Labeling Innovations from Weber

It's time to order a batch of labels for my new product. I need to get this label order right the first time so production goes smoothly. What information does my label printer need from me?

There are a lot of specs you need to give to your printing company when it's time to order new pressure-sensitive labels. These usually include:

• Label material
• Label adhesive
• Final label size
• Number of colors
• Special label features (like booklet, coupon, extended text, etc.)
• And the Unwind direction

What is the unwind direction?

The unwind direction is the orientation of the label as it will feed out of a label printer or label applicator. There are eight different directions you could choose from for your unwind direction. Depending on whether you are applying them by hand or using automated machinery, this can be a critical factor.

If you are using a label applicator, make sure that you pick the correct orientation for your label to feed out onto your product. You don't want the label to be applied upside down! And some label applicators feed differently so be sure to check with your packaging team to make sure you order the labels with the right feed direction.

 

Why it matters

If your labels are to be fed out of a label printer or label applicator, then it is very likely that the label orientation is critical to the application. If you don't pick the correct unwind direction, you risk printing your barcode or other variable data in the wrong spot or even over your artwork. Selecting the correct direction also means you won't need to adjust your applicator because the labels are applying upside down!

Check out this handy guide to the various rewind directions.

Next time you are near your labeling operation, see if you can use this chart to figure out your current label orientation. Maybe you need to adjust it on your next order to improve labeling efficiency? If you are unsure or need help figuring it out, give us a call or email for more information.

One of our favorite label materials for prime packaging is film. The material is either clear or translucent and is available on paper or film liners. It's very popular in the personal care, spirits, and food & beverage markets because of its durability, flexibility and design capabilities. This material type also can be used to achieve the "no-label look" for your packaging.

Reasons to Love Film Labels

Modern Packaging

Film label packaging is a modern way to label your bottle, box or bag.

Using a clear film like, Weber's FlexClear Gloss, expands design possibilities because you are not limited to a die-cut shape. The Eden wine label to the right shows this beautifully. In order to achieve this design with a paper label you would need to use a very complicated die or color match to the bottle. The dramatic pop of the white tree also would be lost.

Film materials that aren't clear, like our FlexLyte, are a great choice for opaque bottles like lotions and cleaning products. The design stands out and the material is durable enough to handle the harsh environments of those products.

 

Durable and Flexible

Film materials by nature are durable and flexible. They outperform paper label materials when it comes to curved or squeezable containers because of their plastic make up. They are also moisture resistant so the label artwork is protected during refrigeration or in wet environments like showers and bathrooms.

 

Fresh Look for Food & Beverage

Clear labels are popular with food and beverage packaging. If you want to convey fresh food, you want the consumer to be able to see the product as much as possible. For example, if you're selling strawberries in a clamshell container, adding a clear film label allows for more of the product to be seen and at the same time uses the bright red of the fruit to be a part of the packaging design. 

It also works great for plastic or glass juice bottles. The colorful juice becomes the focus of the consumer.

Be sure to look into to the world of film labels for your next labeling project. Whether clear or opaque, film labels are a durable way of showcasing your product with an eye-catching label that will set you out from the crowd.

 

Want samples of film pressure-sensitive labels? Contact us below!

 

Ever wonder how labels get made?

Watch our quick video for a behind-the-scenes view of the Weber label manufacturing. 

We take great pride in helping our customers get the right label for their product, from blank labels for cartons to high-quality custom color labels on exotic materials. Our experts can guide you all along the way and help you get the best pricing for your project. 

 

 

Contact us today to get samples of Weber's high-quality, precision-printed pressure-sensitive labels that are designed to elevate the visual appeal of your products. With our extensive range of label options, from vibrant custom colors to durable materials, we can help you enhance the overall branding and packaging of your products.

By requesting samples, you'll have the opportunity to see firsthand the exceptional quality and attention to detail that goes into each and every label we produce. Our team of experts is dedicated to ensuring that you receive labels that perfectly match your product's specifications and meet your branding objectives.

