Editing Label (section)

==Uses==
[[File:Fire extinguisher.jpg|thumb|180px|Fire extinguisher with permanent and temporary labels]]
Labels may be used for any combination of identification, information, [[Warning label|warning]], instructions for use, environmental advice or advertising. They may be stickers, permanent or temporary labels or printed packaging.

===Products===
Permanent [[product (business)|product]] identification by a label is commonplace; labels need to remain secure throughout the life of the product. For example, a [[VIN]] plate on an automobile must be resistant to heat, oils and tampering; similarly, a [[Food labeling|food label]] must endure until the food has been used. Removable product labels need to bond until they are removed. For example, a label on a new refrigerator has installation, usage and environmental information: the label needs to be able to be removed cleanly and easily from the unit once installed.

Labels for food and beverages typically include critical information pertinent to the contents or ingredients used in a product, and may also state allergy risks such as the presence of gluten or soy. For example, the United States [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) provides standards to regulate the information provided on the labels and packaging of wine and spirits. These labels include information like brand name, class and type designation, and alcohol content.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ttb.gov/consumer/labeling_advertising.shtml|title=Alcoholic Beverage Labeling and Advertising|date=2017-03-24|website=Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau|access-date=2018-02-20|archive-date=2018-07-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701030854/https://ttb.gov/consumer/labeling_advertising.shtml|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Packaging===
[[Packaging]] may have labeling attached to or integral to the package. These may carry pricing, barcodes, [[Universal Product Code|UPC]] identification, usage guidance, addresses, advertising, recipes, and so on.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last=Eiland |first=Murray |date=2015 |title=Heraldry on Crate Labels |url=https://www.academia.edu/13367039 |journal=The Armiger's News |volume=37 |issue=3 |pages=1–4 |via=academia.edu}}</ref> They also may be used to help resist or indicate tampering or pilferage.

===Assets===
In industrial or military environments, asset labeling is used to clearly identify assets for maintenance and operational purposes. Such labels are frequently made of engraved [[Traffolyte]] or a similar material.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Paula|first1=K|last2=Ashraf|first2=A|title=Asset Labels, Asset Sticker, Property ID, Property Labels: Asset Label Generator|newspaper=Asset Labels Australia|date=January 4, 2013|url=http://www.assetlabels.com.au//|access-date=February 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302060001/http://www.assetlabels.com.au/|archive-date=March 2, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> They are usually tamper-evident, permanent or [[Frangibility|frangible]] and usually contain a barcode for electronic identification using readers. For example, the US Military uses a [[Item Unique Identification|UID]] system for its assets.

=== Shelf / Rack labels ===
The storage locations in shelves are often marked with a shelf label (possibly also with a barcode or numbering). They can be self-adhesive, magnetic or slide-in.{{cn|date=February 2023}}

===Textiles===
{{see also|Laundry symbol}}
Garments normally carry separate care/treatment labels which, in some regions, are subject to legislation.<ref>[http://www.business.ftc.gov/documents/bus50-clothes-captioning-complying-care-labeling-rule "Clothes Captioning: Complying with the Care Labeling Rule"]. (November 2001). Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission (United States)</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Textile Industry Affairs: Writing a care label|url=http://www.textilecare.com/writing.htm|access-date=5 Mar 2014}}</ref> These labels typically indicate how the item should be washed (e.g., machine washed vs. [[dry cleaning]]), whether bleach can be used. Textile labels may be woven into the garment or attached, and can be heat resistant (so survivable in hot-air dryers and when pressed), colorfast (so does not bleed onto the garment), washable, [[leather]] or PVC/Plastic. Printed labels are an alternative to woven labels. Some upholstered furniture and mattresses have labels that are required by law, describing the contents of the stuffing.

Textiles containing pesticides as an ingredient may also require government approval and compulsory labeling. In the USA, for example, labels have to state the pesticide registration number, statement of ingredients, storage and disposal information, and the following statement: "It is a violation of Federal Law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling”. A label including a company name or identification number and a material content list may also be required.<ref>[http://business.ftc.gov/documents/bus21-threading-your-way-through-labeling-requirements-under-textile-and-wool-acts "Threading Your Way Through the Labeling Requirements Under the Textile and Wool Acts"]. (May 2005). Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission (United States)</ref>

===Mailing===
Mailing labels identify the addressee, the sender and any other information which may be useful in transit. Many software packages such as [[word processor]] and [[contact manager]] programs produce standardized mailing labels from a [[data set]] that comply with postal standards. These labels may also include routing barcodes and special handling requirements to expedite delivery.

