Guide to product labelling: Legal requirements, technologies and the future

In a world where consumers have endless choices and where companies are constantly competing for attention, product labelling plays a crucial role. It’s not just about meeting legal requirements – proper labelling can also build trust, strengthen the brand and streamline the supply chain. Clear and accurate labelling gives customers the information they need to make informed purchasing decisions, while ensuring that the product meets industry standards and quality requirements. In addition, labelling is a strategic investment that contributes to increased traceability, more efficient logistics and reduced food waste.

In this article, we explore why product labelling is so important, what labelling techniques are available, and how smart labelling can drive traceability and sustainability throughout the supply chain.

Why product labelling is crucial for your business

In a world where consumers are constantly bombarded with choices, product labelling plays a crucial role. It is much more than just a matter of complying with legal requirements; it is a strategic investment that can define your brand and strengthen your position in the market. Accurate and clear labelling builds trust with consumers. When they see that a product is clearly labeled with information about its content, origin and sustainability, they feel confident in their purchasing decision.

Here are the main advantages:

Builds trust:

• Clear labelling with information about content, origin and sustainability creates security for consumers.

Strengthens the brand:

• Integrate brand identity into your branding to create recognition and differentiate yourself from your competitors.
• Example: Organic certifications and fair trade labels convey the company's values.

Increases traceability:

• Labelling with batch numbers and tracking codes enables monitoring of products' journey through the supply chain.
• Especially important in the food industry for quick recalls.

Inform consumers:

• Clear and easily accessible information enables consumers to make informed choices.
• Builds long-term customer relationships.

Strategic investment:

• Product labelling is a multifaceted process that contributes to transparent and sustainable business.
• Defines your brand and strengthens your position in the market.

Legal requirements and standards

In a complex market, it is crucial to understand the legal requirements and standards that govern product labelling. Both at the EU level and in Sweden there are strict regulations that aim to protect consumers and ensure fair competition. Especially in the food industry, the requirements are extensive, with a focus on clear and accurate information.

Important concepts such as 'best before' dates, batch numbers and ingredient lists must be handled with precision. This information empowers consumers to make informed choices and ensures traceability throughout the supply chain. In addition, it is essential to follow established standards for barcodes and other types of labelling. By following these guidelines, companies can avoid costly errors and build strong trust with their customers.

Common standards in product labelling

GS1 standards:

• GS1 provides global standards for barcodes, 2D codes and RFID tags. These standards are used by companies around the world to identify and track products.
• Examples of GS1 standards include EAN (European Article Number) codes and QR codes.

ISO standards:

• ISO (International Organization for Standardization) develops international standards for a variety of areas, including product labelling.

Important legal requirements in product labelling

Product labelling is regulated by several EU directives, regulations and Swedish laws depending on the product category and industry. Here are some important legal requirements:

CE marking

• Mandatory for products sold within the EU and covered by harmonized legislation, such as machinery, electronics and medical devices.
• Certifies that the product meets EU health, safety and environmental requirements.
• The label must contain the manufacturer's contact details and identification number.

Read more about CE marking at Swedish Institute for Standards

Read more about CE marking at European Commission

Labelling of hazardous chemicals

• All chemicals within the EU must be labeled according to the CLP Regulation.
• The label must include hazard symbols (pictograms), hazard and safety statements, and the product's hazard classification.

Learn more about CLP Regulation

Food labelling

Food labelling in Sweden is governed by EU Regulation 1169/2011 (FIC) and supplemented by Swedish regulations. The labelling must provide accurate and clear information about content, origin and shelf life.

Mandatory information on food packaging:

• List of ingredients and allergens (must be clearly marked)
• Nutritional information (per 100 g/ml and per serving)
• Best before/use by date
• Origin marking (mandatory for certain products)
• Net content and storage instructions
• Manufacturer's name and contact details

Special rules apply to dietary supplements, organic foods and keyhole labelling.

Read more at the National Food Agency about Food labelling

Cosmetics labelling

Cosmetic products sold within the EU must comply with EU Regulation 1223/2009 and meet labelling requirements to ensure safety and traceability.

