Labels & Specialty Products

What Labels & Specialty Products does

Labels & Specialty Products (L&SP), founded in 1984 and headquartered in St. Charles, Illinois, is a privately held custom label printing company serving brand owners, co-packers, and product manufacturers across seven primary verticals: Food & Beverage, Health & Beauty, Industrial, Household & Chemical, Wellness & Nutraceutical, Promotional, and Direct Mail. The company operates dual flexographic and digital print platforms in-house — flexographic presses ranging from 10" to 18.5" wide with up to 12 color capabilities for high-volume runs, complemented by a Domino N610i digital press for short runs, variable data, and serialized labels. Specialty capabilities include UV ink curing for chemical resistance, holographic and foil embellishments, GHS/BS5609-compliant drum labels, FDA-compliant food labels, and promotional constructions such as instant redeemable coupons, scratch off labels, peel-and-reveal cards, and piggyback labels. The firm employs 11-50 people across a 24,000 sq ft main manufacturing facility on Stern Avenue and a newly acquired 10,696 sq ft building on Kautz Road, both in St. Charles. Quality control is anchored by E&L Defect Detection Systems deployed across presses and converting equipment, with the company claiming a 99.9% quality rate.

The business model is sales-led and project-priced: customers request custom quotes via phone (630-513-8060) or contact form, with specifications (size, material, quantity, print method, color count, finishes) determining unit pricing and volume discounts available through consolidated press runs. The 2025-launched Customer Portal adds a self-serve reorder and order-tracking layer for the existing base, and the OPTIM program bundles label production with inventory management for consumer-product customers seeking supply-chain reliability. Distribution is direct and domestic, focused on the Midwest U.S. market. Marketing leverages the company website, an educational blog, and memberships in industry associations including IDDBA and the Sustainable Packaging Coalition. Customer relationships are notably long-tenured — the company cites clients of nearly 30 years — and diversification across verticals is evident in the testimonial mix spanning resin molding, health and beauty, marketing agencies, and personal care. No public financial disclosures, institutional investors, or M&A activity are referenced in available sources.

Name

Labels & Specialty Products

Legal name

Labels & Specialty Products

Website

https://labels-sp.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Labels & Specialty Products is a privately held custom label printing company in St. Charles, Illinois, serving brand owners across food and beverage, health and beauty, industrial, and promotional verticals with in-house flexographic and digital printing, UV ink technology, and inventory-managed sourcing programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Custom Label Manufacturing

NAICS

Printing and Related Support Activities (3231), Packaging and Labeling Services (561910)

SIC

Coating, Engraving & Allied Services (3470)

akta.pro primary industry

Labels & Pressure-Sensitive Materials (labelstock, PSA labels, liners) (IMAMAHAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Specialty & Functional Labels (Linerless, RFID/NFC, Braille, Smart) (IMALAKAK), Packaging Design & Labeling (MPAAAEAD)

Keywords

• Custom label manufacturing
• Pressure sensitive labels
• Flexographic printing services
• Digital label printing
• Specialty label products

Headquarters

HQ city

Saint Charles

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Custom Label Manufacturing: Custom label printing services including pressure sensitive labels, promotional labels, and industrial labels. Orders are quote-based and customized to customer specifications. Revenue is generated through one-time production runs and reorders, with the OPTIM program offering managed inventory and supply chain solutions for ongoing relationships.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Labels & Specialty Products is a custom label manufacturer that produces pressure-sensitive labels, prime consumer-product labels, durable industrial labels, extended content labels, and promotional/specialty labels using in-house flexographic and digital printing. Its portfolio supports food & beverage, health & beauty, household & chemical, industrial, wellness & nutraceutical, and promotional markets with capabilities including variable data imaging, UV-cured inks, decorative finishes (foil, emboss, holographic), and GHS-compliant chemical labels. Manufacturing is complemented by the OPTIM inventory-managed sourcing program and an online Customer Portal for reordering and inventory visibility.

