Printed Parcel Labels
108x79mm VL108 “This Way Up” Labels (Printed Parcel Labels)
These high-visibility “This Way Up” handling labels are designed to help carriers, warehouse teams and recipients quickly identify the correct orientation of a parcel. Applied to cartons, boxes and wrapped consignments, the clear message and directional arrows provide an immediate visual cue to reduce the risk of items being stored or transported upside down.
Because this is a configurable product listing, the same label design may be supplied in different pack quantities. The label size remains the same across the range, making it easy to standardise your packing process and keep a consistent handling message across shipments.
Key Features
- Clear orientation message: “This Way Up” wording with directional arrows helps communicate correct handling at a glance.
- Consistent label size: 108 x 79mm format suits a wide range of cartons and outer packaging.
- Fast application: Ideal for busy packing benches—apply during pick/pack to reinforce handling instructions.
- Supports damage reduction: Helps minimise avoidable mishandling for goods that must remain upright in transit or storage.
- Works across many packaging types: Suitable for typical shipping cartons and many common wrapping materials when the surface is clean and dry.
Typical Uses
- Shipping cartons containing fragile or orientation-sensitive items
- Liquids, gels and products that should remain upright
- Electronics, instruments and components where internal packaging is designed for upright transit
- Warehouse storage locations where correct orientation matters
- Returns processing—re-labelling parcels to reinforce correct handling
VL108 “This Way Up” Labels — Full Product Guide
Handling labels are a simple, low-cost way to add an extra layer of communication to your packaging. While outer cartons and internal protection do most of the physical work, a clear orientation label helps ensure the parcel is treated as intended throughout the distribution chain. The VL108 “This Way Up” label format is a practical choice for operations that want a standard, easy-to-recognise label size and message.
How It Works
Once applied to the outside of a parcel, the label provides a prominent visual instruction to keep the package upright. This is particularly useful when parcels pass through multiple touchpoints—packing benches, consolidation areas, carrier depots, delivery vehicles and receiving bays—where different people may handle the same shipment. A consistent “This Way Up” message helps reduce ambiguity and supports correct stacking and placement.
For best results, apply the label where it will be easily seen during handling—commonly on the side faces of a carton rather than only on the top. Many shippers choose to apply more than one label so the instruction is visible from multiple angles during transit and storage.
Materials and Construction
This product is supplied as printed parcel labels. As with most pressure-sensitive labels, performance depends on the surface condition and the environment. For reliable adhesion, ensure the application area is clean, dry and free from dust, oils or loose fibres. If you are applying to recycled cartons, textured boards or stretch films, it can be helpful to test a label on your specific packaging to confirm the bond meets your needs.
If your packing process involves cold storage, high humidity, or exposure to abrasion, consider how and where the label will be applied so the message remains visible and the label stays secure throughout the journey.
Packaging Surface Compatibility
The 108 x 79mm label size is well suited to common shipping cartons and outer packaging where you want the instruction to be noticeable without overwhelming other shipping information. Typical surfaces include:
- Cardboard cartons: Apply to smooth, intact board for best adhesion.
- Paper-based wraps: Ensure the wrap is tight and not dusty or creased where the label will sit.
- Plastic mailers and films: Apply to clean, dry film; avoid heavily textured or contaminated areas.
- Strapping and seams: Avoid placing labels across deep seams, folds or straps where lifting can occur.
Where possible, keep handling labels separate from carrier barcodes and address labels to avoid scanning issues and to keep each message clear.
Health and Safety
Handling labels support safer manual handling by reducing uncertainty about how a parcel should be carried and placed. They can also help prevent spills or internal movement for items that must remain upright. As with any packaging instruction, labels should be used alongside appropriate internal packaging, cushioning and sealing methods. If a shipment is hazardous, regulated, or requires specialist markings, ensure you follow the relevant transport and compliance requirements in addition to using orientation labels.
Ideal Applications and Use Cases
“This Way Up” labels are commonly used for products where orientation affects performance, safety or presentation. Examples include:
- Liquids and semi-liquids: Bottles, containers and products where leakage risk increases if inverted.
- Fragile assemblies: Items with internal supports designed for upright positioning.
- Precision equipment: Instruments or components where internal packaging is engineered for a specific orientation.
- Retail-ready goods: Products where keeping the outer carton upright helps maintain presentation and reduces scuffing.
In many operations, these labels are part of a broader “pack and protect” approach—used alongside void fill, cushioning, corner protection and strong carton sealing tape.
Maintenance, Cleaning and Care
Labels themselves do not require maintenance, but good storage and handling practices help preserve print clarity and adhesive performance:
- Store labels in a clean, dry area away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
- Keep packs sealed until use to reduce dust contamination.
- Rotate stock so older packs are used first.
- Apply with firm, even pressure—especially around edges—to reduce the chance of lifting during transit.
Case Study (Example Workflow)
Scenario: A small fulfilment team ships mixed orders including bottles and delicate boxed items. Parcels are handled by multiple carriers and may be stacked in cages or on pallets.
Approach: The team standardises on a single “This Way Up” label size and applies two labels on adjacent sides of each carton containing orientation-sensitive goods. Labels are applied after the carton is sealed and before the shipping label is added, ensuring the handling instruction remains visible.
Outcome: The packing process becomes more consistent, and receiving teams report fewer instances of cartons being stored upside down in staging areas. The labels also help new staff quickly learn which shipments require extra care.
Who Is It For?
- E-commerce and fulfilment operations shipping fragile or orientation-sensitive products
- Warehouses and distribution centres standardising handling instructions
- Manufacturers shipping finished goods to retailers or trade customers
- Returns departments re-packaging items for onward shipment
Colours / Features Available
This listing is for printed “This Way Up” parcel labels. If you require a specific colourway, finish, or an alternative handling message, it’s best to confirm the available options within the product variants or contact the supplier for guidance.
Sizes Available
This product is specified as 108 x 79mm. Pack quantity options may be available within the variants on this page. If you need a different label size or a bespoke printed handling label, consider requesting a tailored option to match your packaging dimensions and process.
Tip: For maximum visibility, apply labels to clean, dry surfaces and position them so they can be seen during lifting and stacking—often on the side faces of the carton rather than only on the top.