Running a business involves countless decisions, and choosing the right labels shouldn't be one that keeps you up at night.
Whether you're dealing with stubborn adhesive residue, printer jams, or trying to navigate sustainability requirements, we've got you covered.
Let's dive into the questions we hear most often from businesses like yours.
Why Do My Labels Keep Jamming in the Printer?
This is hands down the most frustrating label problem businesses face, and you're definitely not alone. This is the most common problem people experience with their printers, and there are usually a few culprits behind it.
The quick fixes:
- Check your printer's material settings - most people forget to adjust these when switching from paper to labels
- Make sure you're using the right label size for your printer model
- Adhesive strength is affected by the environment, so if your labels are stored in a humid or very warm area, the adhesive might be too soft
Pro tip: If you're constantly battling jams, it might be time to upgrade your label stock. At Go2Products, we stock rolls specifically designed to work with the most popular label printers, which dramatically reduces jamming issues.
Why Won't My Labels Stick Properly?
Nothing's more annoying than carefully applying a label only to find it peeling off hours later. This usually comes down to three main issues:
Surface preparation matters: Surface contamination prevents label adhesives from bonding with the container surface. For example, condensation is a common issue for beverages. Make sure your surfaces are clean and dry before applying labels.
Wrong adhesive for the job: Not all adhesives are created equal. If you're labelling products that go in fridges, get shipped long distances, or face harsh conditions, you need an adhesive that can handle it.
Application technique: Yes, there's actually a right way to apply labels! Apply firm, even pressure from one end to the other, and avoid air bubbles.
How Do I Deal with Leftover Adhesive Residue?
We see this question pop up constantly, especially from businesses that need to relabel products or remove old inventory labels. Leftover adhesive ooze can leak out if labels are wound too tightly, creating a sticky mess.
Quick removal tricks:
- Heat the label slightly with a hair dryer before peeling
- Use a plastic scraper, never metal (it damages surfaces)
- For stubborn residue, try a commercial adhesive remover or even just some cooking oil
Prevention is better: If you regularly need to remove and replace labels, ask for removable or removable adhesive options when ordering.
What's All This About Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Labels?
The escalating demand to reduce the ecological footprint of businesses and products is changing how companies think about labels in 2025. Customers notice these things more than ever, and some industries now require sustainable packaging.
What makes a label eco-friendly:
- FSC-certified paper materials
- Water-based inks instead of solvent-based
- Recyclable or biodegradable options
- Minimalist designs that use less ink
Don't worry, eco-friendly doesn't mean compromising on quality or durability. Many sustainable options actually perform better than traditional alternatives.
How Do I Choose the Right Label Size and Format?
This seems simple, but we get calls about this weekly.
The wrong size can throw off your entire production line and waste valuable time.
Key considerations:
- Measure your available space accurately (including curved surfaces)
- Think about information density - cramming too much onto a small label makes it unreadable
- Consider your printer's limitations - some models can't handle very small or very large formats
- Leave some white space for a cleaner, more professional look
Industry standard tip: Most businesses find that standard sizes (like 4" x 2" shipping labels) are not only easier to source but also more cost-effective.
Why Is My Label Print Quality So Poor?
The most common reason for print scratching off is that not enough heat and/or pressure has been applied during the printing process. But print quality issues can stem from several sources.
Common culprits:
- Dirty print heads (clean them regularly!)
- Wrong printer settings for your label material
- Low-quality label stock that can't hold the ink properly
- Old or dried-out ink cartridges
The maintenance routine: Clean your printer heads monthly, use high-quality label materials, and don't let ink cartridges sit unused for months.
Are There Special Requirements for Shipping Labels?
Oh yes, and they're getting stricter every year.
Frequent errors include: Missing or incorrect barcode labels. Not poly-bagging sets or liquids. Inadequate packaging for fragile items. Mixed SKUs in one box without proper labelling.
Amazon FBA sellers especially need to watch out for:
- Barcode placement and quality requirements
- FNSKU labels that scan properly
- Suffocation warning labels for poly bags
- Fragile item labelling requirements
Courier requirements: Each shipping company has slightly different requirements, but all expect clear addresses, proper barcodes, and damage-resistant adhesion.
How Do I Prevent Labels from Curling or Peeling at the Edges?
Edge curl is the bane of professional-looking packaging. It usually happens when there's a mismatch between your label material and the environment it's used in.
The science bit: Adhesive strength is affected by the environment. Temperature changes, humidity, and even air circulation can cause labels to react.
Solutions that actually work:
- Use the right adhesive strength for your application
- Ensure proper surface preparation
- Consider the storage and shipping environment
- Apply consistent pressure across the entire label
What's the Deal with Custom Shapes and Die-Cut Labels?
Custom shapes can make your products stand out, but they come with their own challenges. The cutting process, application difficulty, and cost considerations all need factoring in.
When custom shapes work best:
- Brand differentiation is crucial
- You have consistent, smooth application surfaces
- Volume justifies the setup costs
- Your design actually benefits from the custom shape
When to stick with rectangles: If you're applying labels by hand, in high-volume situations, or on curved/textured surfaces, standard shapes are usually more practical.
How Can I Reduce Label Costs Without Sacrificing Quality?
Everyone wants to cut costs, but cheap labels often end up costing more in the long run through waste, reprints, and customer complaints.
Smart cost-saving strategies:
- Order in appropriate volumes (but don't overstock and risk waste)
- Place your labels in a dry and ventilated storage to avoid curling or damage
- Standardise on fewer label sizes across your product range
- Choose simpler designs that use less ink
- Work with suppliers who offer bulk discounts for consistent orders
False economy warning: The cheapest labels per unit often have higher failure rates, leading to more expensive problems down the line.
Do I Need Special Storage Conditions for My Label Stock?
Most businesses don't think about label storage until they have problems, but environmental conditions can make or break your labelling operation.
Storage best practices:
- Keep labels in their original packaging until use
- Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity
- Store rolls vertically when possible to prevent crushing
- Keep away from direct sunlight (it can weaken adhesives)
- Use older stock first (labels do have shelf lives)
Getting the Right Labels for Your Business
The label industry is constantly evolving, with emerging trends in the label industry for 2024, shedding light on what label buyers can expect and priorities focused on maintaining costs and print quality while focusing on sustainability.
Whether you're dealing with shipping requirements, brand presentation, inventory management, or any of the challenges we've covered here, the key is finding a supplier who understands your specific needs.
At Go2Products, we've helped businesses solve these exact problems for many years, working with everyone from small startups to major companies like Vodafone Automotive UK.
Remember, the right labels don't just stick to your products: they stick to your brand reputation. Taking the time to get them right the first time saves headaches, money, and customer relationships down the line.
Need specific advice for your labelling challenges? Every business is different, and sometimes the best solution comes from talking through your particular situation with our friendly experts who've seen it all before.