Can labeling is an important aspect of marketing and compliance for beverage alcohol suppliers. Whether you are producing beer, wine, cider, or spirits, you need to ensure that your product packaging meets the requirements of the federal law and state authorities, as well as the expectations of your customers. In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about the basics of can labeling for beverage alcohol products.
How are labels applied to cans?
There are different methods of applying alcohol labels to cans, depending on the type of label and the can material. Some of the common methods are:
Pressure-sensitive
These are self-adhesive labels that are applied to the can surface by pressure. They are suitable for metal, plastic, or glass cans, and can be printed with high-quality graphics and variable information. They are also easy to remove and recycle.
Shrink-sleeve
These are plastic labels that are wrapped around the can and shrunk by heat to fit snugly. They are ideal for irregular-shaped cans or cans with curves or contours. They can also cover the entire can surface and provide 360-degree branding and protection.
Cut-and-stack
These are paper labels that are cut to size and glued to the can body. They are economical and widely used for metal cans, especially for beer and soft drinks. They can be printed with various finishes and coatings to enhance their appearance and durability.
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What size label for 12 oz can?
The size of the label for a 12 oz can depends on the shape and dimensions of the can, as well as the type of label. For example, a standard 12 oz beer can has a diameter of 2.6 inches and a height of 4.8 inches. A pressure-sensitive type for this can would need to have a width of at least 2.6 inches and a length of at least 4.8 inches to cover the entire can surface. A shrink-sleeve style would need to have a slightly larger width and length to account for the shrinkage factor. A cut-and-stack type would need to have a width of at least 8.2 inches (the circumference of the can) and a length of at least 4.8 inches.
What size is a beer can label?
The size of a beer can label is similar to that of a 12 oz can label, as most beer cans have a standard size of 12 oz. However, some beer cans may have different sizes, such as 8 oz, 16 oz, or 19.2 oz. In that case, the size of the label would need to be adjusted accordingly. For example, a 16 oz beer can has a diameter of 2.6 inches and a height of 6.3 inches. A pressure-sensitive label for this can would need to have a width of at least 2.6 inches and a length of at least 6.3 inches.
How do you label alcohol content?
The alcohol content of an alcoholic beverage is one critical piece of information that must be clearly designated on the product, according to the Federal Alcohol Administration (FAA) Act. The alcohol content must be expressed as a percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV) or as proof (twice the ABV). The alcohol content must be placed on the brand label (the front or principal display panel) or on a separate strip label or neck label. The alcohol content must be accurate and not misleading.
Do you have to list ingredients on alcohol?
The FAA Act does not require ingredient listing for beverage alcohol products, except for certain additives or agents that may affect health or consumer perception. However, some states may have their own requirements for ingredient listing, so it is advisable to check with your local authorities before labeling your products.
Some examples of additives or agents that must be disclosed on alcohol cans are:
Coloring materials
Any artificial color added to an alcohol product must be stated on the label as “artificially colored” or “with added color” or with the specific name of the color.
Sulfites
Any sulfiting agent added to an alcohol product that results in more than 10 parts per million (ppm) of total sulfites in the finished product must be stated on the label as “contains sulfites” or “contains (a) sulfiting agent(s)”.
Other additives/agents
Some other additives or agents that may affect health or consumer perception and must be stated on the label are saccharin, aspartame, mannitol, sorbitol, caffeine (if added), FD&C Yellow No.5 (tartrazine), cochineal extract or carmine.
Can Labeling Wrapped Up
Can labeling is a vital part of your beverage alcohol business. It helps you communicate your brand identity, product quality, and regulatory compliance to your customers and authorities. By following some basic guidelines and best practices, you can ensure that your beverage alcohol cans are attractive, accurate, and compliant.
