Beer can labels are a useful branding tool that offers a creative canvas, but they are also bound by legal obligations that must be followed to ensure compliance with regulations. In Australia, the regulations for beer can labels are set out in the Australian Food Standards Code and enforced by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) as well as state and territory health departments.
Legal Requirements for Beer Can Labels in Australia
When designing your beer can label in Australia, it’s crucial to adhere to the legal requirements to avoid any potential legal issues or penalties. Here are some key legal requirements for beer can labels in Australia:
Statement of Alcohol Content
The alcohol content of the beer must be clearly stated as a percentage by volume (ABV) on the label. This information must be accurate and displayed prominently on the label to inform consumers about the strength of the beer.
Standard Drinks
The number of standard drinks contained in the beer must be stated on the label. A standard drink in Australia is defined as containing 10 grams of alcohol. This information helps consumers understand the amount of alcohol they are consuming.
Pregnancy Warning Labels
Beer can labels in Australia must also display a pregnancy warning label if beer has an ABV of 1.15% or more.
Nutritional Information and Claims
If you make any nutritional claims, such as “low carb” or “low calorie,” on your beer can label, you must provide accurate and compliant nutritional information. This may include details such as energy value, carbohydrates, and sugars.
It’s important to note that these legal requirements may be subject to change, and it’s crucial to check and comply with the latest guidelines provided by the relevant authorities in your jurisdiction.
Other Design Considerations for Beer Can Labels
In addition to legal requirements, there are other important design considerations to keep in mind when designing your beer can label.
Brand Name
Your brand name should be prominently displayed on the beer can label to create brand recognition and establish your identity in the market.
Highlight Unique Selling Points: If your beer has unique selling points, such as being “lite,” “light,” or “low carb,” consider highlighting them on the label to attract potential customers.
Country of Origin
Clearly indicate the country where the beer was brewed or produced, as it may be an important factor for consumers who are interested in supporting local or regional products.
Class Designation
Use appropriate class designation, such as “beer,” “ale,” “lager,” or “IPA,” to accurately reflect the style of the beer and provide information to consumers about the type of beer they are purchasing.
Name and Address of Producer/Bottler/Packager
Include the name and address of the company or individual responsible for producing, bottling, or packaging the beer. This information adds credibility to your product and helps with traceability.
At The Label Factory, we are experts in designing and printing beer can labels that are not only visually appealing but also comply with industry regulations. We understand the importance of including essential information while still creating a design that catches the consumer’s eye. Design considerations such as typography, colour palette, and negative space are also taken into account to ensure an effective design that stands out on the shelves and communicates the brand’s message.
To learn more about our beer can label printing capabilities, get in touch with the team at The Label Factory today!