In addition to receiving samples, we also offer a complimentary quote for your label project. Our experienced professionals will work closely with you to understand your requirements and provide you with the most competitive pricing options. 

Don't miss out on the chance to experience the difference that Weber labels can make for your business. Contact us today to request your samples and discover the possibilities for your packaging and branding needs.

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The craft beer market is booming! With more competition on the store shelves, brewers need to utilize their labels as a power marketing tool more than ever.

One of the best ways to do this is with eye-catching pressure-sensitive labels. We've put together 4 reasons why pressure-sensitive labels are best.

But first, what is a pressure-sensitive label?

Pressure-sensitive labels are like stickers. They are made up of 3 parts: face stock, adhesive and liner. Normally these are created by the roll but can also be printed by the sheet. Traditionally the beer industry has used sheeted cut and stack labels. These labels are pre-printed on paper and then glue is applied to the label and bottle during the application process. 

 

Why Pressure-Sensitive Labels for Craft Beer Labels

The Digital Edge

The HP Indigo digital label press can print beautiful high-end labels. This printing method also requires less set up time than traditional printing allowing you to start at a much lower minimum order quantity. This is perfect for seasonal craft beer, small batch brewing or personalized event themed labels.

The standard order minimum for labels printed on the digital press is just 500. This gives the brewer flexibility to order only the amount they need and not hold on to a lot of label inventory. And it gives you the freedom to try new flavors because the initial expense is so low.

Unique Shapes

Pressure-sensitive label are die cut into the size and shape you want for your bottle. In addition to the hundreds of die sizes there are already available, you can be creative with your bottle design and order a unique, one-of-a-kind shape. Plus, if your labels are printed digitally there is no extra cost for a die.

 

Durable Materials

Cut and stack labels come in paper only. If you want a label that will perform well in a wet environment like an ice bucket or cooler, then a pressure-sensitive label is the best option. They won't dissolve or come loose in water.

Pressure-sensitive labels also have the ability to add laminates or varnishes to protect the label artwork or give it a special texture.

You can also choose a clear film label material which isn't an option with paper glue labels. This allows you to create see-through labels or unique shapes that seem to float on the bottle. This is a popular effect on many high-end vodka products.

 

Labeling Equipment

Pressure-sensitive labeling is a clean efficient process. Label applicators range from simple inexpensive table-top wrap systems, to a wrap system with a conveyor to a labeler that can apply multiple labels per bottle. These bottle labeler are automated systems that remove the label from its liner and apply it to the bottle. Depending on the size of your typical bottling run, there is a label applicator perfect for you that will apply your labels efficiently, quickly, and even get them on straight!

 

 

Remember, you have options when choosing your craft beer label material. But we think craft beer labeling using pressure-sensitive labels is the best way to showcase your brand.

Weber has decades of experience printing labels for the beverage industry. Let us show you how we can make your craft beer stand out from the crowd with a great looking pressure-sensitive label.

 

We understand how important your packaging design is for your brand. To make sure we're producing exactly the label you designed, we have the artwork reviewed by our team of graphic specialists.

I recently had a chance to learn more about the Graphics Department when I interviewed our new Graphics manager, Joe Lozano.

 

What does the Weber Graphics Department do?

The team is made up of six graphic design and pre-press specialists with collectively over 40 years of experience.

This group handles label design, art file preparation, proofing, color correction, and plate-making for flexographic print jobs. Every new label, including artwork, goes through this department. They also handle some re-orders and label artwork updates.

 

Back in 2005, when the Julian Pie Company was experiencing phenomenal growth, the company realized that it needed to add automation to an awkward, labor-intensive operation of labeling and sealing its boxes of freshly-baked fruit pies.

Now, after over eight years on the production line, the company knows it made the right decision when it chose labels and a custom system from Weber Packaging Solutions to solve its dilemma.

Recently, while exhibiting at a trade show in the area, a few members of our Marketing team decided to swing by Julian Pie Company's bakery to see how things are going now that they've automated their labeling process.