===Specialized labels {{Anchor|digital hang tag}}===
* '''Notebook labels''' are mainly used for identifying the owner and purpose of the notebook. Some information on a label may include name, contents, and date started.
*'''Piggyback''' labels are made by combining two layers of adhesive substrate. The bottom layer forms the backing for the top. The label can be applied to any object as normal, the top layer can be a removable label that can be applied elsewhere, which may change the message or marking on the remaining label underneath. Often used on Express mail envelopes. Other applications include price change labels where when being scanned at the till, the till assistant can peel back the price-reduction label and scan the original barcode enabling stock flow management. These labels are also seen on magazine subscription renewals, allowing customers to re-subscribe to the magazine with an easy peel-and-stick label sent back.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.printindustry.com/Newsletters/Newsletter-172.aspx|title=What is Kiss Cutting, What are Piggyback Labels?|website=www.printindustry.com|access-date=2018-02-20}}</ref> Also, as the retained label is adhesive free it prevents customers from re-applying the cheaper-priced labels to premium products.
* '''[[Smart label]]s''' have [[RFID]] chips embedded under the label stock.
*'''Blockout''' labels are not see-through at all, concealing what lies underneath with a strong gray adhesive.
*'''Radioactive''' labels. The use of [[radioactivity|radioactive]] [[isotopes]] of chemical elements, such as [[carbon-14]], to allow the [[in vivo]] tracking of [[chemical compounds]].
*'''Laser''' or '''printer''' labels are generally die cut on 8.5" x 11" (US letter) or A4 sized sheets, and come in many different shapes, sizes,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iidsolutions.co.uk/templates/uploads/documents/products/2152780_1.pdf|title=Examples of printer label formats|publisher=Iidsolutions.co.uk|access-date=2013-10-28|archive-date=2013-10-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029204904/http://www.iidsolutions.co.uk/templates/uploads/documents/products/2152780_1.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> formats and materials. Laser label material is a nonporous stock made to withstand the intense heat of laser printers and copiers. A drawback of laser labels is that the entire sheet needs to be printed before any labels are used; once labels have been removed the sheet cannot be put through the printer again without damaging the printing mechanism. Inkjet label material is a porous stock made to accept ink and dye from an inkjet printer. One of the more modern inkjet label material stocks is waterproof printable inkjet material commonly used for soap or shower gel containers.
*[[Security label]]s are used for anti-[[counterfeit]]ing, brand protection, [[tamper-evident]] seals and [[package pilferage|anti-pilferage seals]]. These combine a number of overt and covert features to make reproduction difficult. The use of [[security printing]], [[holography]], [[Embossing (paper)|embossing]], [[barcode]]s, [[RFID]] chips, custom printing and weak (or weakened) backings are common. They are used for [[authentication]], theft reduction, and protection against counterfeit and are commonly used on ID cards, credit cards, packaging, and products from CDs to electronics to clothing.
*'''Antimicrobial''' labels. With the growth in hospital-acquired infections such as [[Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus|MRSA]] and E-Coli, the use of antimicrobial labels in infection-sensitive areas of hospitals are helping in combating these types of microbes.
*'''Fold-out''' labels, also known as ''booklet'', ''multi-page, multi-layer,'' or ''extended'' labels, or ''lablets'' (combined label + leaflet). Where the pack is not large enough for a single label to carry all the required information, fold-out labels are often preferred to separate leaflets, which can easily be lost. These labels are frequently seen on agricultural chemicals and consumer pharmaceuticals.
*'''Barcode labels''' A large proportion of labels produced today carry [[barcode]]s, either for product identification, for traceability in items such as freight packages, and on items requiring brand authentication and protection. There are many different formats of barcodes found on labels, but one of the most commonly distributed formats is the [[International Article Number (EAN)]]. This is the code used to identify retail products worldwide and is found on almost all consumer-level packaging labels.
* '''Shrink Sleeve labels''' provide full 360-degree coverage on a container or bottle. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified (PETG) are two commonly used shrink-sleeve materials.  Shrink sleeves can be applied to uniquely shaped bottles or standard containers and can be printed with metallic features, textured/raised features, UV inks, and matt or glossy finishes.