This blog explains what B2B brands should check before ordering hologram label printing — like whether the supplier makes labels in-house, how custom hologram stickers differ from generic ones, and which security hologram stickers fit which level of risk. It also covers why certifications matter when picking a hologram sticker manufacturer, using ColorFlex as an example of a supplier that handles production directly.

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For B2B brands that exist within a regulated and risky environment, hologram label printing is rarely a superficial concern. In order to mitigate risk and avoid third-party confusion, procurement teams for these kinds of businesses should be aware of the factors that qualify as “security labels” and identify them before the initial design brief.

Things B2B Brands Should Know Before Placing an Order for Hologram Label Printing

A wrong choice of hologram label printing options usually reveals itself too late, sometimes only after receiving a counterfeit complaint, a regulatory call, or a questionable invoice. Switching suppliers at this stage will already be associated with additional expenses. Getting this stage right spares the business the unpleasant experience of having to select between two unsuitable suppliers.

Evaluate the Label Making Technology

Hologram label printing is a security feature the implementation of which relies mostly on the tools used on the manufacturing side. A knowledgeable label supplier will be able to recommend the type of hologram label base (typically laser origination) required to withstand the demands of shipping and scanning without damaging the holographic pattern. Asking questions about the technology involved should be the starting point in the conversation with a potential holographic sticker supplier, as opposed to discussing label design.

Discuss the Details of Your Holographic Sticker Supplier’s Work

It isn’t unheard of that a company which markets itself as a holographic sticker supplier does not have its production facility in-house but acts as an intermediary for companies which produce holographic stickers on contract. By extension, working with a holographic sticker supplier which does not produce stickers in-house comes with several drawbacks:

• Higher prices due to additional mark-up by the reseller

• Potential quality and consistency issues during manufacturing

• Fewer opportunities for design and technology experimentation

• Inability to inspect the holographic sticker production lines

It is reasonable to expect a label supplier which advertises itself as a full-label-printing service to demonstrate its production facility and answer technical control questions.

Ascertain the Need for Custom Hologram Stickers

Custom Hologram Stickers come in all shapes and sizes. Holographic tape security labels are the cheapest available option but offer very limited protection for the end-customer or distributor. The creation of a custom holographic sticker allows individualization and, in some cases, serialization of the security label, providing higher levels of protection for a reasonable additional fee. 

For B2B brands which operate in verticals with a high risk of counterfeiting, such as the pharmaceutical industry, custom hologram stickers have become an expected standard of labeling. 

If your B2B brand is considering using custom hologram stickers, it is advisable to ask if adjustments to the holographic sticker print run can be implemented without additional costs. In high-vertical industries, adjustments to a holographic sticker can be re-designed within a short timeframe for the label print run, while the label campaign itself can have its design changed within the same print run.

Establish What Security Certifications the Hologram Sticker Manufacturer Holds

A trustworthy hologram sticker manufacturer which aims to serve a wide array of industries (ranging from pharmaceutical to jewelry) will list the required security certifications (mostly revolving around the ISO family of documents). When establishing initial contact, the potential holographic sticker supplier should be able to list the aforementioned certifications for the attention of the one requesting a labeled print sample. 

A hologram sticker manufacturer which fails to provide this information prior to the ordering process is a questionable choice regardless of the budget constraints.

Identify Which Level of Protection You Need (and Which You Don’t) from your Hologram Sticker Manufacturer

Labels which feature either overt (readily detectable) or covert (require inspection equipment) protection come with different levels of reliability, technological complexity, and, accordingly, price. This is a feature that makes security hologram stickers distinct. Counterfeiting risk is distributed unevenly among industries, meaning that the security features required to protect, say, pharmaceuticals (and particularly medical devices) greatly surpass those required for consumer electronics or industrial hardware.

Risk Level	Recommended Protection	Example
Highest	Covert and forensic security hologram stickers	Pharmaceuticals
Moderate	Serialized custom hologram stickers	Electronics
Low	Overt security hologram stickers	Industrial hardware

Common Questions to Ask a New Supplier

1. Is hologram label printing handled in-house or by subcontractors?

1. May we visit the facilities / see a sample of your holographic stickers?

1. Do you offer any additional security measures or certifications?

1. Could minimum order quantity be negotiated?

Are you looking for a holographic sticker manufacturer which can offer hologram label printing and custom holography services? ColorFlex has got you covered. Reach out and let’s discuss your project requirements ahead of your next purchase.