Protein Labels that attract, protect & innovate
Dear Reader, Labels and packaging for protein-based foods must perform differently than other food packaging. They often have different requirements for temperature storage, durability, air and light permeability and thus require special attention when selecting the appropriate label. The refrigerator cases and shelves continue to be increasingly competitive and brands have limited time to present their value and convert a shopper into a customer. Labels are evolving in the protein market to going beyond simple product identification. Labels are a full extension of the brand, a place to engage with the consumer and sometimes labels are serving a functional packaging purpose as well. As sustainability continues to drive innovation, experts at MCC develop eco-friendly labels that help customers reach their sustainability goals. In this whitepaper, you’ll learn about the many label solutions that MCC offers for protein-based food products, hear about some of the industry trends that we’re noticing and see how our innovations are providing for a more sustainable package. Thank you, The MCC Food and Dairy Team
In this issue 3
Disruption in Protein Packaging
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Premium label solutions for every type of protein products and packaging
Visit our website www.mcclabel.com to discover more on how our premium label solutions can meet your needs.
“Protein Labels that attract, protect & innovate” is a publication of Multi-Color Corporation.
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Interview with an Expert:
Disruption in Protein Packaging We interviewed protein label expert, Mike Wood, National Account Manager NA CPG, to learn more about the changes he is seeing in the protein focused packaging space and to hear how he has helped customers apply innovative label solutions to their protein packaging.
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Mike Wood has worked for MCC for 16 years and enjoys working with clients across the food, beverage and personal care markets. He joined MCC as an Associate Account Manager, working closely with a variety of industry leading brand owners. Today, as a National Account Manager in our Food & Dairy segment he finds himself applying elements of those early experiences to relevant projects today. MCC is a B2B supplier, so many people he meets outside of the industry are not familiar with MCC. When asked what he does for MCC he says, “I advise our clients in growing their sales and improving profitability through packaging. Packaging is powerful! It is imperative brand owners recognize the opportunities to achieve financial improvements through packaging.” Ahead you’ll read the answers to a few more questions that we asked him.
in an effort to differentiate and be seen. Brand owners use this approach to grow market share and increase revenue.
What are some of the key reasons brand owners are shifting to more premium packaging and labels? Decorative packaging is the voice of a brand throughout the retail aisle. Arguably packaging is more influential in purchasing decisions than media advertisements and celebrity endorsements. Many brands are leveraging premium packaging solutions
How much effort is required to improve a product’s label? What are some of the label innovations that can produce the best ROI? Efforts to improve and implement changes to label strategy can be greatly simplified through early stage communication with the MCC team. Leverage our experience to simplify decisions on label upgrades that
What results have been recognized after a brand has upgraded their label or taken steps to differentiate themselves from their competition? MCC has an extremely diverse client base, supporting local and global brands. Through these unique experiences with our clients MCC has strategically supported brand enhancements for many clients. Recently our team assisted one of our food clients in bringing their new brand vision to the retail shelf through the premiumization of their packaging. As a result of these packaging investments by the brand owner, they are experiencing incremental volume as well as higher consumer repeat purchase rates.
will compete for consumers attention on shelf. Some innovations in the protein category that have shown to be very effective are the use of tactile inks and coatings as well as the use of digital printing technology for customized or personalized content to consumers. Can you tell us about some of the more common changes food companies are making to their labels? Food companies, like many other categories, have historically competed heavily on price. Research still indicates price is important, however consumers also seek brands that offer value beyond price. Brand owners are leveraging packaging to align with consumer’s desires. For instance, one of our clients incorporated the use of gold metallized film into their weigh price labels to communicate the value of premium cuts of beef. Another example would be one of our national retail clients has incorporated soft touch into their deli lunch meat packages. This was done to align with the brand owner’s new clean ingredient initiative. How soon can enhancements to a products label be ready on the shelf? As a global leader in premium packaging solutions, MCC is well positioned to support our clients packaging enhancements. Our team of industry experts will be involved from development to commercialization and beyond. Many enhancements can be on shelf within weeks. Can brand owners touch and feel upgraded labels before committing to the changes? Each brand owner’s journey will be unique in the implementation of their packaging vision to shelf. To support our clients brand goals and creativity MCC has industry leading technologies and capabilities to support our clients. MCC offers Rapid Prototyping services as well as 3D imaging and Visualizer. In addition to enhanced labels, are their other ways that food companies can stimulate buying behavior? Premium packaging solutions need to fit into the overall brand identity. For some brands, premium packaging will not fit well with their identity / category. In these situations, brand owners can utilize alternative channels to engage and communicate with consumers in the aisle. Many brand owners MCC works with leverage Instant Redeemable Coupons (IRC’s) and promotional game pieces. How would you describe a brand that stands to gain the most out of upgrading their labels? Opportunities are abundant for Brand Owners to enhance their market position through packaging. In my opinion, new emerging brands or new product extensions of existing brands have the greatest to gain from packaging upgrades. In these situations, brand
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The customers I work with appreciate our consultative approach to label solutions. We focus on solving their most pressing challenges with innovative solutions, while being conscious of cost and other limitations.” Mike Wood, National Account Manager NA CPG at MCC
owners are entering new products into markets with fierce competition. A deliberate and tactical approach to packaging design can be pivotal in the brand owner’s success. What are the first steps towards enhancing a product’s label? Begin a conversation, reach out to your MCC sales professional or contact us through www.mcclabel.com and request a consultation with our team. Labels for protein products sometimes need to be approached differently than other product labels, what sales support service(s) addresses this different approach to protein labels? MCC has an amazing Application Engineering team. MCC’s ongoing investment in this team has proven to be extremely valuable to my clients on many occasions. This team provides on-site support at our clients’ manufacturing locations to optimize packaging performance as well as identify/implement improvement opportunities. It’s also worth mentioning MCC’s Product Leadership team which continues to be invaluable to the success of our clients. Speed to market is critical and when new project development is initiated our clients seek to leverage MCC’s expertise.
