Peel and reveal labels continue to play a critical role in helping brands meet legal obligations while maintaining attractive packaging. With tougher enforcement on labelling regulations in 2025, especially in the UK and EU, companies must carefully consider both the technical and compliance aspects when designing multi-layer labels. A poorly designed label can result in costly recalls, fines, or market restrictions. To avoid these issues, it is crucial to understand the key requirements that regulators now prioritise.
Include All Mandatory Information
The starting point for any compliant peel and reveal label is ensuring that all mandatory product information is included within the label’s layers. This often covers directions for use, safety warnings, allergen details, batch numbers, and in some cases, multi-language translations. Regulatory bodies expect this information to be clearly visible and legible once the label is opened. Text must be printed using high-contrast colours and minimum font sizes as defined under laws such as the UK Food Information Regulations and the EU CLP Regulation. For pharmaceutical products, the inclusion of tamper-evident features and unique serial numbers is now compulsory under the Falsified Medicines Directive, and peel and reveal labels offer a practical solution to incorporate these features without overcrowding the main pack design.
Prioritise Ease of Use
Opening mechanisms have become a focal point for regulators, particularly in industries where product safety is essential. Labels must show a clear peel indicator, ensuring users can easily identify where to lift the label. Once peeled, the label should open smoothly and reseal securely if necessary, with adhesive strength balanced to prevent accidental tearing or detachment. This usability testing is crucial, as poor opening design can be flagged during routine audits or field inspections.
Choose Compliant Materials
Material choice is another major compliance factor. New packaging legislation, especially the UK’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, penalises the use of non-recyclable components. This means companies should avoid adhesives or liners that contaminate recycling streams or finishes that hinder the recyclability of the overall pack. Inks also require careful selection. Those containing substances restricted under REACH legislation or interfering with barcode scanning are likely to cause compliance failures. Choosing certified materials and working with reputable suppliers helps brands avoid these pitfalls.
Understand Sector-Specific Rules
Different sectors impose further specific rules. Agrochemical products, for example, must ensure hazard pictograms remain permanently visible, even when using multi-layer labels. Cosmetic products are now subject to stricter allergen labelling, requiring accurate ingredient disclosures that remain legible for the product’s shelf life. Industrial and chemical products often require chemical-resistant materials, with certain applications demanding labels tested to BS5609 standards for marine and hazardous environments.
Check Compliance Before Production
Before proceeding to mass production, brands should run thorough internal compliance checks, ideally involving their regulatory, legal, and quality teams. Testing label prototypes for peel strength, readability after multiple openings, and durability in storage conditions can identify risks early.
