it develops a relationship.

Create On-Trend Promotions and Collaborations

Work with influencers or other brands to create a promotion for your product. Add associating social media handles right on your label. Collaborate on powerful imagery or social media marketing that features the product. Better yet, add an IRC (Instant Redeemable Coupon) secondary label for your collaborator! This label then could offer new hygge design instead of completely redesigning your established label. Stay loyal to your company’s branding while also experimenting.

Will This Trend Continue to Grow?

If the trend started to grow in 2016 and exploded in 2017, will it actually remain prominent in the years to come? Likely, yes. See, mental wellness is developing in many ways and impacting label design. Hygge only serves to further increase the popularity of mindfulness and self-care. Maybe the word itself will go away, but the concept will not. Consider how your brand serves your customers to be better and do better.

Authenticity is in Demand

This leads to the topic of authenticity. Customers, especially younger generations, prefer empowering, valuable, and empathetic branding. Find ways to use your label to help customers elevate their lives in positive ways. Even if it’s a reminder to slow down and take a deep breath. A label seems simple, but it holds the power to spark a complex idea. To make someone feel. Beyond regulations, what does your label do to serve your customer? How does your brand go above and beyond? Because if you opt not to consider the needs and values of your customers (or potential customers), your competitors will. Be the first to dive deep into the power of hygge and offer coziness.

Learn about how innovative labeling techniques can bring your spooky design to life! Download our e-book, The Complete Guide to Innovative Labeling Techniques.

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April 23, 2018 by Jackie Jorgenson

5 Ways To Design Timeless Labels

Design timeless labels with these 5 key steps. Not only will your packaging emphasize your brand, but it will also allow your product to stand out in the grocery aisle. Best still, create a design that stands the test of time and avoid constant additions or changes to the labels.

This is especially crucial for new businesses needing to create a compelling design they can rely on before it can even be tested. In the early stages, when setting up a business is chaotic, relieve some stress. Simple design doesn’t have to be lackluster. Done right, it is possible to outshine your competition and establish a recognizable brand.

5. Avoid Showcasing Trends

For most industries, it’s simple. Avoid showcasing models or locations that give away the current fashion, beauty, interior design, or automotive trends. In fact, avoid any ever-shifting trends. Stick to what’s tried and true. If your label uses models, make sure their look transcends eras.

Fashion and beauty products are more difficult. In order to showcase the product, it’s important to highlight why it’s currently relevant. When creating a design that lasts, again, use looks that will stand the test of time. Alternatively, get close. Like, really close. If you’re selling a nourishing hair creme, how much of the model do you really need to see? Keep the hair classicly straight, the makeup simple and the clothes out of frame.

Things become even more difficult if the product itself is trend bound to shift. Say, the label is showcasing the size of the latest and greatest style of jeans. This is where simplicity is key. Instead of using imagery of the jeans, use a close up of the jean material in your label. Or, avoid graphics altogether and create a minimalistic, copy-only label. Let the trendy pair of pants be the focus.

4. Link To Evergreen Content On Your Label For A Consistent Sense of Connection

It’s easier than ever to build a relationship with customers. With labeling technology and social media sharing, incorporating a small graphic or handle on your label goes a long way.

First, build content that will remain relevant to your product for a long time. Create a video tutorial for installing computer software, write a recipe that incorporates your handcrafted sauce, or build an app that reminds you to take your daily dose of medicine. The possibilities are endless. Then, when you design your label, insert a QR code into the design, or add NFC technology to the label. Make it easy for your customers to connect to the personalized content intended to enhance the shopping experience after they take the item home. The consideration and continued interaction builds a bond and brand loyalty.

Encourage customers to share their experiences on social media. Then, engage. When images are posts, reshare the user-generated content onto the company profile. This, in turn, encourages other customers to take pictures with your products. Actively ask for engagement as well. Whether that’s through generating and engaging with reviews of all kinds, or hosting an online contest. The contact after purchase again builds a bond between the brand and the customer, improving the overall experience.

3. Black and White Packaging Is Simple, Yet Luxurious

Black and white labels sound simple, and they are in all the best ways. If you’re looking for a quick-run, digitally printed label that still looks luxurious and classic, work in greyscale. It also is a brilliant design technique for emphasizing classic and vintage products. Even the most subtle product or container colors will pop against the label.

2. Use Classic Metallics

Metallic colors like gold and silver never go out of style. For luxury brands, they also emphasize the sophisticated nature of the product. That said, with the luxury market growing, all industries benefit from the use of foiling. There are a few ways to incorporate it into your label design.

Hot Stamp & Cold Foil

Hot Stamp and Cold Foil both provide crisp, vibrant metallics. These techniques are great for larger graphics like the image above. Full disclosure, the Gaby Cuvee label also uses embossing to make the foiling pop even more. So, use foiling alone or in combination with other innovative labeling techniques for an even greater impact.