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Premium label solutions for every type of protein products and packaging
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MCC is a global leader in product decoration and helps customers find the best label solutions that utilize various innovations to attract, protect and innovate. Protein products can come in a variety of packaging and require various functions from labeling. The best label for your product may depend on application technique, transportation conditions, storage environment, label appearance or some combination of these factors. As we present the innovative labels for protein-focused solutions, you’ll see that we offer something for each type of product, packaging and supply chain constraints.
Pressure Sensitive Labels Pressure sensitive labeling is the perfect balance of cost efficiency and premium brand appeal that produces sharp, bright colors in a wide variety of applications. Pressure Sensitive labels are very similar to stickers. They require pressure to form a bond between the adhesive and the product. The self-adhesive characteristics of these labels mean that no water, solvent or heat is required for the label to adhere to the product. Pressure sensitive labels are not only easily applied but can also be easily removed simply by peeling off the label from the container. They can be used on almost any material from glass, to plastic, paper, polystyrene foam and metal. Pressure Sensitive labels are easy to use, look great, and contain all the important information you need.
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Linerless Labels Linerless labels combine 360-degree branding with significant cost savings. Linerless pressure sensitive labels have a silicone release coating to prevent labels from adhering to those wound on the roll underneath. Improve the labeling of trays, clamshells, and skin packs for meat/protein, bakeries, ready-to-eat meals, fresh produce, twin packs, and frozen pizza, with up to 50 percent more labels per roll. Avoid costs by eliminating fees associated with liner disposal. Reduce packaging materials, warehouse space, and transportation costs for label storage.
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We are very excited about the future of linerless at MCC. Linerless provides our clients with a decorating solution which provides enhanced sustainability. As well, linerless drives operational and cost efficiencies across the business.” Mike Wood, National Account Manager NA CPG at MCC
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L-Boards and Folding Cartons Folding Cartons help your brand stand out to consumers on the crowded retail shelf space. Maximize your brand’s success with visually appealing, functional packaging that brings your product positioning to life. Folding Cartons serve as an effective point-ofpurchase display that enable your brand to shine during the consumer’s first moment of truth. According to retail industry sources, about 70 percent of purchase decisions are made at the shelf. Special effects like registered hot stamping and embossing and debossing are just a few features that can be added to your folding cartons to enhance shelf appeal.
Shrink Sleeve Shrink sleeve technology optimizes the printable label area with 360-degree graphics, while accommodating extreme container contour. This flexibility is applicable to virtually any shape or size container on a variety of films. Shrink sleeve labels are the fastest growing label technology for many different reasons. This solution allows you to have a 360-degree display of your beautiful graphics and text. This in turn gives your products maximum marketing exposure and aesthetic impact
Once the film contacts heat, the label shrinks and tightly conforms to the shape of the container. Shrink sleeve labels can accommodate extreme container contour. This flexibility is applicable to virtually any shape or size container on a variety of films.
Resin Imagine a very sophisticated wax seal, which can be produced in different sizes, colors and formats. That’s our unique resin label. Be creative, let your imagination run wild and anything is possible. This is your opportunity to enhance and add value to your packaging. Resin labels add an undeniable look of luxury to your packaging. The heightened embossed elements make the label look and feel like a pressed wax seal. Opting for the clear resin label offers the opportunity of making your bottles look like custom embossed glass, but for a fraction of the price. In addition to driving value perception and providing heightened shelf presence, it is important to note that these labels are also water resistant and durable.
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Cut & Stack
Smart Labels
Cut & Stack labels are extremely cost-effective for highvolume products. They offer a variety of substrates and embellishments. The name of this label leaves little to the imagination. It is printed on large sheets or rolls. Afterwards, the labels are cut into the correct shape. These labels are highly recommended for high-volume products: low material costs and total applied costs provide an effective solution. Cut & stack is designed for efficient application during the packaging process. The minimal waste makes this an eco-friendly label. In addition, we also offer a sustainable variant: the paper label. It’s possible to print your design on a wide variety of substrates, including paper (metallized and holographic), film (metallized and opaque), and eco grades. To enhance the label design, there’s a comprehensive range of embellishments including foil stamping, embossing, striking metallics, stunning varnish effects, and intricate shapes.
Easily connect with your consumer using innovative technology. Today’s consumers live in a rapidly digital world that is seamlessly integrating into everyday life. The consumer desire for convenience, as well as immersive consumption experiences, has driven rapid technological change across the FMCG, retail, and food service landscapes. In turn, consumer needs and expectations are evolving, and brands are now embracing the latest digital technology to cater to these newfound behaviors and expectations.
ReseaLabel™ Maximize freshness with convenient, resealable packaging. Our pressure sensitive recloseable label is incorporated directly in your packaging to maximize freshness while providing tamper evidence. ReseaLabel™ is a convenient and reliable packaging closure that adds cost-effective functionality to packaging. Using proprietary equipment, MCC prints and applies a pressure sensitive label to preprinted flexible film. The film is then die-cut to provide the consumer with a re-closeable feature.
Learn more about how our ReseaLabelTM innovation helps keep products fresh here.
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5 Reasons to Choose MCC for Your Protein Product Labels
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Near limitless choices of label enhancements and embellishments
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Smart food labels allow product tracking and security features
Sustainable label innovations and a comprehensive approach to reducing waste and pollution
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Functional labels that can protect and preserve freshness
We guide you through every step of the process
Our packaging experts are ready for your next project
Visit our website www.mcclabel.com to discover more on how our premium label solutions can meet your needs.