Product overview

Labels & Specialty Products is a label printing company offering a comprehensive portfolio of print technologies and specialty label products. The core offerings center around two main printing methods: Flexographic Printing (for large runs with presses from 10" to 18.5" wide, up to 12 colors) and Digital Label Printing (using Domino N610i for short runs with variable imaging). The product lineup includes Pressure Sensitive Labels as the primary product category, with sub-categories for Prime Labels, Durable Industrial Labels (DURO-labels), and Extended Content Labels (ECLs). Promotional products encompass Scratch Off Cards/Labels, Peel & Reveal Cards, Instant Redeemable Coupons (IRCs), Clean Release Cards, and Piggy Back Labels. The company also offers specialty finishing options including Holographic Labels, Foil Stamping, and Embossed Labels. Supporting services include Variable Image Printing for serialized labels, Custom Shape Labels, GHS Labels, and the OPTIM Program for optimized label sourcing. The Customer Portal provides an online platform for ordering, inventory management, and order tracking. The company serves industries including food & beverage, health & beauty, household & chemical, industrial, and nutraceutical markets.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Pressure Sensitive Labels Custom pressure-sensitive labels adhering without heat or solvents, available in custom shapes, sizes, and materials for hand or machine application. Sold to consumer-product brands and industrial customers.
• Prime Labels High-quality labels for consumer product packaging engineered to withstand environmental conditions (moisture, cold, heat, humidity) while maintaining brand appearance on shelf.
• Durable Industrial Labels Tough labels engineered for industrial environments, using UV-cured inks for chemical resistance and adhesives that withstand harsh conditions on difficult surfaces and applications.
• Extended Content Labels (ECLs) Labels that pop out or fold to display additional information such as instructions, legal language, multiple languages, warnings, or promotional content.
• Flexographic Label Printing Large-quantity label printing service using flexographic presses from 10" to 18.5" wide with up to 12-color capabilities across paper, polypropylene, metalized materials, and other substrates.
• Digital Label Printing Short-run digital label printing using a Domino N610i press for crisp colors, graphics, and variable data without conventional press setup costs, including variable imaging capabilities.
• Variable Image Printing Inline inkjet variable imaging service for serialized labels, barcodes, QR codes, consecutive numbering, and unique per-label data for inventory control and promotions.
• Clear/No Label Look Labels Transparent labels creating the illusion that graphics are printed directly on containers, used for food, beverages, and personal care products.
• Custom Labels Bespoke label solutions engineered for specific applications using specialty coatings, adhesives, die cuts, materials, and security features including custom shapes.
• Custom Shape Labels Unique die-cut label shapes beyond standard rectangles for distinctive packaging and brand differentiation.
• Serialized Labels Unique identification labels for inventory control with serialized barcodes, QR codes, UDI compliance, catalog numbers, lot numbers, and expiration dates.
• GHS Labels Chemical hazard labels meeting GHS standards with signal words, pictograms, manufacturer information, hazard statements, and precautionary measures for chemical containers.
• Drum Labels Weatherproof durable labels for 55-gallon drums meeting GHS BS5609 compliance for chemical shipping containers.
• DURO-labels / DURO-tags / REMOVA-labels Industrial-grade labels and tags engineered to adhere to smooth and textured surfaces and outlast harsh conditions, including tear-resistant weatherproof tags and UV-fade-resistant removable labels.
• Integrated Labels and Forms Combined shipping labels, packing slips, return labels, and invoices for pack-and-ship operations with company branding.
• Resealable Label Lid Reclosable labels that provide airtight seals for food, personal care, and household products as an alternative to traditional zippers and clamshells.
• Instant Redeemable Coupons (IRCs) Double-layer adhesive coupons affixed to product exteriors that peel away cleanly for point-of-purchase promotions, peel-and-scan coupons, mail-in rebates, and QR code campaigns.
• Scratch Off Labels Custom scratch-off labels in various colors for promotional games and security applications on gift cards and membership cards with tamper-resistant peel resistance.
• Scratch Off Cards Interactive promotional scratch-off game cards for collect-and-win, instant-win sweepstakes, employee safety, and morale incentives with variable printing for prize variations.
• Peel & Reveal Cards Pull-to-win promotional cards allowing customers to peel and reveal prizes, customizable in size, shape, die cuts, and variable printing.
• Clean Release Cards Pressure-sensitive cards for direct mail that remove cleanly without residue, used for membership cards, loyalty cards, discount cards, and wallet-sized formats.
• Piggy Back Labels Multi-layer self-adhesive labels with a removable top layer that can be reapplied, used for marketing promotions, direct mail, and shipping returns.
• Repositionable Notes Movable sticker ads that can be applied, removed, and reused for direct mail, newspapers, magazines, and catalogs to boost response rates.
• Customer Portal Secure online platform for placing label orders, tracking order status in real time, managing inventory, reordering, and accessing invoices and packing slips for existing customers.
• OPTIM Program Optimized label sourcing program combining best-in-class production with smart inventory systems to reduce downtime and improve supply chain reliability, primarily targeting consumer product companies, co-packers, and private label/seasonal product lines.
• E&L Defect Detection Systems State-of-the-art optical defect detection systems on all presses and converting equipment, scanning over 27 feet of web per second and comparing each printed label against an approved sample to detect deviations in color, text, ink splatter, and other defects.