MiraFoil

MiraFoil is an ink-based foil ideal for precise designs. Are you looking to add foiling to your text? Create sharp, thin lines if need be. Since MiraFoil is ink-based, this means it also can be matched to any Pantone color. So, this makes it possible to foil brand logos in branded color schemes to blend seamlessly with other product lines, yet stand out.

Metallic Stock

Metallic labeling stocks give you the coverage you need. This is a metallic baseline where details (matte or metallic) are printed over top. Metallic stock really shines for minimalistic labels.

1. Timeless Labels Rely on Brand Colors

Nothing is more consistent and timeless than your branded logo and color scheme. Especially when starting out, using the logo and colors all over your packaging makes it easy for customers to recognize and remember your products. Why overthink it? Simple label designs can still be innovative. For resealable or inclusive packaging, add a pull tab. Unique label shapes are another simple, yet impactful way to add interest and engagement to your packaging. Consider the needs of the consumer and product overall.

Learn more about how we can bring your wildest label design concepts and durability requirements to life. While techniques are important and exciting, there’s so much more to your label. Download our Label Project Guide e-book.

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April 11, 2018 by Jackie Jorgenson

What Are Pressure Sensitive Labels?

Pressure sensitive labels are self-adhesive labels which are pressed onto containers of various shapes, sizes, and materials.

Ideal Containers For Pressure Sensitive Labels

Pouches
Squeeze bottles
Glass jars & bottles
Cans
Plastic bottles & tubs

Printing Presses Used

Digital Presses

CX1200 DIGITAL LABEL PRESS

The CX 1200 Digital Color Label Press offers short-run, full-color, high-resolution labels.

• 2400 dpi print resolution, color laser

• Print width up to 8.00” (203mm)

FX1200 DIGITAL FINISHING SYSTEM

Our FX 1200 Digital Finishing System allows us to cut

any size or shape without dies.

Flexographic Printing Presses

MARK ANDY P7

• 9 colors both UV and water-based

• Cold foil, hot stamp, auto-registration

• Up to 17” web width

(2) MARK ANDY P5

• Cold foil, hot stamp, auto registration

• Wide substrate and application range

• Up to 13“ web width

• 14 colors UV and water-based

• Dual unwind- multiple web ability

MARK ANDY 4120

• 8 Color

• Rotary die cutting and sheeting

• Up to 10“ web width

(2) WEBTRON 750 5 Color Presses

5 color

• Print and web widths up to 7.5”

• Rotary die cutting and sheeting

Innovative Labeling Techniques

Cold Foil – a vibrant foiling technique where an image is printed onto the label substrate with the use of a special UV-curable cold foil adhesive
Hot Stamp – a bold foiling technique where the metallic pigment coat is transferred from a ribbon or plastic material known as the “carrier” to the surface of the material
MiraFoil – a precise ink which creates foil in any design and color
Motion Coat – a mixture of texture and color which creates a holographic look which catches the light
Embossing – an impression on the label which uplifts desired features
Tactile Screen – a coating applied to labeling features to create a raised look
Cast & Cure – a multi-color, holographic aesthetic which changes colors as it catches the light
Tri-Panel Labeling – a booklet style label which can be opened to provide the customer with more information on the product
Soft Touch – a matte and cashmere-soft coating
Metallic Stock – a label stock with vibrant shine
The WetStick Label – a water and ice resistant label with such strong adhesive chemistry that it can be applied underwater

Learning more about what Great Lakes Label offers and how to incorporate these techniques into your label design. Get label samples to see these techniques in person!

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April 9, 2018 by Jackie Jorgenson

Attract Millennials With Holographic Labels

This BrandPackaging article, Getting A Leg Up: Top Beverage Packaging Design Trends For 2018, discusses various ways to attract the large millennial demographic. One of their observations was the increasing popularity of the use of eye-catching holographic labels. So, explore why this trend is growing and which techniques will help you achieve that signature look. It’s easier than you think.

Step out in our 1461 Iced Metallic shoe in lazer silver this winter. Perfect for party season. Link in bio.

31k Likes, 100 Comments – Dr. Martens (@drmartensofficial) on Instagram: “Step out in our 1461 Iced Metallic shoe in lazer silver this winter. Perfect for party season. Link…”

Why are holographic labels increasing in popularity with millennials?

90’s kids saw the rise in popularity of holographic shoes and sandals. Now that these kids are adults, the trend is resurfacing. Yet, holographic materials aren’t just appearing in footwear. It’s surfacing in all clothing products, and even leaking into other industries. Yes, this includes label design.

