Why is choosing the right product label important?
iThis article covers everything from product label definitions, material types, printing systems, to how to choose the right one for your needs · Want to see prices and order immediately? → Product Label Service Page · View all sticker types
A product label is the first "face" consumers see before making a purchase — it serves to both communicate important information (ingredients, expiration date, usage instructions) and build Brand Recognition for the product. It is also a legal requirement under Thai Consumer Protection Board (CPB) / Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations.
In addition to materials, the printing system is a crucial variable affecting quality, cost, and suitability for production volume. The product label industry primarily uses 5 printing systems, each with distinct advantages and limitations.
The most flexible printing system — no printing plates (Plate) needed. Can print small quantities without setup costs and change designs for every piece. Ideal for Variable Data Printing such as barcodes, QR codes, and serial numbers.
Digital systems have several sub-technologies, including Inkjet (HP Latex, Epson), Dry Toner (Konica Minolta AccurioPress C83hc High Chroma), UV Flatbed for rigid materials.
Octopus can do this — HP Latex (large stickers), Konica Minolta High Chroma (vibrant labels with wide RGB gamut), Canon UV (direct printing on rigid materials)
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Flexography
FLEXO · ROTARY FLEXO · ROLL-TO-ROLL
High VolumeLow Unit CostFast / Continuous
A printing system that uses raised rubber plates (Flexographic Plate) to print on roll labels at high speed. Suitable for high production volumes, from thousands to millions of pieces. It is the main system in the packaging, food, and beverage industries.
Flexo supports various ink types, including Water-based, UV Curable, and Solvent-based. Plate costs are an initial investment, making it cost-effective only for sufficiently large production runs.
Octopus does not directly offer Flexo services — Need fewer than 10,000 labels? Digital is more cost-effective and has no plate costs · Read: Types of Digital Product Stickers
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Gravure
ROTOGRAVURE · INTAGLIO · CYLINDER ENGRAVING
Very High VolumeHighest QualityVery High Setup Cost
A printing system that provides the highest color quality, using engraved metal cylinders as printing plates. The ink colors are very vivid, lines are fine, gradients are beautiful, and it's durable. Commonly used in the premium packaging industry for cosmetics, perfumes, and banknotes.
The cost of making Gravure cylinders is very high and time-consuming. It is only suitable for production volumes of millions of pieces or more.
Gravure = Large-scale factories only — Need similar color quality in smaller quantities? Digital High Chroma can be a good alternative.
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Offset Lithography
SHEET-FED OFFSET · WEB OFFSET · LABEL OFFSET
Medium–High VolumeHigh QualityLow Unit Cost
A widely used sheet-fed printing system that provides consistent and reliable color quality. Suitable for medium to high volumes of paper product labels, such as general product labels and paper packaging.
There is an initial plate cost, but it is much lower than Gravure. For SMEs that require quality similar to Offset but in smaller quantities — Digital Dry Toner High Chroma is a better option because it has no plate cost and can print from 1 sheet.
Octopus has Konica Minolta AccurioPress C83hc — High Chroma CMYK Dry Toner with quality similar to Offset, no minimum order · See glossy white paper labels · Kraft labels
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Screen Printing
SCREEN PRINTING · SERIGRAPHY
Low–Medium VolumeOpaque / Embossed ColorsSpot Color Only
A printing system that involves forcing ink through a mesh screen/stencil. Suitable for jobs requiring opaque, vibrant colors, special inks such as fluorescent, foil, glitter, or jobs requiring a thick layer of ink.
The limitation is that it can only print Spot Color, one color at a time. Photographs/gradients are difficult to achieve. The number of colors printed equals the number of screens that need to be made.
Octopus does not offer Screen Printing services — but can simulate some foil/fluorescent effects through digital systems.
iNote on Die-Cutting: Cutting stickers, such as Rotary Die-Cut, Kiss-Cut, Half-Cut, is not a printing system but a Finishing process performed after printing — Octopus uses Kongsberg Digital Die-Cutter for cutting all freeform shapes · → Sticker Die-Cutting Article · See PVC Die-Cut Products
Which printing system is right for your business?
Simply put, consider these 3 main factors: order quantity, unit cost, and special requirements.
Decision Guide — Choose the right label printing system
3 most common scenarios
Small orders, no minimum or need for Variable Data
e.g., handmade product labels, individual barcodes, market testing, or products with many formulas/flavors
We provide product label printing using Digital Inkjet (HP Latex) and Digital Dry Toner (Konica Minolta AccurioPress C83hc High Chroma CMYK) systems, offering vibrant colors within a wide RGB color gamut.
Materials: PP, PET, Paper, Kraft, Gold, Silver — all types available
Die-Cut: Freeform shapes with Kongsberg Digital Die-Cutter
Minimum: No minimum order — print from 10 A3 sheets
Product labels are information tags attached to product packaging. They communicate important information to consumers, such as product name, ingredients, manufacturing/expiration dates, net weight, certification marks, and manufacturer information. They serve as both a marketing tool (Brand Recognition) and for legal compliance (according to CPB/FDA regulations).
Divided by main use: (1) Food and beverage labels (2) Cosmetic and skincare labels (3) Medicine and pharmaceutical labels (4) Consumer goods labels (5) Electrical appliance labels. 6 popular materials: Art paper, Kraft paper, waterproof PP, clear PP, gold/silver PP, silver PET — See prices for all materials
According to the CPB announcement, product labels must specify: (1) Product name (2) Net size/weight/volume (3) Ingredients (4) Price (5) Manufacturer/importer name and address (6) Manufacturing/expiration date (7) Hazard warning (8) Usage instructions and warnings (9) Country of origin. Specifically controlled products (medicines, food, cosmetics) have additional specific FDA laws.
In practice, "product label" and "label sticker" refer to the same thing — a sticker attached to packaging to provide product information. The difference lies in context: "label" emphasizes information/legal aspects, while "sticker" emphasizes material/printing. The production process and materials are exactly the same.
The best waterproof material is PP (Polypropylene), both white and clear PP — it's real plastic that won't disintegrate or peel, even when immersed in water for a long time. Ideal for liquid soaps, shampoos, shower gels, chilled fruit juices. Art paper with PVC laminate is also water-resistant but less durable. Freezer-grade PP is used for frozen products.
Octopus accepts label printing with no minimum order through our Digital On-Demand system. You can order from as few as 10 A3 sheets. This is suitable for small startup brands or limited edition products. Most customers start with 50-100 sheets per SKU for market testing.
250gsm white art paper is the most economical option — starting at ฿25/A3 sheet (for orders of 100+ sheets). Suitable for indoor products that won't get wet, such as instant noodles, candy boxes, dry goods. Printed with Digital Konica High Chroma for sharp, vibrant colors — See all product types
Digital jobs typically take 2-5 business days after artwork confirmation. Urgent jobs can sometimes be completed within the same day with advance notice. Flexo/Gravure jobs take 1-2 weeks due to plate/cylinder preparation. Contact us via Line @octopusdesign for a quote and exact lead time.
Print Product Labels with Octopus
No minimum order · Small quantities possible · Freeform die-cutting · Vibrant High Chroma colors · Nationwide delivery
