What is Over-Labelling and Why Does It Matter Your Company?
In today’s fast-paced and highly regulated marketplace, packaging and labelling requirements are constantly evolving. Whether due to changes in regulations, branding updates, or language requirements, businesses often find themselves needing to update existing packaging without the time or cost associated with a full reprint. This is where over-labelling comes into play.
Croft Printing understand how essential it is for brands to stay compliant, accurate and competitive in their labelling. As a trusted label supplier in the UK, we offer tailored over-labelling solutions to meet the dynamic needs of manufacturers, distributors and retailers.
What is Over-Labelling?
Over-labelling refers to the application of a label to cover existing text on preprinted packaging. This process allows companies to correct or update information on product packaging without replacing the printed sleeve or carton. It is a cost-effective and practical solution for a variety of common business challenges.
Over-labelling is often used to:
- Correct errors such as misprints or outdated details
- Update information like ingredients, barcodes, addresses or pricing
- Apply promotional messaging or seasonal offers
- Translate content into different languages for export purposes
- Add batch numbers, expiry dates or regulatory compliance symbols
- Rebrand or update visual designs without changing the entire packaging
This method ensures that the existing product packaging remains usable, saving both time and resources while ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Why Is Over-Labelling Important?
This method of labelling plays a critical role in reducing waste, improving efficiency and maintaining brand integrity. In sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food and drink, cosmetics and FMCG, regulations and market demands change frequently. Businesses need the flexibility to adapt quickly, and Over-labelling provides a reliable solution.
By using Over-labelling, companies can:
- Avoid costly reprints or repackaging
- Stay compliant with UK and international labelling laws
- Respond quickly to market or regulatory changes
- Extend the shelf life of existing products
- Reduce environmental impact by reusing existing packaging
In many industries, non-compliance with labelling regulations can result in fines, product recalls or loss of consumer trust. Over-labelling ensures that products meet current standards without disruption to supply chains.
The Role of Label Suppliers in Over-Labelling
For Over-labelling to be effective, it requires expertise, precision and high-quality materials. As experienced label suppliers, Croft Printing provides a full service tailored to your needs.
Our Over-labelling services include:
- Opaque or blackout labels: Designed with a solid-coloured adhesive to fully cover existing text or graphics, preventing show-through
- Custom adhesives: Strong enough to adhere securely over existing labels, but tailored to your specific packaging surface
- High quality printing: Ensures that over labels match your brand’s quality standards in both appearance and durability
- Fast turnaround times: Ideal for urgent corrections, product recalls or export requirements
We work with a wide range of materials, adhesives and finishes to ensure that your over labels are both effective and visually seamless.
Common Applications of Over-Labelling
This labelling method is widely used across multiple sectors. Examples include:
- Food & Beverage: Updating allergen information, nutritional values or price changes
- Pharmaceuticals: Adding new dosage instructions or regulatory details
- Retail: Applying promotional stickers, discounts or updated barcodes
- Export Products: Adding local language labels or compliance marks for international markets
Whatever your industry, this method can help you meet regulatory demands and market expectations without unnecessary waste or cost.
Why Choose Croft Printing?
Croft Printing have over 35 years of experience providing high-quality printed labels to businesses across the UK. Our experienced and skilled team understands the complexities of labelling regulations and branding, and we are committed to delivering reliable, fast and cost-effective solutions.
Our dedication to quality, flexibility and customer service makes us the go-to partner for businesses needing bespoke Over-labelling services. Whether you’re correcting a pre-printed packaging error or preparing a product for a new market, we’re here to help you get it right the first time.
Contact us today to discuss your Over-labelling requirements or request a sample. Let us help you stay compliant, efficient and ahead of the curve.
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