Piggyback Labels – 2-in-1 Solution for Complex Product Information

We know about piggyback labels! A customer approached us with an enquiry for a specialist label known as a piggyback label overprinted with a supplier name, web address as well as being consecutively numbered.

Our client was in a bit of a panic because they were on a tight deadline. Thankfully, the team at Positive ID Labels have labelling experience stretching to over 100 years coupled to the flexibility you might expect from a vibrant growing business. We were able to quickly respond getting the piggyback labels produced to the correct specification and printed before their deadline.

When packaging space is limited but regulatory requirements are extensive, piggyback labels offer an innovative solution that’s transforming product labelling across multiple industries. These clever multi-layer labels provide businesses with the ability to display comprehensive information without compromising on design or readability.

What Are Piggyback Labels?

Piggyback labels, also known as peel and reveal labels or multi-layer labels, are specialized adhesive labels consisting of two or more layers. The top layer can be peeled back to reveal additional information printed on the underneath layer or on the reverse of the peel-back section. Once read, the top layer can be resealed, making these labels both functional and reusable.

The construction typically features a base label permanently affixed to the product, with a removable top label that’s lightly adhered using a repositionable adhesive. This design allows consumers to access detailed information whilst maintaining the product’s visual appeal and brand identity on the outer layer.

Key Benefits of Piggyback Labels

Piggyback labels are particularly suitable for small products with large information requirements. They enable manufacturers to comply with regulatory standards without cluttering their packaging or compromising their branding. The dual-layer format provides significantly more printable surface area compared to traditional single-layer labels, making them ideal for products requiring extensive ingredient lists, multilingual text, usage instructions, or legal disclaimers.

Common Applications and Uses

• Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Products – Piggyback labels are extensively used for medicine bottles, vitamin supplements, and over-the-counter medications where patient information leaflets, dosage instructions, and warnings must be readily accessible.
• Cosmetics and Personal Care – Beauty products, skincare items, and toiletries utilize piggyback labels to display ingredients lists, application instructions, and safety information in multiple languages whilst maintaining attractive packaging design.
• Food and Beverage Industry – Small food containers, condiment bottles, and specialty food products benefit from piggyback labels to accommodate nutritional information, allergen warnings, recipes, and promotional content without overwhelming the primary packaging.
• Chemical and Household Products – Cleaning products, pesticides, and other chemical solutions require extensive safety data sheets and usage instructions, making piggyback labels essential for regulatory compliance.
• Medical Devices and Equipment – Complex medical equipment often requires detailed operating instructions and safety warnings that piggyback labels can accommodate efficiently.
• Nutraceuticals and Supplements – Vitamin bottles and dietary supplements use piggyback labels to display supplement facts, recommended dosages, and health disclaimers comprehensively.
• Automotive and Industrial Products – Small containers of lubricants, additives, and maintenance products utilize piggyback labels for technical specifications and application guidelines.

Design and Material Considerations

When implementing piggyback labels, several factors require careful consideration. Material selection is crucial—the base label needs a strong permanent adhesive suitable for the product’s environment, whilst the top layer requires a repositionable adhesive that maintains its functionality through multiple openings.

Print quality is paramount since both layers contain important information. High-resolution printing such as that from out Xeikon 3030 printing press ensures text remains legible even on the concealed layer. The label must be designed with clear visual cues indicating it can be peeled back, often using arrows, “lift here” text, or perforated edges.

Durability considerations include resistance to moisture, temperature variations, and handling during shipping and storage. For products exposed to harsh environments, specialized materials and protective coatings may be necessary.

Compliance and Regulatory Advantages

Piggyback labels help businesses meet stringent labelling regulations across various industries. They provide space for required legal text, safety warnings, and product information without necessitating larger packaging or additional inserts. This is particularly valuable for businesses exporting products internationally, as multilingual information can be accommodated efficiently.

Commenting on the sale Mike Roberts said “Customers regularly want their orders completed in double quick time and we know we must work hard to satisfy their needs. We were very happy to have fulfilled this order which is a testament to the production staff at the company.“

To find our more about Positive ID Labels capabilities just give us a call on 01332 864895 or complete in the contact form below.