Peel and Reveal Labels: When You Need One and What They Cost
Peel and reveal labels solve a specific problem: you have more information to display than the pack has room for. Rather than shrinking the text until nobody can read it, you add a second printed surface underneath the first.
The short answer on when you need one: if mandatory information is forcing your type size down to the point of illegibility, or you need a second language, extended instructions or a promotional element on a small pack, a peel and reveal label gives you two to four times the printed area without changing the packaging.
Positive ID Labels supply peel and reveal labels, also known as multipage or booklet labels, for producers who have run out of room. This guide covers how they work, when they earn their cost, and what to consider before specifying one.
How Peel and Reveal Labels Work
The construction of peel and reveal labels is simpler than the name suggests.
A top layer is printed on both sides and attached to a base label along one edge. The customer lifts the top layer, reads what is underneath, and it folds back down. The base label stays permanently attached to the product.
That gives you the front of the top layer, the back of the top layer, and the face of the base label. Three printed surfaces where you previously had one. Booklet formats extend this further with multiple leaves, for products carrying substantial regulatory text.
The top layer is designed to be lifted repeatedly without tearing or losing adhesion, which is what separates a properly specified peel and reveal label from a sticker stuck on top of another sticker.
When Peel and Reveal Labels Earn Their Corn
They cost more than a standard label. Four situations where that is clearly worth it:
Where Peel and Reveal Labels Are the Wrong Answer
Being honest about this saves everyone time if a speciality label is not what you need..
If your information fits on a standard front and back label, use those. Two simple labels are cheaper and simpler than one complex one.
If the extra content is marketing rather than necessary, ask whether customers will actually lift the flap. They will do it for dosage instructions. They are less likely to do it for a brand story.
And if the pack shape makes lifting awkward, a very small or tightly curved surface can make the format frustrating in practice. Send us a sample or image of the container and we will tell you honestly whether it suits.
What Affects the Cost of Peel and Reveal Labels
Four things drive the price.
For an accurate figure we need the finished size, the number of panels, the quantity and what the product is. That is usually a five minute phone call, and the price we quote is the price you pay.
Specifying Peel and Reveal Labels Properly
Three practical points worth knowing before you send artwork.
Design the mandatory content first. Work out what legally has to appear and how much space it needs at a legible size. Then design around it. Retrofitting regulatory text into a finished layout is putting the cart before the horse.
Tell us the environment. A peel and reveal label on a chilled product needs a different adhesive from one on a dry container. The lifting layer has to keep working after repeated opening in whatever conditions the product lives in.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pages can a peel and reveal label have? A simple format gives you three printed surfaces. Booklet constructions extend to considerably more for products with substantial regulatory content. Tell us how much text you need to accommodate, and we will advise on the format. If you need multiple pages, a booklet label may be the right choice
Will the top layer stay stuck after being opened? A properly specified peel and reveal label is designed for repeated opening and reclosing. The adhesive on the lifting layer is chosen for that purpose, which is different from a standard permanent adhesive.
Can I have a barcode on a peel and reveal label? Yes, and it should go on a surface that is always visible, normally the front of the top layer. A barcode hidden underneath cannot be scanned at a till without the customer opening the label.
Do they work on curved surfaces like bottles? Often yes, though tight curves make lifting harder and can encourage the flap to spring open. Send us the container or its dimensions and we will tell you whether the format suits it.
Are peel and reveal labels suitable for chemical products? They are a common solution for exactly that, since chemical labels have CLP hazard statements, and precautionary text takes up substantial room on small containers. The material and adhesive need specifying for chemical exposure, so tell us what the product is.
What is the difference between peel and reveal, multipage and booklet labels? They describe variations on the same idea. Peel and reveal usually means a single lifting layer, while booklet or multipage implies several leaves bound in. In practice, people use the terms interchangeably, so describe what you need rather than worrying about the name.
Tell Us What Will Not Fit
Most people call us because they have a layout that cannot accommodate what the regulations demand. That is a solvable problem and usually a quick conversation.
Send us the artwork you have, the container dimensions and the information that has to appear. We will tell you what format works and quote you a fixed price, not an estimate that moves later.
Call 01332 864895 or use the enquiry form. If a simple front and back label does the job, we will tell you that too.
I had an amazing experience working with Positive ID Labelling, especially Natalie. The labels were absolutely brilliant quality and exceeded my expectations. Natalie was fantastic throughout the whole process. Communication was amazing from start to finish. She was so helpful, guided me through everything, and made the whole experience stress free and enjoyable. She was also genuinely funny and a pleasure to work with, which made everything even better. I’ll definitely be working with Natalie again on future projects and would highly recommend Positive ID Labelling to anyone looking for high-quality labels and excellent customer service.
Fantastic label printing service. Labels to a very high specification. Helen was great at sorting out our requirements, quotes, and order.
We’ve had a great experience working with this supplier, especially with Natalie - she is always very responsive, professional, and friendly. The pricing is highly competitive and the sales service has been excellent from start to finish. If I could offer one suggestion, it would be to improve the account and invoice management process. It would be really helpful if there were a system for clients to easily track their past orders and invoices in one place. Overall, very pleased with the service and look forward to continuing our collaboration.
Absolutely brilliant service from start to finish. The team are brilliant and the product was excellent quality and exactly what I wanted. Natalie is amazing as are her colleagues. Will definitely be a returning customer. Thank you
