When it comes to labels, the difference between something that lasts and something that fails often comes down to expertise in materials, adhesives, and print technology. At Data Label, we’ve spent over 25 years designing, testing, and manufacturing custom labels in the UK, and in this guide, we’ll share insider knowledge to help you choose labels that perform — not just look good.
Why Label Choice Matters More Than You Think
A label isn’t just a sticker. It can:
- Protect your brand with consistent, professional print quality.
- Enable compliance with industry regulations (e.g. barcode readability, tamper evidence, food safety).
- Save money by reducing waste from labels that peel, fade, or fail.
- Provide traceability for assets, equipment, and inventory.
Over the years, we’ve helped clients from retail chains to industrial manufacturers find label solutions that withstand freezers, warehouses, chemical exposure, and outdoor weathering. That hands-on experience means we can quickly identify the right materials and adhesives for any application.
1. Match Labels to Your Environment
From a compliance and performance perspective, your label must survive its environment. For example:
- Cold storage & freezers → Specialist adhesives that don’t crack or lift in sub-zero conditions.
- Industrial settings → Chemical-resistant laminates that survive oils, solvents, and cleaning agents.
- Outdoor use → UV-resistant inks and waterproof substrates that won’t fade or disintegrate.
- Electronics & IT assets → Tamper-proof asset labels with serialisation for long-term tracking.
At Data Label, every recommendation is backed by testing in real-world conditions, not just theory.
2. Ensure Readability and Compliance
For industries relying on barcodes or QR codes, clarity isn’t optional — it’s compliance. Blurred or low-contrast printing can cause scanning failures, disrupting inventory management or even breaking regulations.
Our in-house print facilities use high-resolution digital presses to deliver:
- Consistent barcode density and alignment.
- Ink resistant to smudging and abrasion.
- Colour accuracy for branding consistency.
Because we control production, we can certify that every batch meets your readability and durability requirements.
3. Consider Security and Brand Protection
Counterfeiting and product tampering are rising concerns across industries. Choosing the right security label protects both your products and your reputation.
We offer:
- Tamper-evident seals that fracture or leave a VOID mark if removed.
- Holographic labels that add a visible layer of authenticity.
- Custom serialisation for full traceability across supply chains.
These aren’t off-the-shelf stickers — they’re developed using our expertise in security printing and adhesive technology.
4. Factor in Sustainability Without Compromise
As a UK manufacturer, we’re committed to reducing environmental impact. We use eco-friendly inks and recyclable substrates where possible, but never at the cost of performance.
We can advise you on greener choices that still deliver durability, such as:
- Labels produced with solvent-free inks.
- Compostable substrates for certain food and retail products.
- Low-waste production runs for businesses trialling new designs.
5. Test Before You Commit
One of the most overlooked steps in label selection is testing. That’s why we encourage businesses to request a free sample pack. This allows you to:
- Apply labels to your exact surfaces.
- Expose them to real environmental conditions.
- Check durability before committing to a full run.
It’s a simple but effective way to avoid costly mistakes — and it’s a practice we’ve recommended to clients for decades.
Why Trust Data Label?
- 25+ years of industry expertise in label design and manufacturing.
- UK-based production with tight quality control.
- Experience across multiple industries — from retail and logistics to healthcare and manufacturing.
- Commitment to sustainability through eco-friendly inks and materials.
- Trusted by businesses nationwide — many of whom have relied on us for over a decade.
When you choose Data Label, you’re not just buying labels — you’re accessing the knowledge of a specialist team who understand how labels perform in the real world.
If you’d like to discuss your requirements or order a free sample pack, contact us today. Our experts will guide you toward a label solution that’s durable, compliant, and cost-effective.
Visit data-label.co.uk to get started.
