All posts by Josh Ballan

5 Key Lessons Learned from Label Printing Failures

1st July 2025NewsJosh Ballan

Let’s be honest – label printing might seem straightforward, but when it goes wrong, it can be a proper headache. Whether you’re a small business or a big brand, avoiding mistakes can save you time, money, and a fair bit of stress. Here are five lessons we’ve picked up (sometimes the hard way!) that’ll help you steer clear of common label printing blunders.

1. Clear Specifications Are Essential

One of the biggest mistakes in label printing is not having clear instructions. If you don’t specify details like size, material, or design clearly from the start, you may end up with labels that don’t meet your needs.

Lesson: Be crystal clear. Write it all down – the finer the detail, the better. A little extra time upfront saves a lot of back-and-forth later.

2. Always Test Before Printing in Bulk

It might be tempting to go full steam ahead, but jumping straight into a big print job without a test is a classic mistake. What looks fab on your computer might look completely different in real life – colours, spacing, or even the feel of the material.

Lesson: Always, always ask for a sample proof before printing in bulk. It’s a small step that can save you a right mess down the line.

3. Consistency Matters

There’s nothing more frustrating than labels that look slightly “off” – one batch’s colour doesn’t match the next, or the font’s just a bit different. It chips away at your brand’s credibility.

Lesson: Work with printers who know what they’re doing and have systems in place to keep everything uniform. Always double-check before giving the final go-ahead.

4. Choose the Right Vendor

Not all printers are created equal. Some might be brilliant at business cards but totally clueless about waterproof product labels. Picking the wrong vendor can mean missed deadlines and subpar results.

Lesson: Do your homework. Look at their previous work, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to walk away if it doesn’t feel right. A good printer is worth their weight in gold.

5. Plan for Extra Costs

Ah, the classic “surprise” charges – extra fees for last-minute tweaks, premium materials, or delivery costs that weren’t mentioned. It all adds up, and fast.

Lesson: Build a budget with wiggle room. Ask for a full breakdown of costs upfront, so nothing catches you off guard. Better safe than skint!

6. Ignoring Country-Specific Requirements

Each country may have unique requirements around symbols, language, warnings, and layouts.

Always research local labelling laws before exporting or distributing. One label does not fit all markets.

By keeping these lessons in mind, you can avoid common label printing mistakes and ensure a smoother, more successful project.

Thinking about printing your own labels?

Why not start with a sample? See the quality for yourself – we’re here to make sure your labels look spot-on from the first print to the last.

Useful Links:

GOV.UK – Product Labelling Guidance

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/product-labelling-the-law

Last Updated: 1st July 2025

Labelling Regulations: A Comprehensive Overview for Pharma

16th June 2025NewsJosh Ballan

One Label. One Mistake. One Disaster.

In the world of medical and pharmaceutical products, a simple labelling error isn’t just a typo, it can mean product recalls, regulatory fines, or even patient harm. Whether you’re printing dosage details or managing multi-country packaging, compliance isn’t optional; it’s critical.

1. Incomplete or Incorrect Information

Regulators like the MHRA require accurate details on medication strength, dosage, ingredients, storage conditions, and expiry dates. Errors here are not just non-compliant, they can harm patients.

Always cross-check against approved product information and regularly review your templates to match current regulations.

2. Non-Readable or Poor-Quality Printing

Small fonts, smudged text, or low-contrast colours can render labels unreadable, especially for vulnerable patients.

Use high-contrast colours, legible fonts, and test your labels for readability under different lighting and angles. Don’t forget elderly or visually impaired users.

3. Language and Translation Errors

In global markets, translations must be precise. One mistranslated word can mislead or breach local rules.

Use certified medical translators and run translations through quality assurance systems.

4. Lack of Batch and Serial Numbers

This is critical for tracking and recalls. Some companies skip it to save space or costs, but it’s a big mistake.

Ensure batch numbers, manufacturing dates, and serial numbers are clearly displayed and scannable.

5. Outdated Regulatory Knowledge

Labelling regulations change often. Failing to stay up to date can make your labels non-compliant.
Subscribe to updates from the MHRA and international authorities like the FDA and EMA. Regular audits help too.

6. Ignoring Country-Specific Requirements

Each country may have unique requirements around symbols, language, warnings, and layouts.

Always research local labelling laws before exporting or distributing. One label does not fit all markets.

7. Over-Reliance on Automation Without Checks

Automated labelling software is useful, but it’s not foolproof. Software malfunctions or data mapping errors can introduce risk.

