Have you ever picked up a bottle of wine at your local store and been pleasantly surprised to find that there is a texture to the label? Maybe when you run your fingers over it, the logo is slightly raised or shiny. You might take a minute to enjoy the novelty of the product in your hand before deciding to give it a try and bring it to your friend’s dinner party later.
You’ve just experienced the magic of an embossed label.
Many brands today are employing the use of custom embossed labels to literally “stand out” from the crowd. Tune into this guide to learn everything there is to know about embossed labels and how they can elevate your marketing—literally.
Why are Embossed Labels so Enticing?
The three-dimensional effect of embossed labels has become increasingly popular as a way to differentiate your brand from others and identify your beverage as a luxury product. It’s also been said that if people have a chance to feel a product as well as they see it, the tactile experience can increase their chances of making a purchase.
We like those odds, and that’s why so many beverage brands are turning to embossed labels to increase their visibility and popularity.
Embossed labels are a game-changer, and in such a cutthroat market, they’re an effective way to rule out the competition while also adding extra “oomph” to your product.
How Are They Made?
An embossed label is a type of pressure-sensitive label that can be customized by placing dies on the label using high pressure. You can use a variety of materials, from paper to foil, to achieve your desired effect. The process is fairly quick, but you have to be precise.
You can emboss anything from a letter to a design to an entirely customized piece of artwork. The thing to remember is that whatever you emboss on the label will literally be raised off of the flat surface of your product.
Because of its three-dimensional look, the embossed label will surely catch the eye of anyone who passes by. Make sure you think through exactly what you want to emphasize before you emboss it—it’ll be the first thing that the potential customer will notice, so ensure that it matches your brand voice and identity.
Hot Foil Stamping
If you want to go above and beyond with your product label, you might want to give hot foil stamping a try. This printing technique is used in combination with embossing to give even more pizazz to your label.
During this process, heat and pressure are used to create a metallic label. An engraved plate is used to apply metallic foil to paper, with dry ink in between, to solidify the metal onto the paper. In the world of product labeling, this printing technique is entirely impressive and often used to create a dramatic effect—is anyone in the mood for a dark blend?
Types of Embossing Techniques
There are several different types of embossing techniques, each used for different reasons. Before you decide which is right for you, take a look at the multitude of options available. Your product’s vibe and target audience are unique, and your embossing technique should be the same.
Check out these styles and see what resonates best with your brand. Keep in mind these styles can also be used in combination to create a label that truly pops:
- Raised Flat
- Raised Round
- Multilevel
- Sculpted
What Are The Benefits of Embossed Beverage Labels?
Embossing your beverage labels can make your product stand out from the rest. However, it also provides several other benefits you’ll want to take advantage of:
- It’s tactile – Embossing your beverage label will up your game against your competition. The fact that this labeling technique combines sight with touch will most likely raise some hairs and increase the chances of your product making it to the cashier line.
- It’s luxurious – Embossing your label brings a premium feel to your product, potentially increasing the demand and intriguing the public with its novelty. Making a memorable first impression can increase the likelihood of your product being bought, and that’s exactly what embossing helps you accomplish.
- It’s recognizable – Using this technique to create your beverage’s label will also set it apart and help people remember it after they’ve left the store. If your product is easy to recognize, customers will have a much easier time recalling the look and will be able to find it again on the store shelf next time they run errands.
- It’s multi-dimensional – Even though the embossing process is more expensive than going with a two-dimensional label, it’s believed to pay for itself in the long run due to its effectiveness in increasing sales and driving demand. Sometimes you have to spend money to make money.
As a whole, an embossed beverage label infuses your product with class, sophistication, and novelty.
Alternatives to Embossed Beverage Labels
Embossed beverage labels are certainly a novelty. However, if you’re looking for an alternative beverage label that still appeals to consumers, we’ve got two—imprinted and debossed.
Embossed vs Imprinted
Imprinting offers a worthwhile alternative if you aren’t looking to splurge on an embossed label.
While embossing is achieved by raising the design to give it a three-dimensional look and feel, imprinting impresses or stamps a design onto the label’s surface. It’s a cost-effective option that doesn’t make any sacrifices when it comes to the label’s quality and aesthetic.
Debossed Labels
Debossing is exactly the opposite of embossing. Instead of raising part of the design, debossing sinks or pushes the design into the label material itself. Both embossing and debossing create a luxurious effect, yet embossing is generally used for more delicate patterns and designs. You can often see debossing on leather goods or plastic products like armbands and bracelets. However, they also make a stand-out beverage label.
Additionally, debossed labels are far cheaper than embossed labels since the process doesn’t require the plates needed to elevate a label.
Advice For Embossing Your Product
There are several key factors to keep in mind when designing a label that matches your brand identity, represents your product, and appeals to consumers. As such, we’ve rounded up some guidelines (to be loosely followed) while you navigate the design process of your beverage label.
To that end, deciding what to emboss is one of the most important choices you can make, so it’s critical that you plan carefully before diving headlong into the world of embossing:
- Keep the design clear and simple – Sometimes, there can be too much of a good thing. Rather than embossing your entire label, pick one element that you want to stand out. Maybe it’s the first letter of your company name or a golden tiger that acts as your company’s mascot. Because embossed labels lend themselves to luxury, it’s best to keep your labels simple and sophisticated. Although, a colorful graphic design will certainly attract the attention of the masses.
- Be original – When designing your label, make yours as unique as your carefully curated recipe. Make your beverage stand out from the crowd. Beckon potential customers in with promises of tangible bliss. You’re the mastermind behind the operation, so let your creative juices flow!
- Work with a high-quality labeler – Ensuring that your label is top-quality across the board ensures that your product will get the attention it deserves. As such, it’s beneficial to partner with a copacker or professional labelers like Wildpack Beverage that promises fast turnarounds and high-quality product packaging.
- Be specific – Come into your label design gameday with a plan. What elements do you want to highlight? What feelings do you want to elicit? Take a moment to truly think about which part of the label you want to emboss, whether it’s the logo or graphic.
- Double-check your work – Give yourself a trial run before making a concrete decision, and always double-check the label to make sure it turned out how you always envisioned—thoroughness is key. The beauty of it is that you can try again if need be. Many companies pivot their focus and redesign their labels even years after their product debuts. The great thing about an inventive label is that it lends itself to innovation.
Label Expertly with Wildpack Beverage
An embossed beverage label can take your product to new heights. However, with all things, creating your dream label takes careful planning. If you’d like a little help, the experts at Wildpack are here to assist you in all things sleeving, labeling, copacking, and packaging.
We’re your one-stop-shop. From brainstorming product names to discussing labeling techniques, we’ll hit the ground running and won’t stop until you’re satisfied with the results.
Our sleeving and labeling capabilities are top-notch, and we guarantee fast turnarounds and total satisfaction. Plus, our top-of-the-line cannery technology and packaging materials ensure your products stay fresh, from the first pour in our facility to your customer’s first sip.
At Wildpack Beverage, we thrive on teamwork, and you can rest easy knowing that we’ve got your back.
Sources:
Your Box Solution. How to use embossed labels to make your products stand out. https://www.yourboxsolution.com/blog/embossed-labels/
Pens.com. Emboss Vs. Deboss: Differences & Considerations. https://www.pens.com/blog/emboss-vs-deboss-what-is-the-difference/
