In over a decade of manufacturing industrial labels and graphics in Pune, we at Smish Industries have heard just about every misconception there is about labels. Some of these myths are costing businesses real money. Others are causing compliance headaches that could have been avoided. Let us set the record straight.
MYTH 1: 'All labels are basically the same — just buy the cheapest.'
FACT: This is the most expensive mistake a buyer can make. Label materials vary dramatically — paper, vinyl, PVC, polyester, polycarbonate — and each has specific applications. A paper label will fail within days in a humid or outdoor environment. A polycarbonate label on the same product will last 10 years. Choosing the wrong material means reprinting, re-labelling, and sometimes product recalls. The cost per label is the wrong metric — the cost of failure is what matters.
MYTH 2: 'Digital printing is always better than screen printing for labels.'
FACT: Both have their place. Digital printing is ideal for short runs, complex designs, photographic images, and variable data (like serialised barcodes or QR codes). Screen printing is better for large volumes of simple designs, especially when very specific Pantone colours need to match brand standards exactly. At Smish Industries, we use both methods depending on the requirement — and we guide every customer towards the right process for their order.
MYTH 3: 'A label with a strong adhesive will stick to anything.'
FACT: Adhesive chemistry is far more nuanced than that. The surface energy of the substrate determines how well any adhesive will bond. Low-surface-energy materials like polypropylene, polyethylene, and certain powder-coated metals need specialised adhesives — standard acrylic adhesives will fail on these surfaces within weeks. We test adhesive compatibility before recommending any label solution.
MYTH 4: 'Lamination is just for aesthetics.'
FACT: Lamination is primarily a functional upgrade, not a cosmetic one. A clear overlaminate protects print from UV exposure, scratching, chemical splashes, and abrasion. Without it, even a high-quality printed label will fade significantly in outdoor or industrial environments within a year. We always recommend lamination for any label that will face sunlight, solvents, or rough handling.
MYTH 5: 'My supplier in another city is fine — all manufacturers are the same.'
FACT: Distance matters more than people think. A local manufacturer in Pune means faster samples, easier communication, quicker corrections, and lower freight costs. When your production line needs emergency label restocking, a 2-day delivery beats a week-long freight wait every time. Smish Industries has supplied urgent orders to Pune, PCMC, and Mumbai clients within 24–48 hours for stock designs.
MYTH 6: 'For small quantities, it is not worth ordering custom labels — just use a generic template.'
FACT: Custom labels are available at much lower minimum order quantities than most buyers expect. With modern digital printing, a custom-designed label in small batches of even 50 to 100 pieces is fully viable and affordable. Generic templates harm brand perception and often do not meet regulatory or application-specific requirements. Custom is almost always worth it.
MYTH 7: 'Once a label is printed, the design is final — there is no flexibility.'
FACT: Modern production workflows allow for version control, iterative design, and variable data printing. If your product specifications change, or you need different language versions, or you need sequential numbering, these can all be handled efficiently with the right label manufacturer. We work with clients through the design process, offer digital proofs before production, and maintain design files for easy reordering.
At Smish Industries, we believe an informed buyer is our best customer. If you have questions about what label solution is right for your specific application, reach us at 08048036495 or smishassociate@gmail.com — we are happy to guide you without any sales pressure.