Always include human review as part of your labelling process.

Avoiding labelling pitfalls isn’t just about following rules; it’s about protecting your brand, your business, and the people who rely on your products.

At Expert labels, we specialise in helping medical and pharmaceutical organisations create fully compliant, accurate, and accessible labels. From regulatory advice to label design, proofreading, and translation support, we offer tailored solutions that meet MHRA, EU, and global standards.

Do you need help reviewing your current labels? We make sure your labelling is safe, compliant, and audit-ready.

Useful Links:

MHRA Labelling Guidance (UK):

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/packaging-and-labelling-of-medicines

EMA Labelling Overview (Europe):

https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/human-regulatory/marketing-authorisation/product-information/product-information-human-medicines

WHO Labelling Standards:

https://www.who.int/standards/medicines-quality-assurance/

Last Updated: 10th June 2025

How a Beauty Brand Boosted Shelf Appeal with Bold Label Design

21st May 2025NewsJosh Ballan

In the competitive world of beauty products, first impressions are everything. With so many brands fighting for attention, standing out on the shelf isn’t just nice to have; it’s essential. One of our clients, an emerging beauty brand, recognised this challenge and transformed its packaging strategy with our help, achieving impressive results.

The Challenge: Standing Out in a Crowded Market

The brand, known for its natural skincare range, had already built a loyal customer base. But in busy retail settings, their products often blended in with similar-looking items. While their minimalist design was elegant, it didn’t grab the attention of new shoppers.

Our Solution: Bold Label Design for Bigger Impact

We worked closely with the brand to completely refresh its packaging. The goal was to create labels that reflected their ethos but also stood out on the shelf. The key changes we introduced included:

Vibrant Colours: Inspired by nature, the new labels featured bright, bold colours that tied in with the brand’s natural ingredients.
Clear Typography: We made sure the product details were displayed in a clean, easy-to-read style, so shoppers could quickly find key information.
Enhanced Finishes: We added glossy and textured elements to give the labels a premium look and feel, making the products more inviting to pick up.

Tailored Solutions from Expert Labels

As label specialists, we provided a full package of services and products to meet the brand’s needs:

Peel and Reveal Labels: These multi-layered labels allowed the brand to include extra information, directions and full ingredient lists, without cluttering the main design.
Sustainable Labels: We supported the brand’s eco-friendly mission by supplying biodegradable labels that were durable and attractive.
Bespoke Design Service: Our design team worked hand-in-hand with the brand to create custom designs that expressed their identity and appealed to their audience.

The Results: Improved Visibility and Sales

After the relaunch, the brand saw a strong increase in customer engagement and sales. Retailers told us that shoppers were picking up and inspecting the products more often, all thanks to the bold new labels. The collaboration not only enhanced the brand’s shelf presence but also strengthened its overall market position.

Conclusion

This case study highlights the real impact that thoughtful label design can have in the beauty industry. By partnering with us, the brand successfully navigated the challenges of a crowded market, proving that smart, strategic packaging is a powerful tool for brand growth and success.

Useful Links:

Biodegradable Labels

Biodegradable Labels

Label Design and Print Software

Label Design and Print Software

Sustainable Labels

Sustainable Labels

Last Updated: 18 May 2025

Choosing the Right Label for High-Temperature Environments

6th May 2025NewsJosh Ballan

In many industries, labels are more than just decoration – they are essential for tracking, safety, and compliance. That’s why label durability and performance matter so much. If a label fades, peels, or wears away too quickly, it can cause confusion, risk, or even lead to costly errors. In this guide, we’ll explain what makes a label durable, what affects performance, and how to choose the right solution for your needs.

Why Label Durability Matters

Durable labels are designed to last longer and withstand harsh conditions. They are used in industries such as:

Manufacturing
Warehousing
Healthcare & Laboratories
Automotive
Construction
Food and Beverage

In these settings, labels must hold up against heat, chemicals, water, abrasion, UV light, and general wear and tear. A label that doesn’t last can lead to lost data, safety risks, or expensive rework.

What Affects Label Performance?

Label performance depends on three key parts:

Material
Adhesive
Print Method

Let’s break it down:

1. Label Material

Different materials offer different levels of durability:

Paper: Cheap and easy to print, but not good for rough or wet conditions.
Polyester (PET): Strong and resistant to chemicals, water, and UV – great for indoor and outdoor use.
Polyimide: Used for extreme heat (up to 300°C), ideal in electronics or manufacturing.
Vinyl: Flexible and waterproof, good for curved surfaces and long-lasting outdoor use.
Aluminium Foil: High heat resistance and strong, perfect for engines or metalwork.

