Why Should I Consider Beer Can Labels Instead of Printed Cans?

Torn between the choices of beer can labels or printed cans for your brewery? Is it challenging to decide which option best fits your brand? Choosing between beer can labels and printed cans can be a pivotal decision that impacts your brand's identity, production process, and overall success. We understand your dilemma and are here to guide you through the considerations and factors involved.

We’re here to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each option, exploring aspects such as visual appeal, customization possibilities, cost-effectiveness, and production efficiency. So, if you're ready to unravel the mysteries of beer can labeling and printed cans, let's dive in and discover the perfect labeling solution for your brewery's unique needs. 

The Importance of Beer Can Labels

Your label is the strong suit of your beer brand. It sets you apart from the competition and grabs consumers' attention as they peruse the shelves. Ensuring your beer can label is up to date is crucial in maintaining a fresh and appealing brand image.

In addition to aesthetics, it's essential to meet all labeling requirements set by regulatory bodies. Compliance with legal obligations ensures that your beer can be sold without any hurdles, avoiding costly delays or penalties.

Consider periodically refreshing your beer can labels to stay updated with the latest trends. Consumer preferences and design trends evolve, and awareness of these shifts can help you create labels that resonate with your target audience. A new look can reinvigorate your brand and attract attention from both existing and potential customers. Embrace innovation, experiment with unique designs, and seek inspiration from successful breweries to create a label representing your brand's identity.

Remember, your beer can label is not just a design — it's your brand's visual ambassador. Invest time and effort in creating a captivating, compliant, and on-trend label to make a lasting impression on beer enthusiasts and drive sales.

Direct Printed Cans vs. Can Labels

Regarding beer can labels, there are two popular options: directly printed cans and can labels. Each approach has pros and cons, and understanding them can help you make an informed decision for your brewery.

Direct-to-can Printing

Printed cans offer several advantages. Firstly, they provide a smooth surface that seamlessly integrates with the can, giving your beer a sleek and professional appearance. Additionally, direct printing allows for the inclusion of special material effects, such as textured mountains that can be depicted in vivid blue. These unique effects can elevate the visual appeal of your beer cans and make them stand out on the shelf.

Another advantage of printed cans is the reduction in the workload for breweries. With direct printing, separate labels are unnecessary to be applied to each can, saving time and effort during the packaging process. This streamlining of production can improve overall efficiency and productivity.

However, there are certain drawbacks to consider when opting for printed cans. Turnaround time can be a concern as the order process for printed cans may take longer than simply applying labels. Controlling the number of printed cans can be challenging, as it often involves larger production runs. This can pose difficulties for small breweries or those who prefer more flexibility in their packaging options.

Coloring can also be a consideration with printed cans. With direct printing, precise and consistent color reproduction can be more complex than using standardized label materials. This can impact the accuracy and vibrancy of your beer can's design.

Lastly, it's important to note that printed cans generally have a higher price tag than can labels. The cost of setup, equipment, and specialized printing processes can contribute to the overall expense of producing directly printed cans.

Pressure-sensitive Labeled Cans

Labeled cans offer several advantages. Firstly, coloring is not an issue with can labels. Labels allow for precise and vibrant color reproduction, ensuring that your beer can design looks strictly as intended. Additionally, turnaround time is no longer a concern when using can labels. With a reliable labeling solution, you can quickly receive your labels and apply them to your cans, minimizing production delays and meeting demand promptly.

Cost is another advantage of can labels. Using labels can be a more cost-effective option compared to direct printing, especially for breweries with smaller budgets. The minimalistic cost of labels can save you money while still achieving attractive and eye-catching packaging.

One of the significant benefits of can labels is the flexibility it provides. You can mix and match labels for beer varieties or limited editions, allowing creative branding opportunities. Can labels also offer the advantage of producing batch sizes as needed, giving you the flexibility to meet the demand for various quantities of your beers.

However, there are a few considerations when using can labels. While they offer flexibility and quick turnaround times, an extra process is involved in applying the labels to the cans. This may require adjustments in your production line, but the benefits of flexibility and rapid turnaround can outweigh this extra step.

Another consideration is the texture of can labels. Some consumers may prefer the smooth feel of directly printed cans, while can labels often have a plastic texture. Understanding your target audience's preferences is essential when deciding between the two options.

Lastly, using can labels requires more material compared to direct printing. This can result in slightly higher material costs and may have an environmental impact due to using additional materials.

Which Is Best for You?

Choosing between directly printed cans and can label for your beer cans requires careful consideration of various factors. You need to evaluate your specific needs and priorities to determine the best option for your brewery.

At Pack Leader USA, we recommend can label for several reasons. Labels provide breweries with a wide range of options, allowing for creative and customizable designs that reflect your brand. With labels, you can mix and match designs for different beer varieties or limited editions, enabling you to cater to diverse consumer preferences.

Efficiency is another crucial advantage of can labels. With our labeling solutions, you can experience quicker turnaround times, ensuring you can promptly meet demand. We understand the importance of streamlining your production process and saving valuable time, so we prioritize efficiency in our labeling solutions.

While directly printed cans have their merits, such as a smooth surface and potential special material effects, we believe that the versatility and efficiency of can labels make them the ideal choice for many breweries. Opting for labels allows you to enjoy a wide range of design options, quicker turnaround times, and cost-effective solutions that align with your branding goals.

Opt For Label Flexibility

Even if you have a use for printed cans, printed labels give the flexibility to do test products, small batches, or run your entire can labeling process. Investing in a reliable labeling machine ensures consistent label application every time. At Pack Leader USA, we offer a range of labeling options tailored to meet the specific needs of your brewery.

Our labeling machines are designed to deliver precise and accurate label application, resulting in a professional and polished look for your beer cans. With advanced technology and customizable settings, you can easily achieve flawless labeling.

From tabletop labelers ideal for small-scale production to high-speed automatic labelers for larger operations, we have a diverse range of machines to cater to breweries of all sizes. Our efficient and user-friendly labeling machines allow for easy operation and quick changeover between different label sizes and styles. With Pack Leader USA, you can streamline your labeling process and improve overall productivity in your brewery.

Step Up Your Labeling Game With Pack Leader USA

Rest assured, your problems of choosing between beer can labels and printed cans have been solved. With this knowledge, you can confidently select the packaging solution that perfectly aligns with your brand's identity and goals.

For an in-depth exploration of craft brew and microbrew labeling equipment, we encourage you to download our free  Brewer's Guide to Craft Brew & Microbrew Labeling Equipment. This comprehensive resource has industry secrets, expert tips, and equipment recommendations to advance your brewery's labeling game.

Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your branding, captivate your customers, and streamline your production process. Download your copy today and unlock the full potential of craft brew and microbrew labeling equipment.

 

Download now  Craft Brew Labeling Equipment Guide