Mandatory labelling on cosmetics:

• List of ingredients according to INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients)
• Best before date (if shelf life is less than 30 months)
• Responsible company name and address within the EU
• Batch number or identification code
• Instructions for use and warnings (if necessary)
• Net quantity (g/ml)

Organic and eco-labeled cosmetic products may have additional requirements.

Read more at the Swedish Medical Products Agency about Cosmetics labelling

Different types of labelling techniques – which one suits your product?

Choosing the right labelling technology is crucial to ensuring clarity, durability and traceability in your production. Depending on the material, industry requirements and production speed, there are several technologies to choose from. Here we review three common methods – their advantages, disadvantages and areas of use.

Laser marking – Permanent and high-precision marking

Laser marking uses a high-intensity laser beam to engrave, etch, or modify the surface of a product. It is a popular technique for permanent marking that can withstand harsh environments.

Benefits:

• Durable marking – Resistant to heat, moisture and chemicals.
• High precision – Perfect for small details, QR codes and logos.
• Maintenance free – No consumption of ink or labels.
• Environmentally friendly – Requires no chemicals or dyes.

Cons:

• Works best on specific materials – Metal, plastic, glass and wood give the best results.
• Limitations in color choices
• Higher initial investment – Can be more expensive to purchase compared to other labelling methods

Areas of use:

• Industry and electronics – serial number, printed circuit board marking on metal or plastic.
• Food and pharmaceuticals – packaging labelling without ink.
• Medical device labelling – CE marking, ID number, serial number
• Signs and promotional products – logos and personal engravings.

Read more about our Laser marking solutions

Laser marking on plastic lids

Laser marking on steel

Laser marking on plastic bottle

Industrial Inkjet Printing (CIJ/TIJ) – Flexible and Fast Marking

Inkjet printers are often used to apply batch numbers, best-before dates, and barcodes directly to products and packaging. The technology is popular due to its speed and versatility.

Advantages:

• Can mark on almost all materials – plastic, metal, glass, cardboard etc.
• Extremely fast – Perfect for continuous production.
• High contrast – Clear marking on dark and light surfaces.
• Lower initial investment – Is often a cheaper purchase compared to other labelling methods.

Cons:

• The ink can be worn away – Not always suitable for harsh environments.
• Needs regular maintenance – Nozzles and ink may dry out.
• Need for consumables – Ink tanks or ink cartridges

Areas of use:

• Food and drink – best before dates on cans and bottles.
• Pharmaceutical industry – batch number and traceability.
• Packaging industry – barcodes and date marking.

Upptäck våra Industrial inkjet printers

Ink marking on food

Ink marking on cables

Ink marking on packaging

Labelling – Customizable and Brand-Strengthening

Labelling is one of the most widely used techniques for product information, brand profiling and traceability and involves the use of self-adhesive labels applied to products.

Advantages:

• Highly customizable – Color, shape and design as needed.
• Fits most products – Can be applied to packaging, bottles, boxes, etc.
• High-quality printing – Barcodes, logos and text with clarity.

Cons:

• May come loose or fade – Requires the right materials and glue.
• Consumption costs – Labels and possibly ink cartridges are needed.
• Multiple designs – It can take a lot of work to create a design for each and every product.

Types of labelling solutions:

• Print & Apply – Automated labelling directly on products and cartons.
• Direct thermal and thermal transfer printing – Label printers that create durable prints.
• Full-color labels – For high-resolution images and branding.
• Semi-automatic solutions – Manual labelling machine for fast and accurate labelling

See our full range of Labelling machines

Labelling on glass bottles

Labelling on plastic bottles

Labelling on packaging

Which labelling technique is right for you?

The best choice depends on material, production environment, cost and sustainability requirements. Need help finding the right solution? Contact us and we will guide you!

Product labelling as key to traceability and reduced food waste

In today’s complex supply chains, traceability is more than just an advantage – it’s a necessity. Product labelling plays a central role in enabling this traceability, benefiting both businesses and consumers. By labelling products with unique identifiers, companies can track each product’s journey from manufacturing to the end customer.