2. Adhesive Type

The right adhesive ensures the label sticks properly and stays in place.

Acrylic Adhesive: Good for general use, with strong resistance to water, UV, and chemicals.
Rubber-Based Adhesive: Better for sticking to low surface energy material like plastic and rubbers or rough surfaces, but not ideal for high temperatures.
Silicone Adhesive: Best for high-heat surfaces or oily materials.

3. Print Durability

Even if the label remains attached, the text or image must remain readable. That’s why your print method matters:

Inkjet or laser printing is quick, efficient and fine for office use, but fades in harsh conditions.
Thermal transfer printing with resin ribbon is the best for durable, scratch- and heat-resistant prints.
Pre-printed labels from a supplier is a viable option for long-term use, especially when large volumes or specific designs are required.

Tips for Improving Label Durability

Test labels in your actual environment before full use.
Clean the surface before applying labels for better bonding.
Use lamination or protective coatings for extra resistance.
Choose labels rated for your industry standards, especially in food, healthcare, or industrial settings.

Conclusion

Label durability isn’t just about making things look neat – it’s about reliability, safety, and performance. Whether you’re labelling wires in a factory or vials in a lab, the right label makes all the difference.

If you’re not sure which labels to choose, get in touch with Richard or Rebecca at ExpertLabels Ltd on Tel:01359 271 111 or alternatively email info@expertlabels.co.uk for the right combination of material, adhesive, and print to suit your exact needs.

Useful Links

Ultra-High Temperature Tags: A Simple Guide

Print Your Own High Temperature Labels

Bekaert: A Case Study on High-Temperature Labels

Last Updated: 30 Apr 2025

Protect Your Brand with Simple Security Features

4th December 2024NewsJosh Ballan

Counterfeited products are a big problem – estimated to be worth £2 trillion worldwide.

Whilst there are obvious targets for counterfeiting – like sports apparel and luxury goods – there are some less likely but more potentially damaging counterfeit goods.

Automotive and aerospace spare parts, electronic components and of course pharmaceuticals are perhaps the most potentially damaging and easily counterfeited.

Potential risks for Spare Parts, Electronic Components and Pharmaceuticals

Sub standard automotive and aerospace spare parts are easy to inject into a complex and wide supply chain and have obvious fatal consequences if they fail.

In June 2020, a US Air Force pilot died when his ejection seat malfunctioned. After the subsequent investigation, the US Airforce Research Lab had suspicions about 10 potentially counterfeit and faulty electronic chips. Quality standards were substandard and the workmanship shoddy, which may have lead to the ejector seat’s parachute failing to deploy.

In military applications – there are strategic consequences if counterfeit parts make their way into a supply chain – as Hezbollah found when their radios and pagers were compromised in 2024.

With defence systems needing to last decades, much longer than cars or consumer electronics, the need for good quality components is all the more critical. Combine that with military applications being used in life or death situations – the use of low quality fake components could be fatal.

How Can We Prevent Counterfeit Products?

Genuine products need to be protected by:

a hard-to-copy means of identification – obvious and ‘covert’ features to prove authenticity,
a way of preventing identification being transferred from one item to another and
inspection to ensure the items are genuine.

This needs to be maintained throughout the supply-chain.

Holographic Security Labels

Holographic labels are difficult to copy and expensive to make. They give your products authenticity at a glance and fake products can be seen easily.

Holographic labels have high set up costs which discourages counterfeiters, but if you’re producing tens of thousands of items, the cost per item becomes an acceptable investment.

Holographic labels tend to be made by genuine manufacturers who have bought expensive equipment to make the holograms.

You can buy designs from a range of ready made images or add your logo or a custom design to make them unique to your brand.

These labels don’t just provide security—they also make your product look high-quality and professional.

Holographic labels take several weeks to make and come on sheets, with a minimum order quantity of several thousand labels – depending on label size.

Verify Genuine Products with QR Code Labels

QR codes enable traceability throughout the supply chain. They are easy to create and print. They’re also easy to scan so it’s easy for the supply chain to track items along the chain.

An example could be aerospace parts. The engineer fitting the part can scan the code with their phone and check it’s genuine. That scan also records that it’s been fitted, taking the part out of the supply chain.

End users can scan the code with their phone to check if the product is genuine.

You can also use QR codes to share extra details, such as where the product was made or special care instructions. This builds trust with your customers.

