Custom product labels from Soabar help UK businesses present products professionally, meet labelling regulations and stand out on shelf or online. With more than 40 years of experience, no minimum order quantity and digital lead times of 5-7 working days, Soabar prints custom product labels for food, cosmetics, apparel, retail, logistics and industrial sectors, and supplies the printers, ribbons and software to label in-house.
Custom Product Labels UK – Professional Labels for Every Product
In today’s competitive market, custom product labels in the UK play a critical role in product branding, packaging appeal, and regulatory compliance. Whether you sell food items, cosmetics, apparel, or consumer goods, high-quality custom labels set your products apart from the competition and build a strong brand identity.
At Soabar, we specialise in designing and printing custom product labels that combine aesthetics, durability, and functionality to meet the diverse needs of businesses across the UK and worldwide. From concept to delivery, our solutions ensure your labels are as unique as your brand - and we can ship to clients globally.
Soabar at a glance:
- No minimum order quantity for label orders.
- Digitally printed label lead time: 5-7 working days.
- Blank label lead time: 7-10 working days.
- Flexo printed label lead time: 10-14 working days.
- Carrier charge: £10.16 for deliveries up to 20kg, with next-working-day delivery once shipped.
- Artwork requirements: PDF Print files, outlined fonts, 2mm bleed, CMYK or Pantone colours, and 300dpi images.
- Material options include paper, vinyl, polyester, transparent, sustainable and premium finishes.
- Label features can include QR codes, variable data, tamper-evident seals and batch numbers.
- Sustainable options include FSC accredited materials and compostable choices.
Why Custom Product Labels Matter
Custom labels are more than just stickers on a product. They serve multiple purposes, including:
Brand Recognition: Help customers instantly identify your products on shelves or online.
Regulatory Compliance: Essential for industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics requiring accurate ingredient, safety, and usage information.
Product Appeal: Visually appealing labels influence buying decisions and boost perceived value.
Promotional Messaging: Seasonal offers, QR codes, or marketing slogans can be added to custom labels for campaigns.
High-quality custom product labels UK solutions ensure both branding and compliance goals are met efficiently.
Custom Product Labels UK
Custom product labels for branding, packaging, compliance, barcodes, QR codes and product information.
Labels built around your product
A product label needs to do more than look attractive. It must fit the packaging, represent the brand, communicate product information clearly and stand up to the environment it will be used in. Soabar creates custom product labels for UK businesses that need branding, compliance information, barcodes, QR codes, batch numbers, expiry details or promotional messaging.
Materials and finishes for different uses
Different products need different label materials. Paper labels are cost-effective for dry goods and short-term use. Vinyl and polyester labels are more durable and suitable for moisture, handling or longer-term applications. Transparent labels can create a clean “no-label” appearance, while foil, embossed, gloss, matt, metallic and textured finishes can support premium product positioning.
Printing methods matched to volume
Soabar can support digital printing for short runs, product variations and seasonal campaigns, flexographic printing for larger consistent runs, thermal transfer printing for barcodes and durable tracking labels, and screen printing for premium labels with strong colour or specialist finishes.
Practical order flexibility
Soabar does not have a minimum order quantity, so businesses can order according to the product range, trial launch, promotional campaign or production schedule. Digitally printed labels usually take 5-7 working days, blank labels 7-10 working days and flexo labels 10-14 working days.
Questions to ask before choosing a label
A few practical questions help narrow down the right custom product label. What surface will the label adhere to, such as paperboard, plastic, metal or glass? Where and how will the product be used or stored? How long does the label need to stay legible and attached? What information has to be printed, such as barcodes, batch numbers or ingredients? Will labels be printed in-house or supplied pre-printed by Soabar? Soabar's team can talk through these questions before recommending a material, adhesive and print method.
More than 40 years of UK labelling experience
Soabar has more than 40 years of experience in professional labelling solutions, working with UK businesses across production, retail, logistics, food and drink, automotive, textiles and chemical and industrial applications. Beyond custom product labels, Soabar supplies label printers, thermal transfer ribbons and label printing software, along with installation, staff training, printer maintenance and repairs, technical support and UK-wide servicing, a complete labelling solution from one supplier.
To discuss custom product labels UK requirements, call Soabar on +44 (0)116 284 7000 or email sales@soabar.co.uk.
More questions about Soabar labels
Does Soabar provide labels and printers? Yes. Soabar provides a more complete labelling solution that can include labels, label printers, ribbons, software and technical support.
Can companies make custom labels in-house? Yes, with a compatible printer, label material, ribbon and software, businesses can print custom product labels in-house.
Is UK-wide service available? Yes. Soabar offers professional labelling solutions and support to businesses across the UK.