One of the most effective methods for increasing traceability is the use of QR codesThese codes can contain a wealth of information, from the product's origin and ingredients to the best-before date and place of manufacture. By scanning a QR code, consumers can access detailed information about the product, increasing transparency and building trust.

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is another technology that is revolutionizing traceability. RFID tags can be attached to products or packaging and contain information that can be read wirelessly. This enables real-time monitoring of products throughout the supply chain, reducing the risk of loss and theft.

Reduction of food waste

Product labelling is also a powerful tool for reducing food waste. By clearly labelling products with best-before dates and other relevant information, consumers can make more informed choices and avoid throwing away edible food. In addition, traceability systems can help companies identify and manage products with a short shelf life, reducing the risk of them ending up in the trash.

The product labelling of the future – smart, accurate and traceable

As technology advances, product marking is becoming more advanced and precise. Innovative methods such as laser engraving, inkjet printing and thermal transfer enable higher marking quality and more efficient production. By automating marking, the need for manual work is reduced, which both increases speed and minimizes the risk of error – a crucial factor in an industry where precision is paramount.

IoT and product labelling – smart real-time traceability

One of the biggest advancements in product labelling is the integration of IoT. IoT stands for “Internet of Things” and is a network of physical devices – “things” – that are embedded with sensors, software and other technology to connect and exchange data with other devices and systems via the internet.

IoT (Internet of Things) has the potential to revolutionize product labelling in several ways, and here are some of the most prominent:

Dynamic and real-time labelling

• IoT sensors can monitor products real-time status (e.g. temperature, humidity) and update the label automatically.
• Customized information can be displayed via apps, e.g. nutritional content and instructions for use.

Improved traceability and security

• Transparency in the supply chain – products can be tracked at every stage, which prevents counterfeiting.
• Automated recalls reduces the risk of unsafe goods reaching consumers.

Increased consumer interaction

• Interactive labels provides access to more product information and offers via smartphone.
• Personlig marknadsföring – IoT data enables targeted campaigns based on customer preferences.

Sustainability and reduced food waste

• Smart date marking is automatically adjusted based on the product's actual shelf life.
• Optimized logistics reduces waste by monitoring the condition of products during transport.

Smart labels: More than just information

The future of product labelling will be characterized by smart labels that go far beyond traditional information. These labels, equipped with sensors and wireless communication, can monitor the condition of products in real time and communicate with consumers via smartphones.

Here are some examples:

Food industry:

• Smart labels with sensors are used to monitor the freshness of food. These labels can change color or display information on a smartphone when the product is starting to go bad.
• RFID tags are used to track food throughout the supply chain, increasing traceability and reducing food waste.

Pharmaceutical industry:

• Smart labels are used to monitor the temperature and other storage conditions of pharmaceuticals. This is especially important for vaccines and other sensitive drugs.
• RFID tags are used to track medicines and prevent counterfeiting.

Logistics:

• RFID tags are used to track packages and other goods throughout the supply chain, increasing efficiency and reducing the risk of loss.

Retail:

• QR codes are used to give consumers access to product information, reviews, and offers.
• Smart labels are also used to facilitate inventory management.

Summary: Product labelling – An investment in the future

In this article, we have explored the multifaceted world of product labelling and its critical importance to modern businesses. We have seen how accurate labelling is not just a matter of complying with legal requirements, but also a strategic investment that builds trust, strengthens the brand and increases traceability.

We have gone through the most important legal requirements and standards, emphasized the importance of following guidelines to ensure product safety and avoid costly errors. We have also discussed different marking technologies, from laser marking to labelling, and how the choice of technology can be optimized for specific needs and industries.

Traceability and reduced food waste have been central themes, highlighting how technologies such as QR codes and RFID can revolutionize supply chains. Finally, we have looked into the future and explored how IoT and smart labels will transform product labelling, making it more dynamic and interactive.

In summary is product labelling A critical component of any successful business strategy. By investing in effective labelling techniques and staying up to date on the latest trends, companies can not only meet regulatory requirements, but also create a competitive advantage and build strong relationships with their customers.

Whether you need help with laser marking, inkjet printing or labelling, we are your trusted partner for finding customized and innovative solutions that optimize your production and ensure the highest possible quality.

Contact us today!