Labeling Innovations from Weber

With the success of craft beer, cold-pressed juices, kombuchas and other beverages these days, it's easy to see that a wide range of labeling systems are required to meet the demands of these very different manufacturers.  Bottles for these beverages include regular round 12 ounce and 16 ounce versions, square-sided bottles in glass or plastic, and sometimes irregular shapes like ovals and octagons. 

How can you be sure that you are buying the best labeling system for your application? 

Well, let's take the craft beer industry for example.  Companies range from start-ups of 2-3 people putting out a few barrels a week to huge corporations with multiple locations supplying thousand of barrels a week or more. Each has a specific need for their bottle labeling.  And whatever the solution, it has to work reliably and fit into their production seamlessly. 

So here are a few questions on what to ask when choosing a bottle labeling system for your beverage company. 

1) How many bottles do you need to label per hour?

Wrap-Around Label Applications come in many styles and sizes, all depending on the speed of the production line.  Are you labeling 100 bottles an hour or 100 per minute?  A small craft brewery or juice company might be doing a special seasonal run of a particular style and may only need to hand label 1,000 bottles for a specific run.  For this application, an automated hand-labeling system would work well.

These hand-fed labelers are economical and fairly simple to use.  A couple of different manufacturers make these, such as Dispensa-Matic's Bottle-Matic hand-fed labelers that can label 500-1,000 bottles per hour with average dexterity.

With this labeler, a bottle is placed on the machine and the operator presses a button to dispense the label.  The label is then applied as the bottle spins on the rollers - simple.  The labels are applied straight every time unlike hand-labeling.  And the systems are usually less than $1,500.

If your company uses a front and back label combination for your products, the dual-label version will apply equally-spaced front/back labels fast and straight.  Operators just need to be sure to order the labels with the labels alternating correctly.

For medium-sized companies, these might need to add a system into their automated production line, such as the PackLeader Elf 50 bottle wrap system.  A self-contained platform, the machine can be placed in a production line where bottles are fed onto its conveyor.  As the bottle moves down the conveyor belt, the bottle is spun and the label is wrapped around the bottle before it is sent to the next production station.  

These systems are obviously more expensive but are fully adjustable for different size bottles.  They are also hands-free so once set-up, production can be completely automated.  Some systems are mobile and can be rolled into place when labeling is needed, then rolled away when space is required for another operation.  This is handy for start-ups where space is at a premium. 

For a large company looking for high-speed labeling, there are label applicators that can apply hundreds of labels per minute.  These are available from many different manufacturers including Weber, PackLeader, Tronics, Krones and more.  Usually these machines are custom designed to fit existing production lines and timed to precisely match the speed of the production line.  

A high-speed system is expensive but necessary if you are trying to ramp up your company's growing manufacturing and sales.  These labelers have optical sensors, PLCs and on-board electronics that allow all the machines in the production line to talk to each other and time their label application.  Sensors trigger label application and can even detect missing/faulty labels.  These are complex systems that require planning and are most times custom-designed to blend into a production line. 

2) Are you using a wrap-around label or front and back labels?

Not everyone uses wrap-around labels.  Many manufacturers like to have nice-looking brand label on the front and an ingredients/nutrition label on the back. 

Many labeling systems can be set up to do front/back labeling, but check and be sure before buying a system.  You should be able to adjust the spacing so the labels are centered directly across the bottle from each other. 

Again, you also have to make sure that the front and back labels on the rolls are alternated so they will distribute correctly in the applicator. 

3) Are your bottles round, square or something more exotic?

Some new juice companies are using square bottles to set themselves apart from their competition on the store shelf.  Labeling these bottles often requires special systems with a label applicator on either side of the production line.  To date, there are solutions that allow labels to be applied to both sides of a bottle at the same time, or others that have high-speed versions that can also handle horizontally-tapered bottles for two-sided labeling. 

The size and shape of your label can also determine what type of system you need.  Large oversize beverage labels for five-gallon pails and drums need very specialized labeling equipment.  Most labeling systems can handle average size labels but always ask for a test.  Make sure you check that the label applicator is adjustable for height of the bottle in case you are running different sized products or change your label design in the future.

4) How much floor space do you have for your labeler?

A big issue when shopping for a labeling system is how and where will it fit into the production parade.  Some companies have lots of room so they are just designing/building their new lines. But other companies are replacing old equipment or have limited space into which they have to insert the new label applicator.

