Packaging Guides
Custom Labels: Pricing, Materials & Ordering Guide for 2026
Cubit Editorial Team
May 22, 2026
What Are Custom Labels?
Custom labels are printed adhesive products manufactured to a brand's specifications — including size, shape, material, adhesive type, and finish. They transform generic containers (bottles, jars, pouches, boxes) into branded products and serve as the primary point of communication between a product and its buyer.
The global label market is valued at $52.1 billion in 2025 (Smithers, 2025), with custom/digital labels growing at 7.2% annually — nearly double the rate of conventional labels — driven by craft brands, regulatory requirements, and short-run economics.
Types of Custom Labels
Roll Labels
Roll labels are wound on a core (typically 3 inch ID) and designed for automatic or semi-automatic application. They are the standard for bottled beverages, cosmetics, supplements, and food products. Pricing: $0.03-$0.12 per label at 1,000+ units. Order custom roll labels
Sheet Labels
Sheet labels are printed on letter or A4 sheets, with multiple labels per sheet. Ideal for small batches, hand-application, and home businesses. Pricing: $0.05-$0.15 per label. Custom sheet labels
Waterproof Labels
Made from BOPP (biaxially-oriented polypropylene) or vinyl, waterproof labels resist moisture, oils, and refrigeration. Essential for bath products, beverages, frozen foods, and outdoor products. Pricing: $0.06-$0.18 per label. Waterproof labels
Specialty Labels
Includes holographic labels, NFC/smart labels, tamper-evident labels, QR code labels, and nutritional labels. Each serves specific regulatory or brand protection needs. Pricing: $0.08-$0.50 per label depending on technology.
Label Materials Compared
| Material | Best For | Water-Resistant? | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Matte Paper | General products, natural brands | No | $0.03-$0.08 |
| White Gloss Paper | Retail products, food | No | $0.04-$0.10 |
| Kraft Paper | Natural/organic, handmade goods | No | $0.04-$0.09 |
| Clear BOPP | No-label look, cosmetics | Yes | $0.06-$0.15 |
| White BOPP | Bath/body, beverages, frozen food | Yes | $0.06-$0.14 |
| Vinyl | Outdoor, industrial, chemicals | Yes | $0.08-$0.20 |
| Metallic Film | Premium/luxury products | Yes | $0.10-$0.25 |
Custom Label Pricing Breakdown
| Quantity | Paper Labels | BOPP Labels | Vinyl Labels |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 | $0.12-$0.20 | $0.18-$0.30 | $0.25-$0.40 |
| 1,000 | $0.05-$0.10 | $0.08-$0.16 | $0.12-$0.22 |
| 5,000 | $0.03-$0.07 | $0.06-$0.12 | $0.08-$0.15 |
| 10,000+ | $0.02-$0.05 | $0.04-$0.08 | $0.06-$0.12 |
How much do custom labels cost?
Custom labels cost between $0.02 and $0.50 per label depending on material, size, quantity, and finishing. Paper labels start at $0.03/label at 1,000 units. Waterproof BOPP labels start at $0.06/label. The biggest cost driver is quantity — moving from 250 to 5,000 units reduces per-label cost by 60-75%.
What is the minimum order for custom labels?
Digital printing enables MOQs as low as 250 labels. Flexographic printing (better per-unit economics) typically requires 5,000-10,000 labels. Most brands start with 1,000-2,000 labels to test designs before scaling.
What label material should I use for bottles?
For bottles exposed to moisture (beverages, bath products, cleaning products), use BOPP or vinyl. For dry-environment bottles (supplements, cosmetics), paper labels with a laminate coating work well and cost less. For a premium no-label look, use clear BOPP film.
How do I design custom labels?
Create artwork at 300 DPI in CMYK with 0.0625 inch bleed. Include all required regulatory text (ingredients, warnings, barcodes). Most label printers provide die-cut templates. Cubit AI Design Studio can generate label designs from a text description.
What is the difference between roll labels and sheet labels?
Roll labels are wound on a core for machine application — faster and more consistent for high-volume products. Sheet labels are printed on flat sheets for hand application — better for small batches, home businesses, and variable data (different flavors on the same sheet).