Labels are everywhere—essential tools that keep businesses organized, compliant, and looking their best. From packaging and branding to safety and compliance, nearly every industry depends on high-quality labels to get the job done.
For distributors, this creates a huge opportunity. Providing wholesale custom labels means offering your customers the reliability, versatility, and quality they need—while building a thriving business of your own.
To understand just how essential labels are, let’s take a closer look at some key industries and how they rely on them.
1. Food & Beverage
Why Labels Matter
Every food and beverage product needs a label. Labels for this industry are required to meet FDA standards to ensure food safety. They must list things like ingredients, nutrition facts, and an expiration date.
However, food and beverage labels aren’t just for informational purposes. They’re also key to standing out on store shelves. An eye-catching label can have a large impact on product sales.
What Distributors Should Offer
- Waterproof and Oil-Resistant Labels – Perfect for handling spills, condensation, and grease.
- Custom Sizes and Shapes – Designed to fit bottles, jars, and unique packaging that stands out.
- Sheet Labels for Small Batches – A go-to for craft food brands and seasonal items.
Industry Tip
Food brands often update their packaging. Offering the advantages that come with wholesale label printing lets them make changes affordably and quickly. It also secures repeat orders for the distributor.
2. E-Commerce & Retail
Why Labels Matter
E-commerce businesses and retail stores depend on labels for shipping, branding, and inventory. As online shopping grows, so does the demand for reliable labels.
What Distributors Should Offer
- Shipping and Return Labels – Keep order fulfillment running smoothly.
- Product Packaging Labels – Help businesses create unique, eye-catching packaging. These can be applied to actual products or even just the shipping boxes for additional brand exposure.
- Barcode and Pricing Labels – Essential for staying organized and tracking inventory.
Industry Tip
Encourage bulk orders! Large quantities of wholesale labels result in lower distributor costs, increasing profit margins on these orders.
3. Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
Why Labels Matter
Hospitals, pharmacies, and medical suppliers rely on labels to ensure safety, compliance, and clear tracking. They must be easy to read and built to last.
What Distributors Should Offer
- Appointment Cards with Removable Labels – Medical facilities use these multiple times a day. The removable labels allow patients to stick appointment details directly onto their calendars for easy reminders.
- Heat- and Chemical-Resistant Labels – Perfect for medical devices and sterilized packaging.
- Thermal Labels – Often used for patient identification, record keeping, medication dispensing, and various other patient care tasks.
Industry Tip
Healthcare providers prioritize reliable suppliers who consistently deliver high-quality labels at competitive prices. Sourcing wholesale labels from a reputable supplier will create trust through dependable service and help the distributor become their go-to source for labels.
4. Manufacturing & Logistics
Why Labels Matter
Factories, warehouses, and distribution centers depend on labels to keep operations running smoothly. From tracking shipments to ensuring compliance and inventory control, these labels need to handle extreme conditions and frequent handling.
What Distributors Should Offer
- Industrial-Grade Labels – Designed for machinery, equipment tags, and safety instructions.
- Barcode and QR Code Labels – Make tracking shipments and product locations easier.
- High-Adhesion Labels – Stick securely to rough surfaces like wood, metal, and plastic.
Industry Tip
Manufacturing labels must be tough enough to withstand water, chemicals, and heat. Providing the durable materials available through wholesale label suppliers will ensure distributors meet the unique needs of this industry.
5. Beauty & Personal Care
Why Labels Matter
Cosmetic and skincare brands rely on high-quality labels to package and promote their products. A beautifully designed label doesn’t just share information—it makes a product stand out as professional and high-end.
What Distributors Should Offer
- Waterproof and Smudge-Proof Labels – Essential for beauty products that come into contact with moisture.
- Luxury Finishes – Matte, gloss, and metallic accents create a premium look.
- Sheet Labels – Perfect for boutique brands with smaller production runs.
Industry Tip
Beauty brands often want labels with unique finishes like gold foil or embossing. Offering the versatile options that’re available with wholesale label printing can help attract these customers and set you apart as a distributor.
6. Cannabis & CBD
Why Labels Matter
Cannabis and CBD companies face strict labeling requirements. These labels need to include everything from THC/CBD content to health warnings and tracking details, making accuracy and compliance essential.
What Distributors Should Offer
- Compliance Labels – Meet all state and federal legal requirements.
- Tamper-Seal Stickers – Provide an added layer of protection against unauthorized access.
- Custom Branding Labels – Help companies create packaging that stands out in a competitive market.
Industry Tip
Cannabis regulations are always evolving. Offering the flexibility that comes with wholesale custom labels ensures you can help businesses stay compliant without missing a beat.
7. Supplements & Nutraceuticals
Why Labels Matter
The supplements and nutraceuticals industry thrives on trust and transparency, and labels play a huge role in building that confidence. These labels must clearly communicate key information, like active ingredients, dosage instructions, and health claims, while meeting FDA and FTC regulations. They’re also a critical part of branding—helping products stand out in a crowded market.
What Distributors Should Offer
- Durable and Moisture-Resistant Labels – Perfect for packaging that may be stored in humid environments like bathrooms or kitchens.
- Custom Sizes and Shapes – Designed to fit bottles, jars, and other unique packaging.
- High-Quality Printing Options – Sharp graphics and vibrant colors ensure the product looks professional and appealing.
Industry Tip
Supplement brands often need multiple label variations for different product lines or flavors. Wholesale label printing makes it easy for distributors to provide cost-effective, high-quality solutions tailored to their customers’ needs.
Why Wholesale Labels Matter
From food and healthcare to manufacturing, beauty, and cannabis, businesses across various industries rely on labels to keep things running smoothly. Whether it’s for branding, compliance, or tracking, the right labels help companies stay organized, meet regulations, and make their products look great.
When distributors choose to buy wholesale labels from a supplier, they gain access to flexible options like custom sizes, shapes, materials, and finishes. This allows them to offer their customers more tailored solutions, building trust and long-term relationships.
At Discount Labels, we specialize in providing top-quality wholesale labels designed to meet the various demands of every industry. Explore the product options online or in our digital catalog to get started.
Looking for more ways to grow your business? Be sure to check out our article on how custom labels and decals can boost your sales.
Wholesale Label FAQs
What industries use labels the most?
Food, e-commerce, healthcare, manufacturing, beauty, cannabis, and event marketing.
Why should businesses buy labels in bulk?
Buying wholesale labels lowers costs, ensures consistency, and maintains supply.
What label materials work best for food packaging?
Waterproof, oil-resistant, and freezer-safe materials work best for food and beverage labels.
How can distributors help businesses choose the right labels?
Distributors can recommend materials, finishes, and sizes based on industry needs.
Do small businesses need wholesale label printing?
Yes! Bulk orders help small businesses save money and maintain a professional brand image.
