Get it right! Specifying unwind directions when ordering labels.

When you order labels, you will be asked about unwind directions by your printer. Unless it’s accurately identified, we could easily print labels that didn’t fit correctly on your products or the machines applying them.

(If you are just hand applying labels to your package or product, then the unwind directions are not important. This usually applies to labels that are smaller quantities and not machine applied.)

With machine labeled product – this is critical! They MUST be properly aligned.

Let’s look at an example using the J Rieger bottles.

We need to consider the shape and orientation of the glass bottle to which the label will be applied. Because they apply their labels with a machine – the container and the roll of labels need to meet up in the correct way, so that the label gets applied perfectly every time.

The machines typically roll the labels onto the surface, rotating the bottle as this happens. The roll needs to be aligned so that the leading edge of the product label comes off the roll with the height oriented – otherwise the label would be applied lying down, instead of standing up!

Keep in mind that labels are like print – the first measurement is always the width of the label and the send refers to the height.

I know this all sounds ridiculously complicated, but no worries – we’re here to help you every step of the way!

Need help with your next label project? Give us a call!