Labeling Innovations from Weber

Unveiling the Remarkable History of Pressure-Sensitive Labels

Have you ever paused to consider the small yet indispensable labels on the products you use daily? From food and beverages to cosmetics and household goods, pressure-sensitive labels (PSLs) have become a cornerstone of modern packaging. But have you ever wondered about their origins or how they came to be? Today, we’ll take a deep dive into the fascinating history of pressure-sensitive labels, illuminating the unsung heroes that enhance our shopping experience by providing crucial information and making products more engaging.

The Genesis of Pressure-Sensitive Labels

The journey of pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA) began in the early 20th century and marked a breakthrough in adhesive technology. Unlike traditional adhesives that required heat, water, or solvents, PSA allowed materials to adhere simply by applying pressure. This new adhesive innovation created the foundation for labels that could easily bond to surfaces while being repositionable or removable.

It all started with adhesive-coated paper, which enabled labels to be affixed to various surfaces. Initially, applying this adhesive was a labor-intensive process, done manually. However, in 1935, everything changed with the advent of a revolutionary machine that automated the application of adhesive, transforming the labeling industry.

The Breakthrough: R. Stanton Avery’s Vision

A pivotal moment in PSL history came in 1935 with R. Stanton Avery’s invention of the first pressure-sensitive label. Avery’s innovation centered around a self-adhesive label that was not only easier to apply but also more efficient, particularly for packaging and shipping industries. He introduced a permanent adhesive combined with a release paper backing, which marked the birth of the modern pressure-sensitive label. This invention was groundbreaking because it enabled businesses to print directly on the label and apply it effortlessly, without the need for heat or water.

The Revolution: Entering the Era of Pressure-Sensitive Technology

The 1940s ushered in an exciting new era for the labeling industry with the introduction of pressure-sensitive technology. Instead of relying on traditional methods like wet glue or heat, these labels adhered simply through pressure, making them easier to apply and reposition. The new technology quickly gained traction, offering greater convenience and flexibility.

In 1944, Avery founded the Avery Adhesive Company, which later evolved into Avery Dennison. This company played a crucial role in commercializing PSLs and driving their widespread adoption across industries. By the 1950s, pressure-sensitive labels had gained significant popularity, particularly in the food, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods sectors.

Advancing Materials and Expanding Applications

As the technology behind pressure-sensitive adhesives evolved, so did the materials and applications of PSLs. The 1960s saw major strides in self-adhesive materials, including the first barcoded labels, which were transformative for retail and inventory management.

Throughout the 1970s, synthetic materials like polypropylene and polyester began replacing paper as the primary substrates. These new materials were more durable, resistant to moisture, and better suited for use in challenging environments like cold storage or industrial applications. This opened up new possibilities for labeling a broader range of products, from refrigerated items to pharmaceuticals and industrial equipment.

The 1990s marked a further breakthrough with the rise of digital printing technologies. This advancement allowed companies to print PSLs on demand, in smaller quantities, and with greater customization. It also sparked a wave of creative possibilities in label design, particularly for consumer products like cosmetics, beverages, and wines.

The Modern Era: Sustainability and Innovation

One of the most notable developments in recent years is the growing focus on sustainability within the PSL industry. With an increasing demand for eco-friendly solutions, manufacturers have developed biodegradable and recyclable materials, including liners, that reduce waste and environmental impact.

Moreover, PSLs have become a popular medium for innovative designs and interactive features. From scratch-and-sniff labels to heat-sensitive designs that change color, PSLs now offer more than just information—they engage and surprise consumers.

The technology behind PSLs continues to advance with smart labeling, incorporating elements like RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) for enhanced product tracking and security. Additionally, tamper-evident features and specialized adhesives have made these labels even more versatile, ensuring their use across various sectors like logistics, healthcare, and food packaging.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Innovation

Where do I start??

No one ever really thinks about labels (unless you are a label person like me!) Labels exist on products to convey information. Perhaps you have come across labels when shopping that either entice you to buy a product or confuse you about just what it is. Some labels work better than others. It's all in the design.