Artwork support that reduces delays
Correct artwork helps keep production moving. Soabar asks for individual PDF Print files with fonts outlined, 2mm bleed applied to all label sides, CMYK or Pantone colours and images supplied at a minimum of 300dpi. This helps achieve cleaner print output and fewer artwork issues before production.
Types of Custom Product Labels
Businesses can choose from a wide range of custom product labels depending on their needs:
Paper Labels – Cost-effective and ideal for short-term use or dry products
Vinyl & Polyester Labels – Durable and waterproof for outdoor or long-term applications
Peel & Reveal Labels – Multi-layer labels for detailed instructions, multilingual text, or regulatory information
Transparent Labels – Sleek, modern labels that give a “no-label” look
Sustainable Labels – Eco-friendly materials for brands committed to sustainability
Foil & Embossed Labels – Premium finishes for luxury goods like wine, cosmetics, or gourmet foods
Customisation Options for Product Labels
We offer a wide range of customisation features to create the perfect product labels:
Shapes & Sizes – Round, square, rectangular, or custom die-cut shapes
Materials – Satin, nylon, polyester, eco-friendly paper, or specialty finishes
Print Finishes – Glossy, matte, metallic, or textured coatings
Brand Elements – Logos, product images, colours, and typography
Special Features – QR codes, variable data printing, tamper-evident seals, or batch numbers
Printing Methods for Custom Product Labels
Choosing the right printing technology ensures cost efficiency and high quality:
Digital Printing – Perfect for short runs, seasonal promotions, or variable data labels
Flexographic Printing – Best for large-scale orders requiring consistent quality
Thermal Transfer Printing – Durable labels for product tracking, barcodes, and retail use
Screen Printing – Ideal for premium labels with vibrant colours and unique finishes
Our team helps you select the most cost-effective printing method based on label volume, material, and design needs.
Industries Using Custom Product Labels
Custom product labels are essential across multiple sectors:
Food & Beverage – Nutritional info, expiry dates, allergen warnings, and branding
Cosmetics & Personal Care – Ingredient lists, usage instructions, and tamper-proof seals
Fashion & Apparel – Wash care instructions, branding tags, and price labels
Pharmaceuticals – Compliance labelling with dosage, batch numbers, and multilingual instructions
Retail & E-Commerce – Packaging labels, promotional stickers, and shipping labels
Regulatory Compliance for Product Labels in the UK
UK businesses must comply with labelling regulations, especially in food, cosmetics, and healthcare. Key requirements include:
Clear product name and description
Ingredient lists for food and cosmetic products
Allergen warnings for consumables
Batch numbers, expiry dates, and usage instructions
Compliance with UK Food Standards Agency or Cosmetic Safety Regulations where applicable
Our custom product label solutions ensure your labels meet all relevant industry standards.
Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Label Options
With increasing environmental awareness, brands are switching to eco-friendly labels. We offer:
Recycled Paper Labels
Biodegradable Adhesives
Water-Based Inks
Sustainably Sourced Materials
These labels help reduce environmental impact while maintaining print quality and durability.
Turnaround Times & Cost Factors
We pride ourselves on reliable and transparent delivery.
Typical turnaround times start at 5 days and can be up to 10 days, depending on variables such as quantity, printing method, and customisation level.
Business needs can be discussed with us at the time of ordering, and we will always try to be as accommodating as possible.
Cost depends on:
Quantity ordered (bulk orders reduce per-label cost)
Material type (standard vs premium finishes)
Printing method (digital vs flexographic)
Custom features (foil stamping, embossing, etc.)
We provide clear, upfront pricing with no hidden charges, ensuring cost-effective solutions for businesses of all sizes.
FAQs About Custom Product Labels UK
How Soabar Delivers Custom Product Label Solutions
Our end-to-end approach includes:
Consultation – Understanding your brand and compliance needs
Design Support – Helping you create attractive, functional label designs
Printing – Using the latest technology for consistent, high-quality results
Delivery & Support – On-time delivery with global shipping and reordering options
Whether you are based in the UK or overseas, our team ensures your labels arrive quickly and ready to impress.
Case Study: Gourmet Food Brand Boosts Sales
A UK-based gourmet food brand partnered with Soabar to create eye-catching, eco-friendly product labels with QR codes linking to recipe videos and ingredient sourcing details.
Results:
40% sales increase after label redesign
Enhanced brand transparency and customer engagement
Full compliance with UK food labelling regulations
Get Started with Custom Product Labels UK
Enhance your product packaging and brand image with high-quality custom product labels UK solutions from Soabar.
Here’s how to begin:
Request a Free Quote – Get a tailored solution for your business
See Samples – Explore material, finish, and design options
Place Your Order – Enjoy fast, reliable, and cost-effective label printing services
Contact Soabar today for premium custom label printing solutions across the UK and worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions - Machines
01
How do I know which label printer is best for my business needs?