After you determine what type of label applicator you need and how fast you need to go, the next step is to check the machine's footprint.  Does it have the ability to match your conveyor system's height and handle the product safely and accurately?  Can the sensors talk to your system to ensure accuracy and speed of the labeling?  Do you need to remove the labeler when it is not being used?

Other questions might include checking if your product would require being put at temperatures other than the room temperature.  Does it contain a heated or frozen product that might not accept regular label material?  There are specific label materials that work well with cold, wet or heated products.  Check with your label manufacturer to be sure.  It is always best to investigate these details and see which manufacturers can meet your requirements.

5) What is your budget? 

And finally, how much do you have budgeted for your beverage labeling project?  This is always a tough but necessary question.  You do not want your production line to suffer poor performance or breakdown due to a bargain brand not performing.  Do your homework here and try to match your requirements and future growth to the best product for your application.  Look at the number of hours that this label applicator will be working over the next few years and you can see what the likely ROI (return on investment) will be.  Most times a well-built labeling system will last 10-20 years with regular maintenance and a little tender loving care. 

Be sure to look at the manufacturer's track record for reliability and service. See if the system is modular and can grow along with your business.  Read up on product reviews and talk to others in your industry to see who can deliver a label applicator that will last. Annual trade shows are specifically designed for customers to physically witness packaging equipment working live.  They are a perfect place to shop for a system and get all your questions answered by sales engineers and marketing staff who know the equipment best. 

www.weberpackaging.com

Is it time for a label redesign at your brewery? Or are you contemplating a new exotic small batch run and need some craft beer label ideas?

Now you can get some help by downloading Weber's new Craft Beer Label Idea eBook. This publication has information garnered from the industry that will help you make some decisions about your labeling process, including:

• Label design tips and insights
• The benefits of pressure-sensitive labels
• Types of labels used by brewers
• The best label materials including new types of media available
• Labeling equipment options to fit your production
• Best way to add ink jet date codes to your bottles and cans

Weber has experience designing and printing labels for the craft beer industry and can help all brewers from start-ups to large mega corporations. Using th

e right materials and applying the labels correctly will make your brand stand out from the competition. Poorly printed craft beer labels, labels that don't stick when exposed to moisture, and labels that are applied crooked all make your product look bad. And with so many other craft brewers out there, you want to make a good impression with your audience of customers.

You can now order your limited run craft beer labels from Weber's Go-Label.com site! Choose from a wide range of materials and finishes to create a unique look for your brand. And the labels are steeply discounted as you buy more. Minimum order is only 1 roll of 500 labels! We can turn your order around in just 5 days after artwork approval. It's simple and easy to order. Use our Chat Live on Go-Label to ask our operator for more info.

So you have a variety of box sizes to ship and are looking for a way to automatically print and apply labels without breaking the bank?  Well, now there is a solution.  

Weber's economical LA-2050 label printer-applicators offer maximum performance in a small compact footprint, using a highly-efficient low-energy tamp-blow applicator for contactless labeling.  Label placement accuracy is  ±0.05 inches. 

The LA-2050 uses a Sato CLNX thermal-transfer label printer (203, 300 or 600 dpi) that can print thermal-transfer or direct thermal labels as small as 1.1” x  1.5” and up to 4.7” x 6.2” (ideal for 4”x 6” shipping labels).

The LA-2050 print apply systems handle larger label rolls than normal, with an outer diameter of 8.60”,  that allow you to apply an average of 20 percent more labels between roll change over.  Likewise, the longer thermal transfer ribbon footage of 1,968’ allows for continuous label printing over a longer timeframe. And when the ribbon or labels need to be changed, it can be accomplished quickly due to the design and ease of access to the printer mechanism.

Zebra Technologies has introduced its new line of tabletop label printers with a wide range of advanced features. Let's take a look under the hood and see what innovations these printers are bringing to the packaging industry.

The ZT510, Zebra ZT610 and ZT620 industrial thermal transfer printers are the next generation printers that combine rugged durability and exceptional performance on a user-friendly, future-ready platform. These new models will be replacing some of the older label printers from the Zebra line-up: the Zebra ZT510 replaces the 105SL Series whereas ZT610 replaces the 110Xi4 Series and ZT620 replaces the 170Xi Series.

