Drink Asia Drink Asia March April 2019 | Page 16

Drink Wrap demand is increasing day by day because of their various advantages over the conventional labels such as: better marketing and brand identity; attractive visual on-shelf appeal to consumers; etc. The recent developments in sleeve label films and manufacturing processes are also improving the quality and definition of sleeve labels on a continual basis. The market of sleeve labels is influenced by other factors such as: economic influences; consumer demand for convenience products; and retail trends. In the coming years, sleeve labels will increasingly become the “gotta have it” labelling technology, particularly for the beverage industry. The data revealed by the research firm MarketsandMarkets predicts that the global shrink and stretch sleeve labels market will reach $13.2 billion by 2020. This is happening because of its advantages over the traditional labels. Some advantages are mentioned below: Cost Effective Labels: These sleeve labels offer a cost-effective method of decorating highly complex shaped containers. As mentioned earlier these labels can be used for any type of packaging material. They also eliminate the use of coloured containers by providing a new era of promotional opportunities. They have a capability to cover contours of the product that would otherwise be difficult for standard adhesive labels to cover. As we are witnessing nowadays, the sleek and curvaceous bottles are trending in the beverage industry. This changing trend is also pushing the manufacturers towards sleeve labels. Improving Brand Identity: Just like the way your personal identity makes you uniquely you, the brand identity is a set of all brand elements that a company has created to represent the right image of itself to the consumer. The sleeve labels have an advantage when it comes to making a product stand out to consumers as compared to the conventional labels. These labels can be applied on the package in a variety of ways like covering the half body or full-body i.e. 360°coverage. This allows the manufacturer to use the extra space left on the container to communicate with the prospective customers. Also, it is mandatory nowadays to put labelling regulations on the container itself and with the sleeve labels which offer extra space to conform to regulatory standards as well as allowing the label to have eye-catching designs to reach out to consumers. package. All these factors are considered important when spurring consumers to try a new product and when building brand loyalty. Marketing/Promotion: The sleeve labels are ideal for multipacks and other promotional options because they are capable of providing “added value” for the packaging. The sleeve labels have become an integral part of the marketing concept as they provide multiple possibilities for communicating and promotional concepts, right on the product itself. Recent developments over the last decade in sleeve label technology have made full-body coverage more aesthetically pleasing and more cost-efficient. The newest sleeves provide exceptional container design freedom by allowing manufacturers to differentiate their products with appealing contoured shapes that attract shelf attention of the end c o n s u m e r. T h e s l e e v e labels not only possess a superior overall appearance but also create a stronger emotional connection with the consumers. The food and beverage manufacturers must take advantage of such new technologies in order to compete in an increasingly challenging environment. So, the next time you visit the store notice all the unique shaped products and see how well their labelling is! On-shelf Impact: The sleeve labels enhance package aesthetic appeal and design potential. Various studies reveal that sleeve labels create stronger consumer emotional connections than conventional labels. They also act as a key influencer of product trials and long- term sales. These labels offer unseen savings by eliminating tamper-evident drop bands, removing colorant from closures and bottles, and reducing UV inhibitors in the Drink Asia 16 March-April 2019 Other Functions: The retailers and the manufacturers usually face problems like product tampering and grazing, which needs to be prevented. These labels benefit you with multiple options that include: customer protection; brand protection; and reputation protection with tamper evident seals; opening aid; etc. (Sources Available on Demand)