A food product label serves far more functions than just being visually appealing. Above all, it is a carrier of information – legal, health-related, and marketing – which must be clear, durable, and compliant with current regulations. That is why food label printing is an area that requires special attention.
In 2025, the food industry faces major challenges: tightening EU regulations, growing consumer awareness, and requirements linked to packaging recycling. In this article, we will look at the legal requirements that must be met, how to plan a food label design, and which technologies are best suited for food label printing.
1. Basic legal requirements for food labels
EU Regulation 1169/2011
The most important legal act governing food labeling is Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011. It requires producers to provide, among other things:
- a full list of ingredients,
- nutritional values (GDA/Nutrition Facts table),
- allergens highlighted in bold font,
- the minimum durability date or use-by date,
- information about the producer and country of origin,
- storage and preparation instructions (where applicable).
Additional requirements
- The label must be legible – the minimum font size for mandatory information is 1.2 mm (or 0.9 mm for small packages).
- Information must be in the language of the country where the product is sold – in Poland, it must be in Polish.
- Information that could mislead consumers is prohibited.
👉 This means that food label printing cannot be random – it must combine attractive design with strict compliance with regulations.
2. The most common mistakes on food labels
- Missing allergen indications – e.g. milk, nuts, or gluten.
- Fonts that are too small – information unreadable to consumers.
- Incomplete producer data – no address or country of origin.
- Incorrect translations – especially on imported products.
- Technical issues – poor print quality causing information to rub off.
Professional food label printing eliminates these errors through quality control, 100% visual inspection, and the use of certified materials.
3. How to design a good food label?
Key design principles
- Legibility: contrast between text and background, appropriate font size.
- Information hierarchy: the most important details (name, expiry date) should be highlighted.
- Visual appeal: the label should stand out on the shelf.
- Brand consistency: colors, logo, tone of communication.
Additional elements
- QR codes – provide access to additional online information.
- Icons and symbols – e.g. BIO, eco, gluten-free certifications.
- Transparent labels – for premium products with a “no-label look.”
4. Food label printing technologies
Flexographic label printing
Most commonly used for large runs. Advantages:
- cost-effective at high volumes,
- wide range of materials and finishes,
- low-migration inks compliant with food safety requirements.
Digital label printing
Best suited for small and medium runs. Advantages:
- quick language version changes,
- personalization (e.g. flavors, short series),
- no plate-making costs.
Hybrid label printing
Combines flexography and digital printing – ideal for brands offering many product variants.
5. Materials and adhesives used in food labels
- Coated and uncoated paper – classic solution for dry products.
- PP and PE films – resistant to moisture and grease, ideal for chilled products.
- PET and transparent materials – for premium packaging.
- Food-grade adhesives – certified for indirect contact with food.
👉 The choice of material has a major impact on print durability and consumer safety – which is why food label printing requires thorough analysis of the product and its storage conditions.
6. Ecology and recycling in food label printing
In 2025, compliance with the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) is especially important. Eco-trends include:
- mono-materials (label and packaging made from the same material),
- wash-off adhesives that allow separation of labels from bottles,
- eco-inks – water-based and low-migration,
- design for recycling – designing labels so they do not hinder recyclability.
7. Industries in food label printing
Beverages
- shrink-sleeve labels for bottles,
- moisture-resistant film labels.
Dairy products
- paper and film labels resistant to refrigeration,
- the possibility of applying dates via inkjet printing.
Bakery and confectionery
- eco-paper labels,
- allergen and ingredient information.
Premium products
- labels with enhancements (gold foil, cold foil, embossing),
- transparent labels with a “no-label look.”
8. Case studies
- Organic juice producer: use of film labels with wash-off adhesive. Result: compliance with recycling requirements, product stood out in the eco-segment.
- Artisanal bakery: digital printing of short runs with different flavor variants. Result: time savings and flexibility in promotions.
- Dairy company: flexographic printing of labels resistant to moisture and low temperatures. Result: print durability throughout shelf life.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions
1. What information must appear on a food label?
Product name, ingredients, allergens, nutrition facts, expiry date, producer details.
2. Do food labels need to be printed with low-migration inks?
Yes – this is a safety requirement for indirect food contact.
3. Which technology is best for food label printing?
Flexography for large runs, digital for short runs, and hybrid for multiple product variants.
4. Which materials are the most eco-friendly?
Mono-materials (label and packaging made from the same substance), FSC-certified paper, wash-off adhesives.
5. How much does food label printing cost?
The price depends on material, run size, printing technology, and finishing.
6. Must all food labels be translated into Polish?
Yes – if the product is sold on the Polish market, the label must include full information in Polish.
Food label printing is a process that requires balancing aesthetics, functionality, and regulatory compliance. In 2025, producers must pay particular attention to:
- compliance with EU Regulation 1169/2011,
- print durability and resistance to storage conditions,
- ecology and recyclability,
- visual appeal that makes the product stand out on the shelf.
Professional food label printing is not just about meeting legal requirements – it is also a tool for building brand identity and consumer trust. The choice of the right technology (flexography, digital, or hybrid printing) should be tailored to the run size, material, and product specifics.