At Wise, we print prime labels (consumer-facing) and industrial/durable labels (performance and compliance) in short to medium runs using flexographic and digital presses. Below are the questions distributors and their customers ask most often.

Q1: What kinds of labels does Wise print?

A: Wise produces prime labels for retail packaging and industrial/durable labels for demanding environments. We support flexographic printing for efficiency and digital printing for ultra-short runs, variable data, and fast turns. Labels can be engineered for machine application, difficult surfaces, and extreme conditions.

Learn more: Labels overview

Q2: What's the difference between prime labels and industrial/durable labels?

A: Here's the difference between prime and industrial/durable labels:

  • Prime labels (also called pressure-sensitive consumer labels) are designed for shelf appeal — full color, spot colors, premium finishes — perfect for food, beverage, cosmetics, and consumer goods.
    Explore: Prime labels
  • Industrial labels (including durable labels) focus on performance and compliance. They adhere to difficult surfaces such as plastics, metals, tires, chemical drums, and pallets, while withstanding heat, chemicals, abrasion, and moisture.
    Explore: Durable/industrial labels
  • Durable labels are a subset of industrial labels built for long-term resistance and regulatory compliance.

Q3: Does Wise print digital labels?

A: Yes! We produce short and ultra-short runs of both prime and durable labels on our digital production presses, including our HP Indigo 6K Digital Press. Ideal for variable data, consecutive numbering/barcoding, and versioned SKUs.

Learn more: Digital labels

Q4: Which industries are best targets for prime and industrial labels?

A: Resellers typically sell into industries such as:

  • Chemical, manufacturing, automotive – GHS-compliant chemical drum labels, tire/pallet tracking.
  • Pharmacy & healthcare – medical equipment, vials, and pharmaceutical packaging.
  • Distribution & logistics – pallet labels, shipping/handling, inventory tracking.
  • Retail & consumer products – high-impact prime labels for shelf visibility.

Explore: Vertical markets

Q5: How do I choose label materials, adhesives, and finishes?

A: As a reseller, you don't have to choose label materials, adhesives, or finishes. You give us the performance requirements for the job, and we'll choose the right materials, adhesives, and finishes to meet the end user's requirements.

Wise offers a wide variety of the following:

  • Facestocks: paper, film (polyester), clear, white, metallized, specialty coatings.
  • Adhesives: permanent, removable, freezer/all-temperature, chemical-resistant, high-tack, acrylic, rubber-based.
  • Finishing: lamination, overlaminate, UV coatings.
  • Features: tamper-evident, blockout, security printing, barcoding, variable data.
  • Colors: Spot colors, process color printing, brand color matching

Details: Capabilities guide

Q6: Are UL-certified labels and UL 969 labels available from Wise?

A: Yes. Wise is authorized to produce UL-certified labels and UL 969 labels for electrical, electronic, and other compliance-sensitive applications. We use approved materials and adhesives tested to meet UL safety standards.

Learn more: UL-certified labels and UL blog.

Q7: What are Mosaic labels and how do they work?

A: Mosaic labels use software to create unique variations from a base design so every label is one-of-a-kind. Perfect for beverage, cosmetics, food, and artisan products that need individuality and shelf appeal. Printed digitally for cost-effective short runs.

Learn more: Mosaic labels

Q8: Do labels create recurring revenue for resellers?

A:Yes. Labels are one of the most predictable and repeatable products resellers can sell. Customers reorder the same designs regularly for packaging, compliance, shipping, and tracking. Specs rarely change, creating steady, high-margin recurring jobs.

Read more: Industrial labels: high-profit category

Q9: Why partner with Wise for prime and industrial labels?

A: Wise offers:

  • Trade-only focus
  • East Coast footprint for efficient shipping
  • Flexo + digital capacity for run-size flexibility
  • Decade of label expertise

This combination makes Wise the go-to trade printer for resellers.

Get started: Labels overview

Q10: How do I measure a label correctly?

A: Always measure labels as Width x Height (W x H) — width (left to right) first, height (top to bottom) second. For roll labels, also record:

  • Core size (the inner diameter of the roll, e.g., 1″ or 3″)
  • Outer Diameter (OD) (the full roll size)
  • Orientation (the direction the label feeds off the roll, important for applicators and printers)

If you're replacing an existing label, simply measure it or send us a sample to match.