Uses of Labels
by Susan S. Davis
Labels are usually used to identify objects or items and can be made of material such as paper backed by adhesive, plain paper, metal, cloth or polymer. Most are now created digitally. Information about products, items, names and addresses can be printed on a label affixed to an article or container. Labels are used as name tags, product identification, advertising, other communication and to display warnings.
For businesses, labels are often used to identify files and other items to keep the flow of the office organized and efficient. Many firms produce labels that can be printed, using software programs on a specially prepared document and placed on virtually any type of item, such as boxes, files, cabinets and other business essentials.
Packages, letters and products use labels to identify senders and addressees for all kinds of mailing, including the U.S. Postal Service and carrier services such as Federal Express, UPS and DHL. Word processing and contact manager software programs can produce mailing labels created by a standardized data set. To expedite delivery, the labels sometimes also have special handling requirement information and bar codes.
Sticker type labels are produced to identify products by a name. Brand stickers are often attached to products so they can be identified as having been created or produced by a certain business or company. Labels can also be used to provide information about the ingredients or uses of a product that is not always obvious upon initial examination. Usually, these kinds of labels are designed to bond securely and stay in place throughout the life of the product.
Packaging involves communication about pricing and often has bar codes and UPC information to track purchasing and sales. Packaging labels can also include ingredients, product use guidance and assist with protection against tampering or theft.
Promotional advertising campaigns of all types often use labels in their efforts. Labels can be affixed to clothing, fliers, brochures and other items to advertise, bring attention to or demonstrate support for an issue or idea.
Many articles of clothing contain a label that describes what it is made of or how to care for it. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission requires certain kinds of labels for consumer safety. Labels for textiles sometimes also contain tax identification numbers and material content.
Some product labels are designed to hold temporarily, until removed by consumers. Items such as new appliances place usage and installation information on labels. Eco-friendly consumer items often use labels to showcase products that are less damaging environmentally so that they may be more easily found.
Vehicle registration and car service details are often produced on labels that are affixed to all types of cars. Vinyl labels are affixed to the inside of a vehicle, while water-resistant stickers can be put on virtually anything. Automobile bumpers sometimes have labels promoting a political or ideological cause.