Tactile Labels: Using Texture to Enhance Brand Identity and Accessibility

In a marketplace where visual branding often takes centre stage, texture is an underused but highly effective tool. Tactile labels—those with raised surfaces, embossing, or specialised finishes—offer more than just aesthetic flair. They add a physical dimension to branding that enhances consumer engagement, strengthens product recognition, and improves accessibility for all users, including those with visual impairments. In this blog, we explore how tactile labelling is transforming packaging design, and how businesses can harness texture to stand out, comply with accessibility standards, and build a more inclusive brand identity.

Elevating Brand Identity Through Touch

First impressions count—and in retail environments, your packaging is often the first physical point of contact between your brand and the consumer. Tactile elements such as embossing, debossing, and textured coatings create a multi-sensory experience that feels premium and intentional.

When a customer runs their fingers over a raised logo or a subtly textured label, it creates a subconscious emotional response—one that is often associated with craftsmanship, care, and quality. This tactile interaction strengthens brand recall and can be a powerful differentiator in highly saturated markets.

At SL Conyers, we work with brands to incorporate tactile features into their labelling, helping to enhance storytelling and elevate the perceived value of their products.

Improving Accessibility with Tactile Labelling

Tactile labelling also plays a crucial role in accessibility. For individuals with visual impairments, being able to identify a product by touch is not just helpful—it’s essential. Braille labelling is one of the most recognised forms of tactile accessibility and is now increasingly expected on products such as medicine, food, and personal care items.

Incorporating braille or other raised symbols onto packaging shows a commitment to inclusivity and regulatory responsibility. In the UK and EU, regulations such as the EU Falsified Medicines Directive require braille on pharmaceutical packaging, and similar initiatives are gaining traction across other sectors.

SL Conyers supports accessibility-first labelling by offering design and production services that meet tactile and braille standards without compromising brand design.

Tactile Labelling Techniques and Materials

There are several methods for creating tactile effects on product labels, each offering unique benefits:

Embossing & Debossing: Adds depth and texture by raising or indenting specific areas, such as logos or brand names.

High-Build Varnish: Applies a thick, raised coating to selected elements for a glossy, tactile finish.

Textured Laminates: Adds a feel of soft touch, sandpaper, linen, or leather-like textures for full-surface effects.

Braille Application: Uses precise raised dots to convey text in braille, improving access for blind or visually impaired customers.

The right technique depends on your design goals, material type, and the label’s functional requirements—factors we consider carefully during the production process at SL Conyers.

Balancing Style and Function

When done well, tactile labelling balances both branding and functionality. It communicates quality while enhancing usability, especially for products that are handled regularly—like wine bottles, cosmetics, or cleaning products.

However, adding texture isn’t just about appearance or compliance. It must be implemented with consideration of:

Durability: Tactile elements must withstand handling, moisture, and temperature variations.

Cost-effectiveness: Some finishes require specialised tools or longer production times, so cost must be balanced with impact.

Design integration: Tactile features should complement your visual branding, not compete with it.

SL Conyers brings decades of experience in achieving this balance, ensuring your labels look and feel as good as they perform.

Sustainability and Tactile Finishes

As brands push for greener packaging, tactile labelling can still play a role in sustainable design. Many embossing techniques, textured papers, and high-build varnishes can be applied without compromising recyclability.

We offer eco-friendly tactile labelling options that support your sustainability goals—without sacrificing the premium finish your brand demands.

The SL Conyers Touch

Tactile labelling isn’t just a trend—it’s a powerful way to connect with consumers on a deeper, more human level. Whether you want to reinforce your brand identity, improve accessibility, or simply make your product stand out on the shelf, SL Conyers is here to help.

From luxury finishes to braille compliance, our expert team will guide you through every stage of the tactile labelling process—from concept and prototyping to final production and delivery.

Ready to add texture to your packaging? Contact SL Conyers today to explore tactile labelling options that leave a lasting impression—in every sense of the word.

For more information on Tactile Labels: Using Texture to Enhance Brand Identity and Accessibility talk to SL Conyers and Son Ltd