It’s a mistake to think that providing a professional translation, with a high degree of quality, is a simple task. A mistake in this stage could cause major damage, irreparably compromising the image of brands and companies. That’s why translation should be viewed as a strategic factor that entails a painstakingly thorough process, especially when it could pose a risk to people’s welfare. Such is the case of label and packaging translations, the topic addressed in this article.

Labels and packages are extremely important to the consumer. This kind of communication usually includes information on origin, list of ingredients and additives, quantity, expiration, preparation method, usage, indications of the age group for which the product is intended, among other features. This information allows consumers to make informed decisions and buy products that meet their needs and that don’t pose risks to their health or well-being.

When a company decides to market goods in another country, it is crucial to adapt all information on the product’s original packaging to the new target language. In this situation, translation is of the utmost importance, because in addition to ensuring consistency with the product’s original information, special attention to the terminology used in the target market is required.

Medication labels, for example, contain specific health and pharmaceutical terminology, which vary from one language to another without depending solely on the manufacturer’s terminology preferences.

One of the methods adopted by professional agencies to ensure quality translation of labels and packaging is the involvement of native translators residing in the country where the product will be marketed, who are knowledgeable and familiar with terminology of the market in question.

This care ensures that the translator has in-depth knowledge about cultural characteristics and profile of the local target audience, guaranteeing that the terminology specific to each market segment is used correctly. Additionally, agencies also have review and Quality Assurance (QA) teams to mitigate the risk of deviations going unnoticed, and to identify any such situations before the materials is returned to the client.

Finally, labels include more than just technical information. The layout of good labeling and packaging graphics contributes to an appealing look that can increase product visibility on the shelf and capture the consumer’s attention. As a result, this factor can help increase sales. Aware of this need, good translation agencies offer an optional DTP service, which consists of editing and adapting the label and/or package layout after translation, so that it is identical to the original template and ready for success in new markets.

About Netwire

Created in 2000, Netwire is a multilingual solution firm that provides translation and localization into any language. With offices in Brazil and Argentina, the company serves approximately 25 market segments and has a network of hundreds of native translators, specialized in different business fields and residing all over the planet. In the past five years alone, Netwire processed over 110 million words, delivering an average of 400 projects per month. The company’s work methodology lets it deliver high-quality translation service, which has attracted and earned the trust of major enterprises around the world.