At NSD Labelling, we believe success starts before the artwork file is even opened. Here are five things to decide early.
1. Clarify Regulatory Requirements
Food, cosmetics, and pharma each have unique rules, from allergen declarations to dosage instructions. Identifying mandatory content early ensures your design can accommodate it without costly redesigns.
2. Define Your Markets
Selling in multiple countries means multiple languages and regulatory nuances. Planning for this upfront may point you towards a booklet label or other extended-content format, rather than trying to cram translations into a single panel.
3. Understand the Product Environment
Labels live in fridges, freezers, showers, and handbags. Will your labels face moisture, oil, or repeated handling? The answers determine your choice of substrate and adhesive.
4. Set Brand Objectives
Is the label purely functional, or part of a premium brand story? Luxury finishes like foils and embossing create impact, while minimalist clarity builds trust in clinical sectors. Decide what role the label plays for your brand.
5. Choose Format Before Artwork
Whether it’s a single layer, peel-and-reseal, or booklet label, the format sets the boundaries for design. Choosing this first avoids compromises later.
Smart planning avoids wasted time, rework, and regulatory headaches. At NSD, we help customers through every step of the way, and help you to make these decisions upfront, ensuring labels perform in the real world as well as they do in the design studio.