There isn't one perfect label design that fits everything, but a well-designed label hits several key points:

Clear communication: It effectively conveys the product information, including brand, name, and key features. Think easy-to-read fonts and clear hierarchy in what info is most important.

The primary function of a label is to accurately represent the product it is attached to. It is crucial to clearly convey what the product is, its composition, and the quantity contained within. Imagine the confusion if someone mistook a bottle of blue window cleaner for raspberry fruit punch! It is essential to make it effortless for consumers to identify the product and access any vital information about it.

This becomes even more critical when dealing with chemical or pharmaceutical products. In urgent situations, medical professionals or emergency responders require precise and concise details about the product they are handling.

To address this need, these types of products often utilize specialized extended text labels. These labels provide a comprehensive amount of information readily available alongside the medicine or chemical product.

Visually appealing: Product labels often are used to sell a product from the store shelf. It catches the consumer's eye with a design that reflects the brand personality. This could be bright colors for a playful product or a sleek design for something more sophisticated.

Brands strategically utilize color and design to stand out from their competitors on the store shelf. Consider the iconic associations we make with certain colors and brands - Coca-Cola with red, Tide with orange, and John Deere with green.

Choose a color scheme and style that aligns with your brand identity. Your label can feature vibrant photos or intricate illustrations in a variety of colors. Incorporating innovative label materials like metallic films, fluorescent colors, and tactile laminations can elevate your product's visual appeal and make it unforgettable.

Consumers often make decisions based on visual cues, so make sure your label catches their eye before they commit to a brand.

Choose a font style that is easily legible from afar and incorporate your logo to firmly establish your brand identity. 

Functional: The size and shape of the label have to fit the product and the material has to be appropriate for the environment it will be in (e.g., waterproof for a beverage).

Cutting-edge label materials now encompass freezer-grade media that securely sticks in subzero conditions, specialized laminations resistant to chemicals to preserve label clarity, waterproof BOPP vinyl materials tailored for beverages, and robust durable label materials designed for outdoor or harsh settings.

Here's how these come together:

So now that you have the basics of a label, what else do I need to think about? This is where the artistic design part of the label comes in.

Consider the product: Food carries a distinct emotional resonance compared to, for example, a box of screws. What specific vibe do you aim to evoke with your label's appearance? Should it exude deliciousness or industrial functionality? Will it bring joy or simplify life? How do you want your customers to feel when they see it? Or does their emotional response even matter in the grand scheme of things?

A jar of jam might use a cute, colorful label with a handwritten font, while a bottle of high-end olive oil might have a more minimalist design with a focus on clean lines and earthy tones.Your new beer could embrace a lighthearted and witty persona, while a fresh laundry detergent exudes power and purity.

Think about the target audience: Consider the intended person who will be reading the label: Are you targeting a construction worker who values product reliability and durability, requiring the label to remain intact for an extended period?

Or perhaps a no-nonsense nurse in need of critical dosage information for a new medicine? A label for baby food should be clear, informative, and trustworthy, while a label for a new energy drink might be more edgy and attention-grabbing.

If you've ever utilized a traditional continuous inkjet system, you're likely aware of its efficiency in handling variable information such as date codes or product identification at rapid speeds. While primarily used for informational purposes, readability and scannability, especially for barcodes, are essential.

However, the downside is often the mess it can create. From potential ink leaks to clogged nozzle plates and resulting production downtime, the maintenance and upkeep can sometimes outweigh the benefits of high-speed printing and cost-effectiveness. It's crucial to consider the bigger picture.

Could there be a better alternative to the constant downtime and maintenance? Enter Weber's Markoprint thermal inkjet systems, a revolutionary type of inkjet coder that utilizes HP ink cartridges instead of bulky ink tanks found in CIJ systems. These Markoprint coders come in various configurations, from single-head, stand-alone coders for simple date code applications to multi-head systems for coding both sides of a carton and larger prints.

So, what sets these Markoprint coders apart as "no-mess" solutions?

