Wraparound labels are flexible labels that are applied in a way that completely encircles the perimeter of a container. These labels are preprinted and usually applied on a production line following the filling and capping processes. They are used almost exclusively with round packaging, including both large and single-serve bottles and jars. They are also sometimes applied to containers that have usually been designed specifically for the purpose, with designated flat areas that allow the labels to sit evenly on the surface.
Wraparound labels may be adhered directly to the container surface, or they may be sealed at the seam created when the wrap is completed during application to produce a loose but tightly held final label. Adhered wraparound labels are most often used with bottles of household cleaning products such as bleach; loosely held wraparound labels are more often found on soft drinks and water bottles. When the loosely held format is used, containers are frequently designed with ridges around the label area that help keep the finished label from shifting on the container.
Wraparound labels, since they extend around the entire perimeter of the container, offer brand owners extensive “real estate” for branding of their products, helping to enable them to include graphic visual images as well as words. This makes them popular for use with brand-sensitive products, from soft drinks to milk and other consumer beverages.
When wraparound labels are marked with production or required regulatory codes and expiry dates, these marks are often applied using continuous inkjet (CIJ) or laser marking systems following the label application.
The most common use of the loose format wraparound label is on both large and single-serve bottles of drinking water and soft drinks. This makes the packaging of these very price-sensitive beverages economical, since the brand owner can use a standard bottle for all varieties of a beverage, relying on the label to carry all branding and required information. The labels themselves also benefit packagers by being very cost-effective, utilizing printing on a low-quality plastic film, and a limited amount of adhesive at the seam.
More upscale branded products also use wraparound labels to take advantage of the large area for branding, while still benefitting from the advantage of creating distinctive branding on low-cost containers.
Wrap around label applicator
The Videojet 9550 Corner Wrap system prints the information on one continuous label and in a single process applies it to the two adjacent panels of a case, replacing two conventional applicators while ensuring that the information on both sides of the package is synched, The new applicator also follows in the path of previous 9550 series applicators by eliminating most of the causes of failures, adjustments, and maintenance in conventional applicators.
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