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Custom Labels · October 3, 2026

Planning Packaging for a Seasonal or Limited-Edition Product

Work backward from the release date and keep the order flexible enough for a short selling window.

Illustrative packaging image.

A seasonal launch has a firm deadline and a limited opportunity to sell. Packaging needs to arrive early enough for filling, application and distribution while keeping leftover stock manageable once the season ends.

Work backward from the shelf date

Start with when the finished product must reach customers. Allow time for distribution, filling, application, packaging delivery, production and proof approval. Include time for artwork corrections and any new material or container trials.

Share the full timeline with MLP. “Needed for December” is less useful than the date your co-packer needs the packaging and the date stores expect the product.

Separate the lasting details from the seasonal ones

Keep your core brand elements consistent and identify what changes for this release. A holiday illustration may be reusable; a printed year or event date limits future use. Choose that detail deliberately rather than adding it by habit.

Check every limited-edition claim, product description and code. If the recipe or container changes, review all affected information before approving the proof.

Order for the selling window

Use realistic demand, committed orders and the filling plan to estimate quantities. Include setup and application allowances. Compare the savings of a larger run against the risk of holding packaging that cannot be used after the campaign.

If you have several seasonal versions, forecast them separately. Ask whether common size and material specifications can support a combined label order.

Decide how a reorder would work

Keep approved files and specifications organized, and agree on the last sensible reorder date. A successful launch can create demand quickly, but a late reorder may arrive after the strongest sales period.

Plan a fallback that still fits your brand, such as packaging without a date-specific graphic, if appropriate. Bring MLP your launch schedule, quantity by version and container details early so the packaging plan supports the release.

Talk to MLP about your packaging project →

Artwork & Colour · October 3, 2026

Bleed, Safe Areas, and Cut Lines—Without the Confusion

Three artwork boundaries help your design survive normal finishing tolerances.

Illustrative packaging image.

Artwork extends beyond the visible finished package for a reason. Printing and cutting are physical processes with tolerances. Bleed and safe areas give the design room to accommodate small production variations.

The cut line defines the finished shape

The cut line shows where the label will be trimmed. It is a production reference, not a decorative border. Supply it according to MLP’s artwork instructions so it is identified correctly and does not accidentally print.

Use the approved template for the job. A similar-looking label or pouch may have different dimensions, corners, seals or other features.

Bleed continues beyond the cut

If a background colour or image should reach the label edge, extend it past the cut line to the required bleed boundary. Artwork that stops exactly at the cut can leave an unintended sliver when cutting shifts within tolerance.

Ask MLP for the required bleed amount for your format. The illustration is schematic; its spacing is not a production measurement.

The safe area protects important content

Keep logos, essential wording and other critical details inside the recommended safe boundary. Avoid thin decorative borders close to the cut, where a small shift can become visually obvious.

Sleeves and pouches also have seams, folds, seals or distortion areas. Staying inside a label safe area is not enough for a different packaging format; follow that format’s template and guidance.

Check the file before sending

Confirm the finished size, extend all edge backgrounds, keep important content away from cuts and construction features, and separate production guides from printable artwork. Review at actual size as well as zoomed in.

Send the template and artwork together if your designer has questions. MLP can clarify the boundaries before proof approval, helping the finished package keep the clean edges and readable information your design intends.

Talk to MLP about your packaging project →

Shrink Sleeves · October 3, 2026

Craft Beer Can Packaging: Planning for Seasonal Releases

Coordinate artwork versions, can specifications and application before the launch window.

Illustrative packaging image.

Seasonal beer packaging has to support a short release window and a changing product lineup. A clear plan keeps the can, artwork and application schedule connected from the beginning.

Confirm the can first

Record the exact can format and supplier specification. Nominal volume alone does not describe every dimension. If you are using sleeves, provide representative samples and confirm the intended coverage and application process.

If you are using pressure-sensitive labels, check the usable panel, adhesive requirements and application conditions. Cold or wet cans need particular attention.

Organize the releases

Create a version list with beer name, style, quantity, can size, artwork revision and planned filling date. Keep product-specific information and codes linked to the correct version.

A consistent brand layout helps the range feel connected while seasonal artwork gives each release its own identity. Review the family together, then approve every version individually.

Match packaging to the application team

Confirm whether sleeves will be sheeted or rollstock, or whether labels will be machine applied. Obtain the equipment requirements from the team doing the work. Include any trials in the schedule before the filling date.

The printer’s delivery date is only one milestone. Packaging still needs to arrive, be checked and be ready at the application location.

Keep quantities realistic

Use the planned fill and expected demand to set the order, with an allowance based on the application process. Consider whether dated or release-specific artwork could become unusable stock.

Keep approved files and specifications for repeat releases, but review them when the product or container changes. Bring MLP the release calendar early so the packaging order supports the brewing and filling plan.

Talk to MLP about your packaging project →

Artwork & Planning · Practical guide

A better packaging project starts with the right details.

A practical checklist for bringing your artwork, product and production requirements together before printing.

Start with the package

Share the product, container or pouch dimensions, intended quantities and how the package will be filled or labelled. Include your co-packer’s specifications where applicable.

Build on the approved template

Use the template supplied for your project. Keep important text and graphics inside the safe area, extend backgrounds through the required bleed and identify spot colours, white ink and special finishes clearly.

Check the information

Review spelling, product details, barcodes and required labelling information. Supply the final artwork and supporting files requested by our team, then check the proof carefully before approval.

Confirm the production details

Agree on materials, dimensions, quantities, application requirements and delivery timing before the job moves into production. Tell us about any conditions the packaging needs to withstand.

Explore artwork support →