Quantifiable outcome

• 99.9% quality rate across all products
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2025L&SP joined IDDBA to strengthen commitment to food-safe labeling solutions. Membership provides industry insights, regulatory updates, and networking opportunities to better serve dairy, deli, and bakery brands with durable, moisture-resistant, freezer-grade, and resealable labels.
• Sustainable Packaging CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProud members of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, demonstrating commitment to sustainability goals and sustainable label printing solutions.
• Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with IMEC in Fall 2024 to refine hiring processes, job descriptions, and review methods to improve employee retention and new hire success by aligning with industry best practices.
• Valley Industrial Association (VIA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProduction Management team enrolled in VIA training course for Kaizen Lean Manufacturing technique to enhance process efficiency, quality, and performance while reducing waste.
• Wiley InstitutionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipating in Leadership Development Program created by Wiley Institution including self and employee assessments to enhance leadership traits and align with unified vision for growth.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Repacorp: Tipp City, OH-based custom label printer producing flexo and digital labels, tags, and coupons for consumer products — a comparable mid-sized regional competitor with similar product breadth.
• Tailored Label Products: Menomonee Falls, WI-based custom label manufacturer of pressure-sensitive, prime, durable, and promotional labels using flexo and digital printing — a closely comparable Midwest US peer in scale, technology mix, and vertical mix.
• Inland Label: La Crosse, WI-based converter producing pressure-sensitive, cut-and-stack, and shrink-sleeve labels for consumer brands — a direct competitor in the same Midwest CPG label segment with comparable flexographic capabilities.
• Hammer Packaging: Rochester, NY-based label and packaging printer serving food, beverage, and consumer products with flexographic and digital capabilities — comparable scale and customer base, especially in CPG prime labels.
• Label Technology: Merced, CA-based custom label converter offering flexo and digital printing for food, beverage, nutraceutical, and industrial markets — comparable product mix though operating primarily on the West Coast.

Broad incumbents

• Multi-Color Corporation: Large global label converter (now part of CCL Industries) serving wine, spirits, beverage, and consumer products — competes with LSP for prime label business and represents a typical consolidation target profile.
• Fortis Solutions Group: Larger multi-site US label converter acquired by Madison Dearborn; offers pressure-sensitive, shrink-sleeve, and specialty labels across multiple plants — a broader incumbent that overlaps with LSP in CPG and industrial.
• CCL Industries: World's largest specialty label converter serving healthcare, consumer, and industrial markets; represents the upper bound on scale in the space and a potential acquirer or competitor for mid-market converters like LSP.
• Avery Dennison: Global leader in pressure-sensitive label materials and finished labels; competes indirectly as a massive incumbent that many of LSP's customers could procure through, and which sets baseline pricing and innovation benchmarks.

Others

• Domino Printing Sciences: Manufacturer of the Domino N610i digital label press that LSP operates; adjacent supplier rather than direct competitor, but a critical technology partner whose roadmap shapes LSP's digital production capability.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/labelssp
• Facebookfacebook.com/LabelsSpecialtyProducts
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/labels-sp

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Labels & Specialty Products