Etiketten

Etiketten is a term used in German and Dutch that translates to labels or tags. In a broad sense, it refers to any information affixed to an object to communicate identity, contents, origin, instructions, or branding. The concept spans many industries, including manufacturing, retail, textiles, logistics, and consumer goods, and encompasses both physical tags and printed information applied to products.

Common types of Etiketten include product labels that describe materials, composition, origin, and handling requirements; care labels on textiles with washing and drying instructions; price or promotional tags; warning and safety labels; and nutritional or ingredient labels for food products. Branding labels and tamper-evident labels are also widely used to convey consumer trust and product integrity. In logistics, shipping labels and tracking labels enable inventory control and delivery visibility.

Materials and methods vary, with substrates such as paper, plastic, fabric, or metal, and adhesives designed for specific surfaces and environments. Printing methods include inkjet, laser, flexographic, and digital printing, while some labels are produced in the form of woven or woven-in textile identifiers. Labels may incorporate barcodes, QR codes, or radio-frequency identification (RFID) to enable automated scanning and data integration with inventory and supply-chain systems.

Regulatory and standards considerations differ by jurisdiction and product category. Textiles typically require fiber content and care instructions; foods and beverages require ingredient lists and allergen information; chemicals may be subject to hazard labeling under CLP or related regimes; packaging and labeling directives govern presentation and recyclability. Many industries also adopt voluntary standards addressing sustainability and traceability.

Technology and trends continue to evolve with emphasis on digital labeling, serialized identifiers, and environmentally friendly materials, aiming to improve information accuracy, traceability, and waste reduction.