You should consider the size of the labels that you want to print, how many of them you will be printing each week and the end use of the label. We have created a handy blog post and table that will help to point you in the right direction, or you could try and use our Quote Calculator to give you an idea too.
02
Can I print labels in multiple colours?
Yes you can! However, how many colours depends on the type of printer that you have. Most printers that we sell are single colour (for example the 1Pro Series and the 2S Series), so you can swap the colour of the ink each time a different colour is desired. Or there are two fixed-colour printers (e.g. the DCQ and the DTQ) which work on the same principle. If you are looking for full colour printing, then choose one of our inkjet printers such as the Epson CW8000e.
03
Why are some of Soabar’s machine prices higher than other label printing machines that I’ve found?
At Soabar we don’t just sell you a label printing machine. Unlike most other companies, we provide you with the whole package to not only get you up and running, but to also ensure that you can keep on printing labels for years to come. All of our machines come inclusive of set-up and installation costs, in-person training (if desired) on how to use the machine and a full year’s warranty. You can see what this includes here. For most of our new customers, their experience of fixing, servicing and maintaining a label printer is limited. Therefore, having us on hand to be able to resolve any problem that might arise is crucial to their business operating smoothly on a day to day basis.
04
If I buy a machine from Soabar, how long can I expect it to last?
The average lifespan of a machine varies depending on the condition that it is kept in, how regularly it is serviced and the materials being ran through it. Many of our customers have had their Soabar Label Printer for way over 10 years before they even need to think about replacing it for a new one! However, the standard measure that we say is that after around 30,000m of labels printed, it’s worth thinking about getting a new one.
05
Does a machine come with the software required to print labels from my laptop/computer?
Most of our printers come with basic label printing software, however this might not be suitable for all your business needs. Additionally, there are some printers that will require software to be purchased at an extra cost. Navigate to each printer page to find out the information specific to the printer you are looking at.
06
Is it better to print my own labels and buy a machine, or get you to print my labels for me?
This will largely depend on the quantity of labels that you require and complexity of your label design. If you are going to be printing high volumes of labels and require full colour printing with quick turnaround times, then it will likely be worth speaking to us about the benefits of buying a label printer to print your own in-house.
07
Can I buy the materials (e.g. ribbon, foil, blank labels) for my machine from you?
Yes you can! Either navigate to our Supplies page to browse our range, or if you have purchased materials from us before, then just contact us to let us know what it is that you require.
Frequently Asked Questions - Labels
01
What different materials can my labels be printed onto?
We have various different materials that your labels can be printed onto, which will depend largely on what product the label is going onto and where it will be stored. The main 4 are Gloss White Polypropylene, Semi Gloss White Paper, Matt Wine Paper and Gloss Clear Polypropylene. We also print Double Sided and as a Window Sticker. Metallic materials can also be used, namely Silver Polypropylene (PP) and Silver PP with White Ink. All have different properties that make them suitable for varying applications.
02
Can you design my label for me?
Our artwork department can help you to design your label, as we have over 50 years of experience in doing so! We know what makes a label stand out on the shelves, and the information that needs to be printed on to meet government guidelines. This will be a collaborative process, that will often involve you coming to us with ideas such as colour schemes, fonts and logos. If you already have a design, we can tweak this to make it look good and work on a label!
03
Can I order blank/partially printed labels and overprint variable data myself?
Yes you can! This is what a lot of our customers do when what needs to go onto the data is variable data or personalisation. We can supply you with completely blank labels and you print everything that needs to go on the label (such as barcodes, text or sequential numbering) yourself with one of our printing machines. Alternatively, we can print more complex designs in-house, ship these rolls of labels out to you, and you can finish them with any variable data or personalisation depending on business needs.
04
Can my labels be cut into different shapes or do they have to be a standard shape, like a rectangle?
For our self-adhesive labels, we can supply you with many different shaped labels and will likely have a cutter for most label orders, if required. However there may be a small additional charge if your label design is complex and requires a custom cutter to be made. For textile labels, these are printed as a rectangle in different widths.
05
How many labels can fit onto a roll?
This will depend on the application of your label- there is no standard quantity for a roll of labels.
06
How do I fit all the information that I need to onto one label?
This is becoming an increasing challenge as guidelines change on what information needs to be included on a label. For example, in December last year GPSR came into force. This applies to all products being sold in the EU market and significantly increased the amount of information needing to go onto a label. Instead of having your whole product plastered in one huge label containing all the information, you can instead choose a Peel and Reveal label. There are multiple layers to your label, so the front can remain branding-focussed, and the fine print can be hidden from view on the inside layers, until the front is peeled away. We print high quality Peel and Reveal labels for your business, as well as double-sided textile labels that also offers a solution to this marketing and compliance challenge.
