Bottle labeling systems are critical to the production process of many food, beverage, and pharmaceutical manufacturers like you. They are used for a variety of purposes, including product identification, branding, and marketing, which is why it’s crucial to select the right bottle labeling machine for your needs. Doing so will ensure that the quality of your product is maintained and that you’re able to meet regulatory requirements.
When selecting a bottle labeling machine, there are three important questions you need to ask.
1. What bottle shapes and sizes do you use?
Most bottles are cylindrical, which means that most bottle labelers can only accommodate round bottles. If you use non-standard bottle shapes, such as oval, square, or rectangular, you’ll need to find a bottle labeling machine that can handle these shapes.
Another important aspect to think about is the size of your bottles. Are your products bottled in different sizes or do you use only one bottle size for all items? Depending on your needs, you may need a labeling machine that can accommodate multiple sizes or one that’s specifically designed for your standard size.
2. What types of adhesive labels do you need?
Depending on the type and design of your product, you may need one to five of the following adhesive labels.
- Wrap-around labels – These labels are applied to the bottle by wrapping them around the circumference. They’re often used for products that require a lot of text on the label, such s nutritional information.
- Front and back labels – As the name suggests, these labels are applied to the front and back of the bottle. They’re typically used for multiple products that have a standard back label and different front labels.
- Neck or shoulder labels – These labels are applied to the neck or shoulder of the bottle, and are often used to provide additional branding or product information.
- Tamper-proof labels – These labels are applied over the bottle’s cap or lid and provide evidence that the product has not been opened. They’re often used for products that need to maintain a sterile environment, such as pharmaceuticals.
- Cover labels – You can add these inexpensive labels over the bottle’s existing label for additional marketing requirements. For instance, you might use cover labels to translate the text on your bottle labels into another language.
3. Do you need to print on the label?
Depending on your product and labeling requirements, you might need to add serial numbers, expiration dates, or batch codes to your labels. If so, you’ll need a bottle labeling machine that can accommodate a print engine.
If your products are designed for long-term storage, such as wine or olive oil, you might need to print labels that can withstand harsh conditions, such as high temperatures and UV light. In this case, you’ll need a bottle labeling machine with a thermal transfer printer. This ensures that the text will be visible and legible for the duration of the product’s shelf life.
Asking these three important questions will help you narrow down your choices and find the bottle labeling machine that’s right for your needs.
