Austin, Texas is a creative hub — from artisan coffee to vegan skincare, it’s a city where independent makers and small businesses thrive. But in such a crowded and competitive market, how do you make your product stand out?
Custom labels are the answer.
In Austin, custom labels aren’t just stickers. They’re powerful branding tools that help businesses connect with customers, meet compliance requirements, and tell their story visually — whether on a jar, bottle, box, or pouch.
If you run a product-based business in Austin, this guide is for you. We’ll break down:
- What types of labels are used locally
- Which materials work best in Texas weather
- Design tips for strong branding
- Where to get labels printed in Austin
- And much more
Why Austin Businesses Need Custom Labels
Austin is unique. It’s home to thousands of:
- Cottage food businesses
- Skincare startups
- Craft beverage brands
- CBD and supplement companies
- DTC eCommerce sellers on Shopify, Etsy, and Amazon
In each case, packaging is critical. A high-quality custom label can:
- Elevate your product’s perceived value
- Differentiate your item from others on the shelf
- Meet state and federal regulatory requirements
- Improve the unboxing experience for online shoppers
- Reinforce your brand personality with every purchase
Label Types That Austin Businesses Commonly Use
Whether you’re bottling, canning, mailing, or promoting — there’s a custom label for that.
Most Common Label Types:
| Label Type | Common Uses in Austin |
|---|---|
| Product Labels | Jars, bottles, tins, boxes |
| Tamper-Evident Seals | Skincare, supplements, beverages |
| Promotional Stickers | Event giveaways, SXSW swag, QR codes |
| Shipping Labels | eCommerce orders (Shopify, Etsy, Amazon) |
| Compliance Labels | CBD, supplements, FDA-required info |
| Seasonal Labels | Holiday launches, limited editions |
Pro tip: Many Austin brands use multiple types of labels together — for example, one on the front, one on the back, and one as a seal or promo insert.
Choosing the Right Label Material
Austin’s climate (hot summers, humidity, and cold snaps) means you must choose a label material that’s not only attractive but functional.
| Material | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| White BOPP | Waterproof, oil-resistant | Food, beverages, skincare |
| Clear BOPP | Transparent finish | Minimalist look, glass containers |
| Kraft Paper | Eco-friendly, earthy aesthetic | Organic or handmade products |
| Vinyl | Durable, UV/weather-resistant | Outdoor use, heavy-duty packaging |
| Textured Paper | Premium, tactile feel | Wine, luxury products |
| Foil Paper | Reflective shine | Spirits, beauty, gift sets |
If your products are refrigerated, used in bathrooms, or handled frequently, go for BOPP or vinyl to avoid peeling or smudging.
Legal Requirements: What Your Label Must Include
Depending on your product, different laws apply. These are the basics most Austin businesses need to include:
| Product Type | Label Requirements |
|---|---|
| Food Products | Net weight, ingredients, allergens, business info |
| Cosmetics | Ingredients, warnings, directions, volume |
| Supplements | FDA disclaimer, supplement facts, serving size |
| CBD Products | THC content, QR code to lab report, compliance note |
| Alcohol | TTB approval, ABV %, origin, volume |
Make sure your label complies with:
- FDA (for food, cosmetics, supplements)
- TTB (for beer, wine, spirits)
- Texas DSHS (for cottage food or local production)
If you’re unsure, many Austin label printers offer regulatory label consultation.
Where to Print Custom Labels in Austin
Working with a local label printing company has major benefits:
- Faster turnaround
- Easier communication
- Sample reviews in person
- Lower shipping costs
Top-Rated Austin Label Printers:
- Austin Label Company – Short runs and custom shapes
- Capital Printing Co. – Great for retail-ready products
- Print Globe – Ideal for promotional and event labels
- Blue Label Packaging – Premium finishes and upscale materials
- Sticker Mule (with local delivery) – Die-cut labels, great for startups
Ask for samples before placing a bulk order.
Printing Methods and Turnaround Time
| Method | Best For | Lead Time (Avg.) |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Printing | Short runs, quick jobs | 3–5 days |
| Flexographic | Bulk printing, consistency | 7–12 days |
| Offset | High volume, rich detail | 10–15 days |
Some Austin printers offer rush options (24–48 hours) or local pickup, which is helpful if you’re preparing for an event like SXSW, ACL, or a launch party.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Labeling in Austin
Austin buyers care about the planet. Consider:
- Recycled paper materials
- Plant-based inks
- Biodegradable adhesives
- Minimal packaging designs
Many printers in Austin now specialize in sustainable label options, which can boost your product’s appeal — especially in natural grocery stores or wellness boutiques.
Using Labels for eCommerce Success
If you sell online (Shopify, Amazon, Etsy), custom labels are crucial for:
- Branded packaging inserts
- Return address stickers
- Thank you notes or promo codes
- Custom box labels
Consistent labeling builds trust with online shoppers and encourages repeat business.
How Much Do Custom Labels Cost in Austin?
Pricing depends on quantity, size, material, and finishing.
| Order Size | Avg. Cost Per Label |
|---|---|
| 100–500 | $0.50–$1.25 |
| 1,000–5,000 | $0.15–$0.60 |
| 10,000+ | $0.05–$0.30 |
Add-ons like foil, embossing, die cuts, and custom finishes can increase the cost, but they often provide major ROI in shelf appeal and brand perception.
Label Finishes That Stand Out
Give your label personality with the right finish:
- Gloss Laminate – Bold colors, clean shine
- Matte Laminate – Soft texture, upscale vibe
- Spot UV – Glossy detail on logos or text
- Foil Stamping – Luxurious and attention-grabbing
- Embossing/Debossing – Textural branding
- Clear Labels – “No label” look on transparent containers
Local printers often allow mix-and-match finishes for A/B testing.
Austin Brands Winning with Custom Labels
1. Riverbend Coffee Co.
They upgraded from blank kraft labels to full-color matte BOPP with QR codes — resulting in a 40% increase in reorders via Shopify.
2. Ladybird Botanicals
This skincare brand uses clear waterproof labels with clean fonts and minimalist icons, winning shelf space in three Whole Foods Market locations.
3. Casa Verde Salsa
A classic Texas hot sauce company that uses foil-accented labels shaped like the state of Texas — a hit at local grocery co-ops and farmers markets.
