Expanded content labels (ECLs) are product labels used to add large amounts of product information to a relatively small area of product packaging. An ECL expands or extends the surface area available for adding product information on packaging. It creates several layers or pages that can be revealed and then resealed for future reference. ECLs are commonly used on products with extensive product information, including safety warnings, health, instruction use, ingredients, and more. ECL labels are efficient labeling solutions that can eliminate paper inserts and cartons while ensuring the information does not crowd your brand image.
Today's manufacturing environment is heavily regulated by government agencies such as the FDA and OSHA. These regulatory bodies require companies to pack a lot of information onto packaging. ECLs help companies meet these requirements without taking away branding space. ECLs also come in myriads of styles, including two-ply or multi-ply, and several industries utilize them where a lot of information needs to be put in small space on a product's packaging. Some of the common applications of ECLs include pharmaceutical products, products used in clinical trials, weed control products, lubricants, pesticides, and more.
The following are the common types of expanded content labels (ECLs):
Booklet Labels, also called multi-page, multi-ply, multi-layer, or onserted, are among the most commonly utilized labels to pack extensive information on a small label area. These labels print separately from the product label to add later to it to optimize your branding efforts. Apart from providing label design opportunities, booklet labels also help avoid costs by enabling the use of smaller labels than would have been required. Utilize booklet labels on a range of products, from government-regulated goods to everyday household products. Specifically, these labels occur in the following applications:
Plow folded, or foldout labels are booklets that fold into each other. Retail environments primarily utilize this where a store employee applies promotional coupons by hand. Foldout labels enable more content print onto a large piece of paper that folds before applying to pressure-sensitive label stock all in line and in one process. The folded paper is usually constructed in a manner that allows easy removability from the final product. It also allows resealing and retaining on the final product package. Foldout labels are less expensive to manufacture than other options like on-centered booklets. This is because a single process manufactures the foldouts. However, the size of the folded piece of paper limits the volume of content.
Common uses and applications of foldout labels include:
Peel & Reseal labels are designed to enable the end-user to open, read the contents and reseal the label. They can take 3 to 5 panels of information within the confines of the regular prime label size. It is undeniably the ideal label for managing regulatory compliance or GHS requirements on chemical or pharmaceutical product applications. They are not only more economical to produce than booklet labels, but they are also ideal for sharp radiuses and are compatible with both auto and manual applications. Peel and reseal labels come in two types: 2-ply peel and reseal labels and 3-ply peel and reseal labels. Some of the typical uses and applications of these expanded content labels include:
Dry release labels come with a top ply that someone can completely remove. These labels are small and simple stickers that come in different sizes, materials, and shapes. They take valuable massive information from ingredients to direction. Ideally, they allow you to print up to 3 panels worth of content onto your product. Custom printed dry release labels are invaluable to promote your product with instant savings, discounts, terms & conditions, free offers, or special features. Typical uses and applications of dry release labels include:
Create Prime/Booklet Combo labels for small diameter packages which could be as small as a 1 or 2 gallon round jug. They are simple labels commonly utilized on cylindered packages to extend the printable area beyond that of the base circumferences of a cylinder. The booklet combo securely wraps onto itself while allowing for easy unwrapping without adhesive compromising the printed content. Typical uses and applications of prime/booklet Combo labels include bottles, vials, canisters, and quart/ gallon jugs.
The following are a few factors to consider when choosing between the types of ECLs discussed above:
The ideal extended content labels help you communicate as much information as you need to get across to meet regulatory requirements and optimize your branding. At PLPS, we provide all types of expanded content labels from booklets, foldouts, peel and reseal to prime/booklet combo labels. We will guide you through the label design and printing process, so you choose an option that fits your budget while matching your brand. Our unique labeling and converting capabilities allow us to produce custom converted components for a variety of product applications. Contact us today to learn more.