07
What different industries do you print labels for?
We print labels for businesses operating within the retail, food & beverage, automotive, chemical, pharmaceutical, security, healthcare & cosmetics, soft furnishings, education and apparel industries. This list isn’t extensive, and we are always looking for ways to diversify into new markets and produce the best labels possible to meet customer needs. Read what our customers across a variety of industries have to say about ordering labels from us.
Frequently Asked Questions - Printer Maintenance
01
What do the lines mean that are going through the print on my label?
If the line is in a diagonal direction, it is likely that the foil is creasing. Simply adjust the tension bar or clutch.
If the lines are vertical, then the printhead could either be dirty, or there could be dots or pixels on the printhead. If the latter is the case, you might need a new printhead. Contact us for us to diagnose the problem before ordering new parts.
Horizontal lines often indicate that the machine has stopped to make a cut. Usually, the machine will automatically try and blend this line out. Trying to alter the design of your label could help to solve the problem, however if there is a cut in the roller then it might need replacing. Contact our Technical Team if you think that this might be the case.
02
Nothing is printing onto my label but it’s going through the print process. What’s happening?
It’s likely that the ink foil is on the wrong way round, and it’s applying ink to the printhead instead of the label. Remove the ink foil, clean the printhead with some of our printhead wipes or isopropyl spray, and put the ink foil back on the other way around. The general rule of thumb when loading ink foil is dull side down, shiny side up!
03
I’ve got a warning notification on my printer. What should I do?
You will likely be seeing something along the lines of ‘No Gap Found / Media Error’, which could mean several things. The labels might be threaded up incorrectly, which will mean that they’re not going through the sensor. Take the roll of labels off and thread them up again, being sure to consult the diagram to make sure you’re doing this in the correct way for your machine. The sensor might not be in the correct position, so try adjusting it slightly to see whether it picks up on the labels coming through. Alternatively, the sensor might need re-calibrating. Either find the button on your machine that will do this for you or contact us for a little more assistance.
04
How do I clean the printhead on my label printer?
Take off the ink foil and get some of our printhead cleaning wipes, or some isopropyl spray and a cloth. Wipe the print area, removing any visible dirt or residue. Rethread the machine, reload the ink foil, and run a small job again to see whether print quality improves.
05
My printer isn’t communicating with my computer. What should I do?
The first thing to do is to check that the cable running between your computer and printer is connected properly, and in the correct port. Also ensure that the port on the computer is selected correctly (e.g. USB-C, USB), by navigating to your settings. You should also make sure that you’re trying to send a job to the correct printer, and not another that is synced with your computer.
Experience. Quality. Support.
Why Choose Soabar
40+ Years of Experience
Custom Solutions for Any Sector
Expert, Personal Service
High-Quality, Reliable Products
Nationwide Support
Frequently Asked Questions
Browse common questions about our labels, printers, software, and services. Can’t find what you need? Just ask us.
01
What is the lead time for an order?
We have a lead time of 5-7 working days for a digitally printed label order, 7-10 days for any blank labels, and 10-14 days for label orders printed on one of our flexo machines. If you’re unsure which category your order will fall under, then contact our team for a prompt answer.
02
What will the delivery cost be?
Our carrier charge is £10.16 for deliveries weighing up to 20kg. Once shipped, your order will be with you by the next working day!
03
Do you have a minimum order quantity?
No, we don’t have a minimum order quantity. All orders are priced up in accordance to your specifications, and quantity options will be given to you by one of our friendly team.
04
Can I choose sustainable materials for my labels?
Yes you can! We have various FSC accredited materials that your labels can be printed onto, and compostable options also.
05
What types of labels do you print?
We print self-adhesive labels, both printed and non-printed (blanks), card and textile labels. We also print barcode labels, tamper-proof labels and window stickers. Speak to our team if you have any specific questions, as we’ll always try our best to fulfil your requirements.
06
What format does artwork for my label order need to be in?
We kindly ask for all artwork to be sent as individual files in a PDF Print format. All fonts should be outlined, and a 2mm bleed applied to all label sides. Colours must be supplied in either CMYK or Pantone, and images should be a minimum of 300dpi resolution.
07
I’m not based in the UK, can I still order labels/products from you?
Yes of course! We ship overseas for an extra charge, and always provide the same excellent level of customer service with every order. No matter where you are in the world!
08
Why are all label prices on your website an approximate?
There are a lot of variables to consider when placing a label order. The specific material, finish and whether a label is single or double sided are all factors at play, as is the shape of the label. We do our best to supply as accurate an estimate as possible on our website, however this price might go up or down slightly depending on these factors.
Let’s Talk Labels
Need the perfect label, printer, or software for your business? Our team is ready to help you choose the right solution, answer your questions, and provide a personalised quote. Let’s make labelling easy.
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