Co-Packer Roll Labels: What to Ask Before You Print
If a co-packer is filling, labelling, and packaging your product, don't order the labels based on artwork alone.
Before printing co-packer roll labels, get a few details from the people who will apply them. A label can look perfect and still be wrong for the equipment running it.
The good news is that you usually don't need to figure this out yourself.
Ask Your Co-Packer for Their Roll Label Specs
Start by asking if they have a label specification sheet.
Ideally, it should confirm:
finished label size
unwind direction
roll core size
maximum outside roll diameter
preferred quantity per roll
any requirements for the gap between labels
If they have a spec sheet, send it to your label printer before ordering.
If they don't, ask for a photo or sample of a roll that already runs successfully on their equipment.
That can answer a lot of questions quickly.
Unwind Direction Is Easy to Miss
With machine-applied labels, the label needs to come off the roll facing the right way.
Depending on the equipment, your co-packer may require:
Right Edge First
Left Edge First
Top Edge First
Bottom Edge First
This is one of those small details that doesn't affect how the label looks, but can matter a lot once it reaches the packaging line.
If you're unsure, don't guess. Confirm it before production.
Tell Your Printer What the Label Is Going Onto
The roll setup is only part of the conversation.
Your printer should also know what surface the label will be applied to and what conditions it will see.
For example:
glass, plastic, cardboard or a flexible pouch
flat or curved surface
room temperature or refrigerated
dry application or possible condensation
exposure to moisture, handling or rubbing
Those details can affect the choice between paper, BOPP or another label material, as well as the adhesive and finish.
A label for a dry retail box has very different requirements from one going onto a chilled bottle.
Check for Lot Codes and Best-Before Dates
If your co-packer adds a lot number, best-before date or other variable information during production, find out where that information will go.
It's much easier to leave the right amount of clear space in the artwork from the beginning than to change the design after the labels are already approved.
If barcodes are involved, it's also worth confirming placement and testing them on the finished product.
For a New Product, Consider a Test Roll
If you're using a new container, new label material or a new co-packer, a small test can be worthwhile before committing to the full run.
It gives everyone a chance to check:
how the roll feeds through the applicator
how the label releases from the liner
placement on the package
adhesion to the actual surface
barcode readability
whether the roll size works with the equipment
You don't need to test every repeat order. But when several parts of the setup are new, it's a simple way to reduce risk.
Before Ordering Co-Packer Roll Labels
A quick checklist:
Get the co-packer's label specifications.
Confirm the finished size.
Confirm unwind direction.
Check the core size and maximum roll diameter.
Ask how many labels they prefer per roll.
Tell your printer what surface the label will go on.
Identify any area needed for date or lot coding.
Consider a small test if the setup is new.
Can My Printer Speak Directly With the Co-Packer?
Usually, yes.
For technical questions, it can actually be easier for the label printer and co-packer to confirm the roll requirements directly while you handle the artwork and product decisions.
Do All Label Applicators Use the same roll setup?
No. Equipment varies, so don't assume the unwind direction, core size, or roll diameter.
Should I Finalize the Artwork Before Getting the Specs?
You can develop the design, but confirm the final label size and any coding requirements before approving the artwork for production.
One Simple Rule
If someone else will apply your labels, ask how they need the rolls supplied before you print them.
It only takes a few questions and can prevent a much bigger problem once your product reaches the packaging line.
If you're preparing roll labels for a co-packer, send us the artwork along with their label specification sheet. If something is missing, we can help identify what to confirm before the labels go into production.
