Knowing how and when to use brand stickers and labels can make a huge difference. Stickers create emotion and attract attention, while labels are decorative and enhance the brand experience. Labels, on the other hand, convey essential product information. To avoid confusion, let’s take a comprehensive look at their differences and uses.
Last updated: August 2025 | Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
This article will answer your questions
- The difference between stickers and labels
- How to choose the most suitable material
- Using stickers to create second exposure
- Designing effective branded stickers
- How to use stickers and labels in various industries
- How to label correctly and maintain professionalism
What is the difference between stickers and labels?
Stickers are used for decoration and promotion, while labels are for information expression and compliance.
Stickers are used to attract attention and may contain brand logos or artistic patterns. Labels are part of product packaging and carry brand elements, product information, production date, ingredient list, etc.
You can compare stickers to expressing emotions, while labels are a vehicle for building trust with end consumers. Now that you know the difference between the two, you can choose the right one for you.
Core difference comparison
| Feature | Sticker | Label | Benefit to You |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Role | Decoration / Promotion | Identity / Information | More accurate information delivery |
| Placement | Anywhere on or inside packaging | Main product surface | Control the first impression |
| Lifespan | Short-term or reusable | Long-term | Match usage purpose with brand goals |
Event scenario: Design stickers related to the event theme in the packaging so that customers can take them out to spread the brand.
Export Compliance: Labels must comply with regulations, especially for food, cosmetics, electronics, etc.
Case: A US cosmetics brand uses gold-stamped labels on its product jars and distributes holographic stickers at beauty shows to facilitate dissemination and further inspire sharing and forwarding.
Further reading: Key points for export packaging compliance
Which sticker and label materials are suitable for long-term use?
Paper, PVC, PET and special process uses are different.
Paper is environmentally friendly and organic, but its water resistance is poor. PVC and PET are durable and water-resistant, making them suitable for outdoor products. Special processes such as matte film, holographic, and embossed can provide end consumers with a pleasant visual and tactile experience.
Overview of common materials:
| Material | Durability | Best Application Scenario | Benefit to You |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper | Low | Organic, handmade brands | Eco-friendly, non-polluting |
| PVC / PET | High | Outdoor products, beverages | Waterproof, durable |
| Special Finishes | Medium–High | Premium, limited edition campaigns | Enhances visual differentiation |
For products exported to humid areas, PET labels are preferred to avoid fading and falling off.
How to use stickers and labels to enhance your brand?
- Create unboxing surprises: Put brand stickers in the packaging to encourage users to share and earn points.
- Increase event engagement: Use stickers to describe relevant topics at the exhibition.
- Maintain consistency: Use consistent colors, fonts, and icons across all labels and branding.
Case study: A British coffee brand updated its holiday packaging with Christmas stickers without changing the label design, reducing printing costs by 40%.
How to design a brand sticker?
- Spreadable: Show some interesting, meme-like, and interactive designs.
- Scalable size: Ensures clear visibility at different sizes.
- Touch craftsmanship: optional hot stamping or embossing to increase the sense of luxury.
How do different industries use stickers and labels?
- Food and Beverage: The label displays the beverage’s ingredients, nutritional information, taste, expiration date and other points of concern to customers.
- Cosmetics: Labels must comply with legal requirements, and stickers can be co-branded or limited edition.
- Electronic products: Labels indicate product specifications and safety information, and anti-tamper stickers protect the warranty.
How to label correctly?
- Clean surface: wipe off dust with alcohol before pasting
- Reasonable copy layout: Neat copy layout is easy to read and also shows the professionalism of the brand
- Clearly visible: Review key product information in both retail and transportation
Sticker and label branding trends in 2025
Add a QR code: Link to product videos and brand stories to encourage users to scan and follow.
Variable data printing: Personalized greetings or batch tracking.
Degradable material: responding to the environmental protection trend.
FAQs
Yes, stickers are cheap, come in a variety of designs, are portable, and are easy to spread.
Either stickers or labels can be placed on the product packaging, such as the box seal, bottle or can. The best placement is where the user can see it.
Conclusion
Stickers attract attention, labels build trust.
The material should match the intended use, the design should be easily transferable, and the placement should be meticulous. Use stickers to flexibly adapt to events, and use labels to ensure brand consistency and compliance.
Next step: Review your packaging to identify opportunities to add stickers for increased exposure or optimize labels to convey your brand story.
About XiangGe Package
We have over 10 years of export experience, serving over 100 countries, providing durable and compliant labels and eye-catching stickers for industries such as food, cosmetics, and electronics.
Get a free sample or design consultation.
Last updated: August 2025
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