What’s the big deal about labels?
"Each business has its own special requirements". Says Ellinor. "It’s all about the needs you have and any special conditions the labels need to withstand. You can choose from thermal transfer material such as paper, polyester and polythene, or thermal paper material.
The key is to identify the requirements for visibility, durability, efficiency and cost".
Ellinor says that customizing is fairly limitless. "You can choose shape, size, colour, material and finish, and the type of adhesive that’s right for your products".
How could I test to find the right material for my business?
"This is a question we are often asked", comments Ellinor. "We test material samples to see which works best for a particular job, so that we can help you choose the materials that perfectly suit your industry and products. Most of our clients are warehouse customers and we produce labels that work for their specific needs." This could include cold rooms, different transport conditions and climate effects.
"As an example, we have a global security client who needs labels that can withstand the Scandinavian winter", continues Ellinor. "We print their labels with their colour logo and individual barcode on each label first and then we laminate the labels afterwards. These labels need to remain fixed to outdoor places, regardless of the conditions."
Ellinor continues, "Some customers choose reflective material so that their workforce can read the barcode from a longer distance, saving on time and effort in the warehouse. Others use labels in cold rooms like freezers where they need labels to stick around even if it gets very moist".
Specify what you need
"It’s important to be ‘label smart’, and analyze your particular needs. If you don’t need colour, don’t use it. It simply adds to the expense." adds Ellinor.
"Look at your requirements. How many labels do you need? What kind? What conditions will they be used in? Then print what you need when you need them, and how you need them", continues Ellinor.
What other labelling challenges have you experienced?
"There are occasions when health and safety are a real priority. For example, a hospital client needed to clearly identify food products in an environment where speed and accuracy is vital. Meals need to be sent out frequently and on time to meet the obvious needs of patients." Ellinor say. "Food needs to be labelled to make sure people with allergies or specific nutritional requirements get the meals intended for them. And labels need to stay fixed on meal containers, even when they were warmed up to high temperatures, so they go to the right patient."
When should I invest in special solutions?
"When the going gets tough", says Ellinor, "you may need long lasting labels that can withstand sunlight, damp, chemicals, mechanical wear, heat and wind. Thermo transfer labels are often the best solution. They can be proofed to withstand all kinds of weather and industrial wear and tear. They’re tough and long-lasting. The process uses ribbons to transfer print, meaning they can be proofed", continues Ellinor.
Ellinor commented on the changing requirements of most companies. "Businesses – and their needs – are never static. You need to continually assess your current and your future needs. If you need to upgrade to a different method or material, the right choice at the beginning can save a lot of money in the future."
But labels are just labels. Aren’t they?
Ellinor stresses the importance of labels doing more than just identifying products. "Labels are there to identify the right products and make sure they go to the right places. But more than that, they’re there to be seen. They’re window dressing. Put a label on a product and it’s an advert." She says. "When goods are in store, in transit, or on show, it’s all about showing your brand, your business name and even your contact details. It can put your company and its product at top of mind. Always there."
Ellinor adds, "The buzzwords are, no more, no less, no waste. Get the right printing and labelling solutions and it’s job done."
If you have any questions about labeling and printing solutions, or need an expert to look at which solution would suit your specific requirements, get in touch with Ellinor at
ellinor.bergstrom@se.consafelogistics.com
or call her on +46 586 638 01
"We are committed to helping you make the right choice so your business runs as cost effectively as possible. A little forward planning could save you a lot of cash" concludes Ellinor.