Labels vs Pouches
Choosing the Right Fit for Your Brand and Product
Explore why both traditional self-adhesive labels and digitally printed pouches have key advantages and how hybrid strategies can deliver the best of both worlds.
Packaging that works as hard as your brand.
In today’s fast-paced packaging landscape, brands are no longer constrained to just one packaging format. Self-adhesive labels revolutionised product packaging decades ago, offering texture, finish, and branding flexibility. But as digitally printed pouches rise in popularity (due to their speed, sustainability, and expansive artwork opportunities), brands need to decide which format (or combination) best suits their product, audience, and market goals.
At Bakers, we’re in a unique position to help you make that choice. We’ve got decades of expertise in premium label printing and a dedicated flexible packaging division in BakPac, giving you access to the very best of both worlds.
Why Labels Still Reign
There’s a reason self-adhesive labels have stood the test of time. They’re one of the most adaptable, cost-effective, and creative ways to brand your product.
Whether you’re launching a small-batch artisan gin or producing millions of units for a national retail chain, labels give you the flexibility to work across glass, plastic, metal, and more, without needing to redesign your packaging.
Key benefits of labels:
- Huge choice of materials and adhesives for almost any surface.
- Enhanced branding with premium finishes like foiling, varnish, or embossing.
- Cost-effective for small runs, seasonal promotions, and frequent artwork changes.
- Compatible with automated label applicators for high-speed production.
- Tactile options for luxury, craft, or niche markets.
Best suited for:
- Bottles, jars, tubes, and flat containers.
- Products requiring multi-page peal and read legislative content
- Products where premium feel and embellishment are key.
Explore our label printing and finishing capabilities.
Where Digitally Printed Pouches Excel
Digitally printed pouches have exploded in popularity across industries like health food, pet care, beauty, and supplements. Why? Because they combine lightweight practicality with a large printable surface, giving your branding room to shine.
See what’s possible with our BakPac pouch samples.
Advantages of pouches:
- Reduced packaging weight for lower transport costs and smaller carbon footprint.
- Full 360° branding surface – ideal for bold visuals and high-impact designs.
- Available in recyclable and mono-material films for improved sustainability.
- Built-in resealable options for convenience and freshness.
- Fast production turnaround – perfect for product launches or trial runs.
Best suited for:
- Dry goods, powders, granules, and liquids.
- E-commerce and subscription boxes.
- Refill packs to support sustainable initiatives.
The Rise of Digitally Printed Flexible Packaging
Through BakPac, we run two HP Indigo 200K presses (the only company with the power of two in the UK) to produce vibrant, custom-printed pouches with speed and precision.
Labels vs Pouches – A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Self-Adhesive Labels | Digitally Printed Pouches |
| Design Area | Limited to applied surface | Full 360 degree coverage |
| Set Up Costs | Low for single designs; may increase with many finishes | Fewer setup costs: great for multiple variants |
| Consumer experience | Familiar trusted format | Modern, lightweight and convenient |
| Sustainability | Multi-material in many cases | lightweight, fewer components, recyclable |
| Lead Times | Fast, especially for digital runs | Also fast with digital printing |
Smart Packaging Strategies
Examples of hybrid strategies:
- Use pouches for refills and labels for premium retail packaging.
- Target e-commerce customers with pouches (lightweight for postage) and keep labelled glass jars for in-store display.
- Introduce seasonal SKUs in pouches to test new designs without large production runs.
When planning your packaging, also consider your supply chain:
- How will the packaging be filled and sealed?
- Will it need to survive shipping or storage in varied conditions?
- Can it be stored flat to save space before filling?
Discover our sustainable materials for both labels and pouches.
Market Trends and Insights
Global demand for flexible packaging is climbing rapidly, with the digital pouch market expected to reach $28.7 billion by 2033 (source: Law Print Pack). The push for sustainability is a major driver, as consumers demand lighter, recyclable formats that reduce plastic waste.
Pouches are particularly gaining traction in beauty, wellness, and premium food markets thanks to their modern appeal and practicality. But labels aren’t going anywhere, especially for brands where heritage, tactile finishes, and rigid packaging formats remain essential.
Read more about why pouch packaging is growing in the cosmetics sector.
Final thoughts on Labels vs Pouches
In general, whether you’re refining your current packaging or considering a complete format change, the right choice will balance design impact, sustainability, practicality, and cost. At Bakers, we can advise you on both label and pouch printing, and even help you combine the two for maximum impact.
Call our team on 01277 281900 or email sales@bakerlabels.co.uk
Need Expert Advice? Let's Talk!
At Bakers, we specialise in high-quality label finishing techniques that enhance your brand. Whether you need varnishing, laminating, or a combination of both, we’ll help you find the perfect solution.
Read more about other label finishing options