Correct errors
Cover incorrect text, prices, barcodes, ingredients, dates or other information without replacing otherwise usable packaging.
Over labelling guide
What Is Over Labelling?
Over labelling, also known as relabelling, is the process of placing a new label over an existing one to correct, update or add information. It can be a practical way to save usable packaging, fix mistakes and add new product or promotional details without starting again.
✓ Boxes, pouches, labels & packaging
✓ Wide choice of label materials
✓ UK service with quick lead times
Over labelling explained
What is over labelling?
Over labelling, also known as relabelling, is the process of applying a new label over an existing label or printed area to update, correct or add information.
It is commonly used when boxes, pouches, labels or other packaging are still perfectly usable but have been printed incorrectly or the information shown is no longer correct, complete or current. Rather than scrapping stock or paying for a complete reprint, a carefully specified over-label can provide a fast and cost-effective way to recover the stock.
Businesses across the UK use our over-labelling service to rescue incorrectly printed boxes, pouches, labels and other packaging, as well as for regulatory updates, promotions, barcode changes, batch or expiry information, security applications and specialist requirements. We can produce the replacement labels too, with a wide choice of label materials and adhesives to suit different packaging surfaces and environments.
Why businesses use over labelling
A practical alternative to reprinting packaging
Over labelling can help businesses respond quickly when packaging or product information needs to change.
Update information
Add revised product details, warnings, instructions or market-specific information to existing stock.
Run promotions
Add promotional messages, offer labels, scratch-off panels or campaign information to finished packs.
Add variable data
Apply batch numbers, dates, serial numbers, product codes or other changing information before dispatch.
Support compliance changes
Where appropriate, over-labelling can help businesses update required information without discarding existing stock.
Reduce waste
Reworking suitable existing packaging can be more practical than destroying stock and starting again.
Two ways to over-label
Bureau over labelling or in-house application?
The right approach depends on the quantity, equipment, labour available and how complex the application is.
Bureau over labelling
Outsource the work to a specialist supplier such as Go2Products. This can be useful for larger projects, complex label placement, specialist materials, product corrections or variable-data jobs.
View contract labelling →
In-house over labelling
Apply labels yourself using manual, semi-automatic or automatic labelling machinery where you have the volume, staff and process to manage the work internally.
View labelling machines →
See over labelling in action
Watch a real over-labelling job
This example shows pouches being over-labelled with gamma sterilisation indicator dots, demonstrating how a repeatable application can be added to an existing product.
Discuss your project →
30+ years
combined experience
20,000+
clients across the UK
UK-wide
over-labelling service
Specialist applications
From incorrectly printed packaging to specialist label applications
Incorrectly printed packaging
Cover incorrect print on boxes, pouches, labels and other packaging with a correctly printed replacement label.
Gamma indicator labels
Used in specialist sterilisation-related applications where an indicator dot needs to be applied to a label or pack.
Tamper & security labels
Void, tamper-evident and scratch-off labels can support controlled access, security or promotional applications.
Variable-data & specialist labels
Serial numbers, dates, names, barcodes, codes and other changing information can be printed and applied as part of the project.
Choosing the right label
Material and adhesive matter
The success of an over-labelling job depends heavily on the label being matched to the original surface and environment.
✓OpacityCover-up labels may need a blockout construction so the original print does not show through.
✓AdhesiveThe adhesive must suit the pack surface, temperature and expected product life.
✓MaterialPaper, polypropylene, polyester and other materials may be appropriate depending on the application.
✓Surface preparationLabels generally perform best on clean, dry, grease-free surfaces.
Applying labels in-house
Over-labelling machinery for repeat applications
For businesses carrying out regular over-labelling work, suitable labelling machinery can improve speed, consistency and placement accuracy.
Manual, semi-automatic & automated options
The right machine depends on product shape, label size, application position and throughput. Smaller systems may suit bottles or simple repetitive jobs, while higher-volume production may require more automated equipment.
The bottom line
Incorrectly printed boxes, pouches or labels don't always need to be scrapped
Our UK over-labelling service can correct boxes, pouches, labels and other packaging using replacement labels produced in a wide choice of materials. With quick lead times and sensible pricing, it can be a practical way to recover usable stock and keep products moving.
Customer feedback
What customers say about working with us
“
Nothing was too much trouble and the end result was perfect. We got our pouches printed by Go2Products, but unfortunately we made a mistake on the artwork, to which the team created a fresh opaque label to match the colours and apply, also at a very reasonable cost.
“
This company provides excellent quality products and their customer service is fantastic! A few times they have assisted me regarding finding different sizes and styles of stickers.
Over labelling FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What does over labelling mean?
Over labelling means applying a new label over an existing label or printed area to correct, update or add information.
Why would a business use over labelling?
Common reasons include correcting artwork or packaging errors, updating product information, changing barcodes or prices, adding promotions, applying variable data or avoiding the cost of replacing usable stock.
Can you cover an incorrect label completely?
Often, yes. Opaque or blockout label constructions can be used where the original information needs to be hidden, although the correct material depends on the pack and print underneath.
Can over labels include variable data?
Yes. Labels can include changing information such as batch numbers, expiry dates, serial numbers, names, product codes and barcodes depending on the project.
Can Go2Products apply the over labels for me?
Yes. Our contract labelling service can print and apply labels to suitable products and packaging, then return the finished goods or send them onward as agreed.
What products can be over-labelled?
Many packs and products can be suitable, including pouches, tins, boxes, bottles, syringes, vials and other items. Suitability depends on surface, shape, label area and the required application position.
What type of adhesive is best for over labelling?
There is no single adhesive that is best for every application. The correct choice depends on the surface material, texture, temperature, moisture exposure and required product life.
Can you provide machinery for over labelling?
Yes. We can help with suitable labelling machinery for businesses that want to apply labels in-house, depending on the product and application.
Need something over-labelled?
Send us the product and problem — we’ll help work out the solution.
Whether you have incorrectly printed boxes, pouches, labels or other packaging, or need promotional, variable-data or specialist labels applied, our UK team can review the job, recommend a suitable material and provide a sensible quote with a quick lead time.