Nostalgia is a powerful thing. So is sensory marketing techniques. When customers make positive associations with your packaging, it greatly increases the chances of a purchase. Plus, if a purchase is made, it also increases the chance of brand loyalty.

Okay, so why does this matter?

The luxury market is increasing, and with it, so are innovative labeling techniques. In fact, packaging without techniques just don’t hold up to those that take their design to the next level. To keep up with competitors, labels need to shine in the light of the grocery aisle or offer interesting textures that customers will want to touch.

Whether or not your product is a luxury product, these techniques are seeping into all label design. Keeping up with other non-luxury products is requiring more and more creativity. Now, even handcrafted items use various techniques to emphasize the small production aesthetic.

Types of Techniques To Use

While various foiling techniques, such as MiraFoil and even metallic label stock, are impactful, there are more convincing techniques your competition isn’t using. That said, both techniques we’ll mention are great options to use with other techniques such as foiling or embossing.

Cast & Cure

Cast & Cure is patterned film printed on any portion of a label’s design. As you can see, the film comes in many different patterns and shines, holographically, with every color of the rainbow. It’s a stunning effect in the grocery aisle, and better yet, a technique not many labels feature. If you’re looking to stand out with cutting-edge design, Cast & Cure is the best option.

The various patterns also make it easy to use the holographic look across an entire line of products. Differentiate each item by the pattern used on its label. The blue undertone comes from the Bissell blue background, so it’s easy to use this technique over any color in your scheme.

Motion Coat

Motion Coat combines shine and texture to create movement on your label as it moves through the light. In the grocery aisle, it’s bound to draw attention. Again, this is a rarely seen technique and will immediately make any label stand apart from its competition.

As you will see by the pictures above and below, Motion Coat is easily applied to any color. This makes it easy to enhance white space on your label using a predetermined color scheme with branded colors. It also can be used with a variety of patterns. On top is a basic concept and below features lightning bolts that pop off the label. It’s an extremely flexible option.

When silver, the shine mimics the holographic shoes that were so popular a few decades ago. Emphasize this look by using blue and lilac foiling on other design features such as titles. As you can see, both labels use foiling elsewhere in the design.

See it in action!

Pictures don’t do the technique justice. Check out the below video to see Cast & Cure and Motion Coat move in the light to get a better sense of what it would look like in the grocery aisle. Put yourself in your customer’s shoes.

With this video, get a sense of how these techniques pair with other innovative labeling techniques we offer. The luxury and nostalgic look doesn’t end at holographic styles. Use other techniques to your advantage.

Great Lakes Label’s Innovative Labeling Techniques

Great Lakes Label offers a variety of innovative labeling techniques that we create using the flexographic label press.

Are holographic techniques purely for the background and white space of a label?

Definitely not! Motion Coat and Cast & Cure are best used for large spaces, but foiling still offers a similar holographic aesthetic. Consider ways your titles, and graphics can enhance the overall artistic look of the label. Or, think about the potential of using a secondary label to emphasize the style.

If nostalgia is such a powerful motivator for Millennials, what’s the appeal for other demographics?

Again, the luxury market is growing. As it grows many brands are adopting innovative labeling techniques. Any packaging keeping design simple will lose focus and get skimmed over in the grocery aisle.

Techniques also emphasize features and overall branding. If your product is targeting Millennials, does it matter if other demographics find holographic design appealing? Alternatively, if a holographic look emphasizes the brand of your product line, does it matter if it doesn’t directly appeal to certain people? As long as the product is effectively promoting itself and catching customers’ attention, why does it matter?

It also depends on how the technique is used. Sometimes it looks harsh and vibrant, and other times it looks soft and light. It all depends on how much is featured and the other colors, shapes and textures on the product. Essentially, this is a flexible style any industry can take advantage of.

Learn about how innovative labeling techniques can bring your spooky design to life! Download our e-book, The Complete Guide to Innovative Labeling Techniques.

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April 2, 2018 by Jackie Jorgenson

What Can Our Our Rotary Screen Module Create?

The RSI® Narrow Web rotary screen module created by SPGPrints is a key tool that Great Lakes Label uses to achieve various innovative labeling techniques. This rotary screen produces metallic colors, tactile coatings (including braille), scratch off inks, security features, thermosensitive inks, magnetic inks, glitter coatings, fluorescent colors, UV inks, and strong opaques. Because of the strong opaque capability, white details on a transparent stock are crystal clear. A combination that makes printing quite tricky on a standard flexographic press.

Crisp White Font Using The Rotary Screen Module

Costa Farms is a client of Great Lakes Label who uses white ink on transparent label stock. The SPGPrint rotary screen specializes in creating fine lines and sharp letters down to a four-point font. This label, in particular, requires ultra fine lines for the Costa Farms’ logo. Regardless, the rotary screen creates precise and well-coated letters for the intricate font.

