Labeling Solutions You did not Know About

Have wine bottles with interesting labels ever caught your eye? Thinking of using similar labels for your bottles too? Want to know more about labeling equipment that can meet your needs? In this rapid guide on labeling solutions we discuss some of the leading technologies to overcome current issues in the labeling industry. We also look at how your label equipment is essential to power the growth of your company.

What are Labeling Solutions?

Every industry uses various kinds of labels to name and package products/services they offer. It is technically defined as the process of displaying information about a product on its packaging, container, or the product itself. Among the various categories of labels, “safety labels” are very important as they issue warnings inline with regulatory rules. 

As label machines come to be used successfully there are a number of issues or defects that arise during the labeling  process. The most common defects are: wrinkling, air bubbles, edge lift. The secondary level of issues are darting, cupping and tearing during application.  But the most tricky issue arises when the adhesive is not sticking. The reason for the last issue is either the quality of the adhesive or paper used.

As these issues impact the productivity of companies, they have been addressed in various ways by industry experts. A number of technology changes have been implemented to overcome these issues:  

RFID intelligent labels provide detailed information throughout the supply chain.Thin-stock labels are known to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and waste. Such labels are 50% thinner than regular labels.Database-driven label templates help in resolving many of the ongoing errors that arise from managing handling of the label equipment.   Integrating ERPs with labeling software

How to fix common application problems of labeling equipment?

Apart from industry-led labeling solutions, end-users also adapt and practice several processes to overcome application problems. Some ways to fix common label application problems are: 

Wrinkles: The quickest solution is to reposition the label. If that is not possible, you can use a heat gun to soften the vinyl and gently pull the material away. Reapply glue away from the wrinkle for smooth relabeling.Air bubbles: If the air bubbles are difficult to manage it is best to use a squeegee to push the bubbles toward the edge of the sticker. At the same time you can use a hair dryer and soften the adhesive. In the final step you can reposition the label.Adhesive not sticking: This tricky labeling issue is best resolved by using a Spray WD-40 on the sticky residue. After a minute, the label needs to be wiped away with a soft cloth for ease of sticking. Cupping: The best way to remove any cupping in a label is to lay the label cup side down in the sun for a few hours.Edge lift: This issue is difficult to solve on the labeling plate. You need to choose a more flexible label material to avoid edge lifts. If you are dealing with unexpected moisture in the labeling process, then you need to  blow off the surface moisture with an air knife.

Conclusion

Label equipment is technology-driven and ensures faster application and packaging of products. They have largely improved the costs of packaging and labeling and contribute significantly towards profitability and growth of the company. However, there are issues in labeling that arise from a number of known and unknown reasons.

While technical issues such as air bubbles,  cupping, wrinkles can be quickly addressed, issues like  surface moisture need different labeling solutions like using an air knife. For every label application problem, users can find a number of solutions including die cut error-morphing, removal of environment contaminants.