Ordering custom labelled glass bottles usually involves 2 separate steps: buying the bottles and getting them labelled.  

While some large packaging companies offer both services, most UK businesses source their glass bottles from one supplier and use a separate label printer. Each step has its own MOQ, costs, and lead times, so understanding the process helps you avoid delays and budget more accurately.  

In this guide, we'll explain how to order custom labelled glass bottles, including typical UK pricing, timelines, and considerations before you buy.

How Custom Labelled Glass Bottles Are Made

Most glass bottle suppliers only supply unlabelled bottles and jars in standard colours, sizes, and shapes. Branding, such as printed labels, screen printing, frosting, or embossing, is usually a separate service. While some large packaging manufacturers offer both, most businesses use a dedicated label printer.  

For small and medium-sized UK brands, self-adhesive printed labels are the most practical and cost-effective option. They have lower minimum order quantities than screen printing or frosting and make it easy to update your artwork without changing your bottle order.

How To Order Custom Labelled Glass Bottles

 

Ordering custom labelled glass bottles is a straightforward process once you know what's involved. In most cases, you'll need to choose a glass bottle supplier first, then decide how you want your bottles to be labelled. Here's what each step looks like.

Step 1: Choose the Right Glass Bottle Supplier

Start by choosing your glass bottle. The bottle determines your label size, shape, closure compatibility, and overall packaging design, so it's worth getting this decision right before creating your artwork.

When comparing UK glass bottle suppliers, look for:

  

• Minimum order value (MOV) or MOQ. Some suppliers require a minimum spend, such as £25, instead of a fixed number of units. This is ideal for testing different bottle sizes. 

• Sample or discovery packs. Ordering a small batch (typically 12–15 bottles) lets you check the bottle, neck finish, and closure before placing a larger order. 

• Bulk discounts. Many suppliers offer lower unit prices at higher volumes, with additional discounts at 1,000, 2,500, or more units. 

• Delivery times. UK-stocked bottles often ship within 1–2 working days, while bespoke colours or custom moulds usually take longer. 

As an example, Quality Bottles offers:

• £25 minimum order value 

• 5% discount on 1,000+ units per item 

• 10% discount on 2,500+ units per item 

• Free next-day UK delivery on qualifying bulk orders 

• Bespoke quotes for orders over 5,000 units 

• Discovery packs (12–15 bottles) 

• Free single-item samples for account holders (£6.99 UK shipping)  

While many UK glass bottle suppliers follow a similar pricing structure, minimum orders, discounts, and delivery terms vary. Always check the latest pricing and ordering information before placing your order.

Step 2: Choose the Right Labelling Method

The right labelling method depends on your order size, budget, branding, and production volume. While there are several ways to decorate glass bottles, these are the 3 most common options for UK cosmetic, food, and wellness brands.

Digital Printed Labels

Digital printing is the most popular option for startups and growing businesses. Labels are printed onto adhesive material and applied to the bottle after production, either by hand or using labelling equipment.  

Because digital printing doesn't require printing plates, setup costs are low and minimum order quantities are often minimal or non-existent. This makes it ideal for testing new products, ordering small batches, or updating artwork regularly.  

Best for:  

• New product launches 

• Small production runs 

• Seasonal or limited-edition products 

• Brands that frequently update their packaging

Flexographic Labels

Flexographic printing uses custom printing plates to produce labels in high volumes. While the initial setup costs are higher than digital printing, the cost per label falls significantly as order quantities increase.  

For brands producing thousands of bottles at a time, flexographic printing often becomes the more economical option.  

Best for:  

• Established brands 

• High-volume production 

• Long-term product ranges with stable artwork

Screen Printing on Glass

Instead of applying a separate label, screen printing transfers the artwork directly onto the glass bottle using specialised inks. The result is a premium, durable finish that won't peel or wrinkle like an adhesive label.  

However, every design requires its own screen, making setup more expensive and artwork changes less flexible. Screen printing is generally reserved for brands with consistent, long-term packaging designs.  

Best for:  

• Luxury cosmetics 

• Premium spirits and beverages 

• Established brands with high production volumes

Which Labelling Method Is Best?

 

For most UK SMEs ordering custom labelled glass bottles for the first time, digital printed labels are the most practical choice. They offer the lowest setup costs, flexible order quantities, and fast turnaround times.  

As your production volume grows, flexographic printing may offer better long-term value. Screen printing is usually reserved for brands prioritising a premium finish and producing consistently high volumes.

What Information Must a Product Label Include?

 

Before sending your artwork to print, make sure your label meets the relevant UK labelling requirements. The information you need depends on whether you're selling a cosmetic product or a food product.

Cosmetic Product Labels

If you're selling cosmetics such as skincare, haircare, fragrances, or bath products, your label must comply with the UK Cosmetics Regulation.  

In most cases, your label should include:  

• Product name or function 

• Name and UK address of the Responsible Person 

• Ingredients listed using INCI names 

• Net weight or volume 

• Batch or lot number 

• Expiry date or Period After Opening (PAO), where applicable 

• Instructions for use, if required 

• Warnings and precautions for safe use  

Very small containers (under 5g or 5ml) may be exempt from some of these requirements. Always refer to the UK government's cosmetic labelling guidance before finalising your artwork.

Food Product Labels

If you're packaging food products such as oils, sauces, syrups, or seasonings, both the packaging and the label must comply with UK food labelling regulations.  

Depending on the product, your label may need to include:  

• Product name 

• Ingredients list 

• Allergen information 

• Net weight or volume 

• Best before or use-by date 

• Storage instructions 

• Business name and address 

• Country of origin (where required)  

Your glass packaging should also be suitable for food contact if it's intended for food use.

Check the Requirements Before Printing

Labelling requirements vary depending on your product category, packaging size, and intended use. Before approving your artwork, check the latest guidance from the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) for cosmetics or the Food Standards Agency (FSA) for food products to ensure your labels meet current UK regulations.

Typical Timeline for Ordering Custom Labelled Glass Bottles

 

For most UK SMEs, ordering custom labelled glass bottles takes around 2–3 weeks. The exact timeline depends on whether you're using stock bottles or bespoke packaging, as well as the labelling method you choose.

If you're ordering custom-moulded bottles, waiting on cosmetic safety documentation, or using flexographic or screen printing, allow additional time for production and setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Do glass bottle suppliers provide labelling services?

Not usually. Most UK glass bottle suppliers specialise in supplying bottles and jars rather than printing labels. Some suppliers, including Quality Bottles, can recommend trusted label printers or packaging partners, so it's always worth asking before placing your order.

What’s the cheapest custom labelled glass bottles?

For small batches, the most cost-effective option is to buy bottles through a sample or discovery pack and use digital printed labels. This avoids high bottle MOQs and the setup costs associated with flexographic or screen printing.

Can I change my label design without ordering new bottles?

Yes. If your bottles and labels are sourced separately, you can simply print a new batch of labels while using the same bottles. This flexibility is one of the main advantages of digital labels over screen printing, where the design is printed directly onto the glass.

Do I need a UK responsible person for cosmetic products?

Yes. Under UK cosmetics regulations, every cosmetic product sold in Great Britain must list a Responsible Person with a UK-established address on the product label, regardless of the size of your business.

Conclusion: Choose You Bottle Before Your Label 

 

Choosing the right bottle first makes the rest of the packaging process much easier. Once you've confirmed the size, shape, colour, and closure, you can design labels that fit perfectly and avoid unnecessary revisions.  

Need help getting started? 

Click here to explore Quality Bottles' range of glass bottles and jars or click here to get in touch with our team for expert packaging advice.