Rotary Screen Unit Printing Fine White Text on Transparent Stock

Uploaded by Great Lakes Label, LLC on 2018-03-13.

See it in action! Here is the rotary screen unit, on a flexographic printing press, creating crisp, white text on a transparent stock. Envision what is possible with your own design by seeing how it’s used elsewhere.

Glitter & Raised Effects

The glitter and tactile coatings create a raised effect. They make graphics look more realistic while drawing customer attention due to the fact that they glisten in the light. These techniques enhance the overall luxury aesthetic of a label.

Metallic & UV Coatings

The metallic colors, UV inks, and fluorescent colors don’t impact the label on a tactile level. Instead, they catch the light in unique ways and enhance elements of the design. These techniques are unique ways for brands to create designs with a competitive edge.

Learn more about the labeling solutions Great Lakes Label offers through the rotary screen module. We offer a variety of inks and coatings that create a label that excites customers. Download our e-book, The Resource Guide To All Things Inks & Coatings.

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February 19, 2018 by Jackie Jorgenson

Download Our New Inks & Coatings E-Book!

Inks and coatings are crucial elements to any label design. They also can often be an overlooked part of the design process. Luckily, we recently released a new e-book which explains all ink and coating techniques Great Lakes Label offers.

This guide includes information on the following:

Differences between solvent-based ink and water-based ink
UV Ink
LED curing systems
Varnishes
Coatings & Sealants
Deadeners & Release Coatings

How To Use This Information on Inks in Your Next Label Design

The information contained in this e-book will help you understand what makes a resealable label, a label tab, some innovative labeling designs and more. The next time you go to design a label, you’ll be armed with more information to create a design that truly delights customers. Whether that be a fresh product, a haptic packaging experience, or quality color that doesn’t fade.

Learn even more about the labeling solutions Great Lakes Label offers. We even offer a variety of inks and coatings that create a label that excites customers. Download our e-book, The Resource Guide To All Things Inks & Coatings.

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Archive for category: Flexographic Printing

When Only Using One Label, Cut The Fat & Optimize Authentic Connection

Promotional Labels & Booklet-Style Labels Expand Content

A/B Testing

Social Media Has Impacted The Importance of The Bathroom Aesthetic

Innovative Labeling Techniques Enhance The Aesthetic of Feel-Good Cosmetic Labels

Connect Customers To Information Using Labeling Technology

What Constitutes E-Commerce Packaging Appeal?

Offer More Than The Product’s Value

Create Beauty in Design With Innovative Labeling Techniques

Play With Lighting When Creating Product Photography

Experiment With Video

Unboxing Videos’ Impact

Offer Content Value on The Label With Booklet-Style Labels

Link Customers to Added Content Using Labeling Technology

Why is it Important to Create Authentic and Empathetic Added Value?

Why do labeling superstitions exist?

Labels That Touch Water Will Peel and Tear

Labeling Your Product “Organic” is Ineffective & Not Worth Pursuing

Good Label Design Can’t Compete With Established Brands

Hygge Basics

Add Light To Your Label With Labeling Techniques

Cast & Cure

Foiling

Motion Coat

Emphasize How The Product Creates a Cozy Lifestyle

Color

Inspirational Imagery

Let Labeling Technology Make Direct Connections

Create On-Trend Promotions and Collaborations

Will This Trend Continue to Grow?

Authenticity is in Demand

5. Avoid Showcasing Trends

4. Link To Evergreen Content On Your Label For A Consistent Sense of Connection

3. Black and White Packaging Is Simple, Yet Luxurious

2. Use Classic Metallics

Hot Stamp & Cold Foil

MiraFoil

Metallic Stock

1. Timeless Labels Rely on Brand Colors

Ideal Containers For Pressure Sensitive Labels

Printing Presses Used

Digital Presses

CX1200 DIGITAL LABEL PRESS

FX1200 DIGITAL FINISHING SYSTEM

Flexographic Printing Presses

MARK ANDY P7

(2) MARK ANDY P5

MARK ANDY 4120

(2) WEBTRON 750 5 Color Presses

Why are holographic labels increasing in popularity with millennials?

Okay, so why does this matter?

Types of Techniques To Use

Cast & Cure

Motion Coat

See it in action!

Are holographic techniques purely for the background and white space of a label?

If nostalgia is such a powerful motivator for Millennials, what’s the appeal for other demographics?

Crisp White Font Using The Rotary Screen Module

Glitter & Raised Effects

Metallic & UV Coatings

How To Use This Information on Inks in Your Next Label Design

STYLE SWITCHER

Accent Color

Logo Position

Fixed Header Animation

Header Grid

Layout Style

Footer Style

Mobile Menu Style