The difference is the HP cartridge.

Conventional CIJ systems depend on a large ink reservoir to provide the ink for printing, along with a separate make-up tank to dilute the ink and clean the printhead after printing. Any surplus ink and make-up are stored within the coder, necessitating shutdowns for refills when levels drop or the storage reaches its limit. Proper management of these potentially hazardous materials is vital, and the task of replenishing and restarting the system can be time intensive.

Prior to shutdown, a CIJ printhead must be meticulously cleaned to prevent clogs. If a blockage does occur, significant time and effort are needed to restore functionality. Depending on the type of ink used, this maintenance task can quickly turn into a messy and labor-intensive chore.

The Markoprint TIJ system stands out in its approach when utilizing the HP cartridge.  The cartridge has the flexibility to be filled with a diverse range of inks, proving its flexibility for various substrates.  The cartridge seamlessly integrates with the Markoprint printhead, requiring no flushing or cleaning. When ink levels run low, simply swap in a new cartridge to resume production instantly. With this system, there are no concerns about clogged heads, ink spills, or wasted time.  Each time you insert a new cartridge, it’s like having a fresh printhead. 

At the end of the day, simply remove the cartridge out of the Markoprint printer and place the cartridge clip on to the cartridge to avoid clogged nozzles with dried up ink.  By morning, your system will be good to go again. If you're switching to a different product the next day, just insert the cartridge with the appropriate ink to match your materials.

Markoprint coders offer a unique solution to avoid messy applications. Instead of only printing directly on products, we have discovered that printing on a label before application yields cleaner and more consistent text and barcodes. This approach eliminates issues with coding on wet surfaces in breweries or dusty cartons in bustling factories.

Weber Packaging offers optional mounting hardware to connect a Markoprint coder to one of their label applicators upstream before application. They also provide mounting hardware for popular Pack Leader label applicators. As a label passes through the Markoprint coder, the information is printed, instantly dries, and is then applied to the product or carton. The text or barcodes remain legible, and you have the ability to position the printed code wherever desired on your label.

Cost of ownership.

Concerns often arise regarding the higher cost of TIJ printers compared to traditional CIJ systems. However, when looking at the long-term usage of your new inkjet coder, it's crucial to consider the overall costs involved.

In a CIJ system, the major expenses come from purchasing ink and solvents, which can be quite costly depending on the ink formulation. Handling hazardous MEK solvents with care is essential, and the risk of spills leading to permanent damage is a real concern, potentially resulting in the need to repaint your floors.

On the other hand, Markoprint thermal inkjet systems use cost-effective HP cartridges utilizing water and alcohol-based inks. With each new cartridge, you also receive a fresh printhead, reducing the risk of clogs and maintenance issues. Over a period of one to two years in production, the savings from using HP cartridges become evident, making them a more economical choice in the long run.

The best way to explore total costs of ownership before purchasing or upgrading an inkjet system is to get a quote from a Weber specialist. They can give you a total cost comparison and ink usage costs for your usage. They can show you the iDesign software that comes with the Markoprint coder and explain the benefits of TIJ over CIJ inkjet. Contact Weber and learn more!

Revolutionizing Packaging Production: Weber Packaging Solutions and Numina Group Join Forces!

We've got some exciting news to share that is set to shake up the packaging world. Weber Packaging Solutions and the Numina Group have just announced a strategic partnership, and it's going to have a big impact on how businesses handle their future packaging production. Picture this: improved efficiency, increased productivity, and happier customers. Are you ready to dive in?

The Power of Partnership:
First things first, let's take a closer look at these two powerhouses coming together. Weber Packaging Solutions is a global leader in innovative labeling and coding solutions, while the Numina Group is renowned for its cutting-edge warehouse automation systems, using high-performance print and apply labeling systems that maximize productivity and profitability. Now, imagine the possibilities when you combine Weber's 90+ years of labeling expertise with Numina's 40 years of state-of-the-art automation technology. It's a match made in packaging heaven!