Let's take a closer look at these new printers and see how they might fit into your label production. Before purchasing an industrial printer, you should be aware of its features and your own job requirements. There are many different makes and models of label printers in the marketplace. By taking the time to understand all the different options available, you will ensure you have a printer that can get the job done now and long into the future.

The Zebra ZT510 Label Printer

Zebra ZT510 industrial label printer is the next generation of the 105SLPlus series, building on the legacy of the industry-leading 105SLPlus printer.  This new printer has the core features you need in an industrial printer at a cost-effective price point.

With it's proven, durable design and construction, the ZT510 also features advanced management and monitoring capabilities. That means you get 24/7 reliability to keep your operations running smoothly, plus longevity and advanced functionality to power through every challenge in the years to come — all at an exceptional value.

You know what matters most about a craft beer is the tasty content inside the packaging.

But with ever increasing competition, it might get tough to rely on just the product to sell itself. Sometimes taste alone is not enough to get your craft beer noticed and moving off the shelves. Branding and packaging play a major role in the growth of your brewery and your brand.

With more craft breweries selling thousands of brands at retail, the beer choices for consumers are seemingly endless. New beer varieties are constantly entering the marketplace and shelf space is at a premium. Breweries are relying on package differentiation to grab consumers’ attention at the retail point of sale.

The importance of designing your custom beverage labels to tell your brand’s story is key, and the label design can have a big impact on shelf presence.  We are going to cover the pressure-sensitive label material choices you have and why it has a bigger impact than you might think.  Getting a perfect-looking label on a can or bottle requires some planning.

What is the best ribbon to use in my thermal-transfer label printer?

Good question. 

Most people never stop to think about whether they are using the most efficient, cost-effective ribbon for their every-day labels. They just keep ordering the brand that came with their Zebra or Sato label printer.

But there have been many new advancements in ribbon technology that could help users save money on label costs and maintenance. So here are four good reasons to check and see if you are getting the best bang for your buck with your ribbons and how Weber's Go-Mark 100 ribbons might change your mind.

One: What are you labeling?

Most people that use thermal-transfer label printers from manufacturers like Zebra, Datamax and Sato are printing simple paper labels for bar code or shipping labels. These labels are mostly single use, applied usually to a shipping carton or envelope, and don't need to last more than a week or so. They get ripped off and throw away after the package arrives. Done.

Barring any extreme handling or careless shipment, standard wax ribbons work just fine for shipping and bar code labels. Depending on the ribbon, you get a dark black transfer of the text or image onto plain paper labels that are fairly durable. But beware; some wax ribbons don't print dark enough or transfer the ink from the ribbon correctly, making the label hard to read. Buy quality wax ribbons from a good source.

Weber's Go-Mark 100 wax ribbons feature a rich blackness for basic label printing applications such as shipping and product identification labels. The new ribbons are compatible with both coated and uncoated label materials, working well with flood-coated color labels, too.

If you need a more durable print on your label, say for a label that will endure abrasion or needs to last more than a week, you can step up to a wax/resin formulation ribbon that will last longer. But the price increases, too. If you don't worry about harsh treatment or longevity, stick with simple wax ribbons.

Also, be sure to pick a ribbon that fits the size requirements of your label. Don't use a 4-inch wide ribbon if your label printing area is only 2 inches wide. You can use a less-expensive ribbon by selecting a ribbon just slightly wider than the label width. For example, if you have only a 2" wide label,  use a 2.36" width ribbon instead of a 4.06" ribbon which is more money per roll. But remember, it is important that the ribbon be slightly wider than the label to protect the printhead.

Two: Print head maintenance

One of the inherent problems with thermal-transfer label printing is keeping the print head happy. Inside each printer is a heating device that transfers the ink from the ribbon to the label surface. Read this blog of ours about to see how that works.

The print head can get finicky when dirt and dust from the workplace (or just paper dust from the label roll) starts clogging it up.  Your label will have areas of missing print indicating it's time for maintenance on the printer.

And easy way to avoid this problem is to clean the print head after every ribbon change. But not many people want to take the time to open the print head and do the work.

The new Go-Mark 100 wax ribbons from Weber now come with a built-in Clean Start leader that automatically cleans your print head as you load each ribbon. It takes care of the dust and dirt while maintaining your printer every time you change ribbons. Simple. And no more missing print or stopping production to do housekeeping chores.