Self-adhesive labels & Vial Labels

Vial labels and peptide labels, printed from 100 pcs

A vial label is the printed label wrapped around a glass vial: product name, strength, volume, batch and expiry, usually supplied on a roll for automatic application. We print the label and die-cut it to the diameter you specify. The vial, the stopper and the crimp cap come from your container supplier.

This page covers the labels we print for peptide, pharmaceutical and diagnostic vials from 2ml to 10ml, in the stocks and finishes that survive a clinic, a cold chain and an inspection bench.

What makes a vial label different from a normal label

Three constraints separate it from a retail label. The printable band is narrow, so every element has to earn its space. The surface is curved, so the label has to close on itself without overlap. And the label carries regulated information, so batch and expiry have to stay readable after handling, wiping and cold storage.

That is why stock and adhesive matter more here than artwork. A design that looks correct on a flat proof can still fail if the film lifts at the seam on a 3ml vial, or if the adhesive slides off a cold, wet surface.

Sizes: 2ml, 3ml, 5ml and 10ml

The label size is set by the vial diameter and the height you want to cover, not by a standard. As a working guide: a 2ml to 3ml vial gives a printable band of about 10 to 14mm, a 5ml vial about 16 to 20mm, and a 10ml vial about 20 to 25mm. Send one vial or the exact diameter and height, and we set the die-cut to match, including a 1 to 1.5mm wrap allowance.

At the small end, type sizes of six to eight point are normal. We keep the product name on one line where possible, strength and volume on the second, and reserve one clean area for batch and expiry.

Stocks

White BOPP is the general-purpose choice: waterproof, wipe-resistant and bright enough for small dark type. Clear BOPP or clear PET gives a no-label look on amber glass, so the vial and its contents stay visible. PET is specified where alcohol or oil is used near the label. Milky white PE stays flexible in a fridge or freezer. Synthetic paper prints like paper and behaves like film, and is the practical middle option. Metallised silver and laser silver holographic add a security layer. Natural kraft suits supplement and wellness vials, but is not waterproof.

Security and anti-counterfeiting

Holographic stock, hot foil, microtext, UV ink, QR codes and void or tamper-evident adhesive can be combined on one label. A peel-back panel adds a second surface for handling or dosing text when the face has no room left. These raise the cost of casual copying; they are not a registered serialisation system and do not replace one.

Printing and roll supply

Offset, flexo and digital printing in one to six colours, with gloss or matte lamination, varnish, hot foil stamping, spot UV and embossing available. Variable data such as batch number and expiry can be printed inline, so a single roll carries the whole run.

For automatic applicators we confirm three parameters before production: core size (25 to 76mm), wind direction and label gap. A correct label wound the wrong way still stops the line.

Quantity, samples and lead time

Labels start at 100 pcs, which makes a first run practical rather than a commitment to thousands. Design is free with one to three options in two to three working days, a physical sample takes one to three business days, and bulk production runs seven to fifteen working days after artwork approval. Quotes are returned within 24 hours.

Quality checks

Four gates: incoming stock, print colour against the approved proof, die-cut and winding, then final AQL inspection. For clear and holographic stocks the proof is made on the actual material, because both change how ink reads.

Questions buyers ask

Can I order fewer than 100 labels?

100 pcs is the minimum. Below that, the plate and die set-up is most of the cost, so a smaller run does not reduce the price meaningfully.

Do you supply the vials as well?

No. We print labels, cartons and trays. Vials, stoppers and caps come from your container supplier, and we cut the label to fit what they deliver.

Can you match a label I already buy elsewhere?

Send a sample or a clear photo with the vial. We measure the circumference and height, identify the likely stock, and quote against that specification.

How do I choose between BOPP, PET and clear film?

By environment first: dry storage takes coated paper, wet or wiped takes BOPP or PET, cold storage takes PE with freezer-grade adhesive. Appearance is the second decision, after the label has to survive the handling.

Related
3ml vial label sizing guide
Vial label printing guide
Glass vials and caps
Blister trays for vials