Enhancing Packaging Production:
So, you're probably wondering how this partnership will benefit you, right? Well, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. By harnessing the strengths of both Weber and Numina, businesses will experience a whole new level of efficiency and productivity in their packaging production processes. Say goodbye to bottlenecks and hello to streamlined operations!

Efficient Labeling and Coding:
Weber Packaging Solutions brings its extensive experience in label and labeling system innovation to the table. With their reliable technologies, businesses can ensure accurate labeling, even on complex packaging designs. This ensures brand consistency, regulatory compliance, and eliminates costly errors. Plus, Weber's labeling systems seamlessly integrate with Numina's automation solutions, making the packaging process smoother than ever before.

Seamless Automation:
Now, let's talk about the Numina Group's game-changing automation technology. Picture a fully automated packaging area, where robots effortlessly pick and place products, sort and stack boxes, and optimize the entire process. With Numina's expertise, businesses can significantly reduce labor costs, minimize errors, and boost productivity. By integrating Numina's automation systems with Weber's labeling and coding solutions, businesses can achieve a seamless and efficient packaging production line.

Customer-Centric Solutions:
In today's competitive business landscape, customer satisfaction is paramount. By partnering with Weber and Numina, businesses can deliver products faster, with improved quality control and accuracy. This means happier customers and increased customer loyalty. From e-commerce order fulfillment to retail distribution, this partnership has got you covered.

Go-Label: Where Quality Labels Meet Affordability!

Hey there, label users! Are you ever in need of labels but cringe at the thought of shelling out a small fortune? Look no further, because we've got just the solution for you - Go-Label.com! In today's blog post, we're going to delve into the world of low-cost labels and labeling supplies, so buckle up and get ready for a thrilling ride.

Affordable Labels Made Easy:
At Go-Label, we understand that labels play a crucial role in various industries, whether it's for packaging, organizing, or promoting your products. But we also recognize the fact that cost can be a major concern, especially for small businesses and startups. That's why we've made it our mission to provide top-quality labels at wallet-friendly prices.

Wide Range of Options:
With Go-Label, you won't have to compromise on quality or settle for a limited selection. We offer a wide range of labeling options to suit different needs and preferences. From customizable adhesive labels to durable shipping labels, we've got you covered.

• Blank thermal-transfer labels
• Blank direct thermal labels
• Color thermal-transfer labels
• Ink jet labels
• Craft beer labels
• Polytag lumber labels

Whether you're looking for labels for your homemade products or need barcodes for inventory management, our extensive collection won't disappoint.

Top-notch Quality:
Now, you might be wondering if our low prices come at the expense of quality. Rest assured, quality is our top priority at Go-Label. We believe that everyone deserves access to reliable labeling supplies without breaking the bank. That's why our team works tirelessly to ensure that our labels meet the highest standards, providing you with durable and professional-looking results every time.

Customer Satisfaction is Our Jam:
We take immense pride in our commitment to customer satisfaction. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is always ready to assist you throughout the labeling process, from selecting the right labels to providing helpful tips and tricks for label application.

You can LiveChat with us from any page of the web site! We can help with orders, make recommendations and look up a product to check stock levels. We strive to make your experience with Go-Label as smooth and delightful as possible.

As a typical brewery, you are constantly on the lookout for innovative ways to make your products stand out, whether it's in a retail setting or sold from a tap room cooler. A captivating label that distinguishes you from the competition is key to attracting attention and expanding your customer base. Let's face it, more often than not, a consumer's choice is influenced by the label itself.

While there are many ways to create impressive looking labels, like using metallic papers and exotic label materials, they tend to be expensive. And breweries are always looking to keep their label price at the magic <$0.10/label threshold. Right?

Weber Packaging recently started helping breweries use a simple, economical process to make their labels stand out. It might even get your customers to play with your label and show others.

It’s called Cast & Cure. It’s a cost-effective in-line process that creates a shiny reflective area on your label using UV coating and a specialty film. And it doesn’t really add much to your basic label cost.