Tamper-Evident Labels and Tape

Tamper-evident labels and tapes show if a product has been opened or tampered with.

This is a critical part in maintaining integrity with your supply chain.

In an industrial supply chain, checking the security tape or labels are a way of confirming the box hasn’t been opened and the contents changed. It can form part of compliance testing in the manufacturing process.

Tamper-evident labels mean that labels can’t be transferred from one item to a counterfeit item.

Tapes and seals can be custom branded so they show your own logo when you peel off the tape or simply use standard text and design.

Whilst using tamper-evident tapes and labels is common place for medicines and pharmaceuticals, it’s very effective in automotive and aerospace, where counterfeit products can also cost lives.

Hidden (Covert) Security Label Features

There are dozens of security features you can use to prove your labels (and products) are authentic.

You can add covert, hidden security features, like:

UV ink – print that is invisible until an ultra-violet light is shined on them. A quick, easy and non-destructive way to prove authenticity.

Motion Rastering – This feature is a simple, inexpensive way to authenticate your items. The label is read by a reader that you wave over the label in order to read the hidden text. No fancy electronics needed.

Add nano and micro-print, to your products. These features can’t be seen easily by counterfeiters and can’t be printed by them either but can be checked by experts to prove the product is authentic and see if the supply chain has been compromised.

Blockchain Technology

Blockchain is a modern way to track your products. It creates a secure digital record that can’t be changed. It records of every step, from the factory to the end user. They can be public or private.

This is particularly useful for safety critical items like aircraft parts and automotive where trust is very important and consequences quite high.

A block chain register for your supply chain would cost tens or thousands of pounds to create but would provide trust and safety to customers.

Where the set-up costs can be shared over large numbers of supply chain participants, the investment could work out quite low compared to the benefits.

Why Supply Chain Security Is Important

Different industries have different priorities in terms of supply chain security.

High value branded products need counterfeit protection to prevent financial losses.

Pharmaceuticals need to protect against reputation damage from counterfeit drugs potentially killing people. The same motives apply to aviation and automotive – counterfeit components could be catastrophic.

Defence industries need to know that components aren’t supplied by hostile countries, who can sabotage military efforts or gather sensitive intelligence. Additionally, maintaining sanctions means material traceability is important.

Ready to Protect Your Brand?

We can help you with holographic labels, QR codes, and other security solutions to keep your brand safe. Use our expertise to protect your products, build trust with your customers, and stay ahead of counterfeiters.

Useful Links

How to Protect Your Brand from Counterfeits

The Global Impact of Counterfeiting and Solutions to Stop It

How to Protect Your Brand from Counterfeits?

Last Updated: 13 Jan 2025

How Durable Are Sustainable Labels?

25th October 2024NewsJosh Ballan

As more businesses focus on eco-friendly practices, many are turning to sustainable labels to reduce their environmental impact. However, a common concern is whether these labels are as durable as traditional ones. In this article, we look at how well sustainable labels hold up in different conditions and compare them to traditional alternatives.

What Are Sustainable Labels?

Sustainable labels are made from environmentally friendly materials like recycled paper, biodegradable plastics (from natural sources like cornstarch or sugarcane), or plant-based films such as cellulose or polylactic acid (PLA).

These materials reduce the use of oil based products, while still performing well in everyday use. Designed with the planet in mind, they often use glues and coatings that are less harmful, ensuring that both the label and the packaging contribute to more eco-friendly practices without compromising on quality.

Are Sustainable Labels Durable?

The short answer is kind of.

It depends on how you define sustainable. If sustainable means made without petroleum based ingredients then sustainable labels have come a long way and can now match the durability of traditional labels. Some key factors influencing label durability include water resistance, heat exposure, and adhesive strength.

Water Resistance: Labels made from plant-based films or recyclable plastics can handle moisture, making them suitable for products frequently exposed to water like drinks or cosmetics.
Heat Resistance: Sustainable materials, like bio-based plastics, are specifically engineered to withstand high temperatures, preventing labels from peeling or breaking down when exposed to moderate heat.
Adhesive Strength: Modern adhesives ensure that labels stick securely to products throughout their use. At the same time, we can supply you with water soluble and peelable adhesives to allow for easy removal when needed, without leaving residue, supporting recycling and reducing waste.

The Question of Plastic Pollution

Unfortunately these plant based plastics are still harmful to the environment, as they are not biodegradable.

The answer is to make them as easy to recycle as possible.

Traditional adhesives make it difficult to remove labels to be recycled.

The solution here is washable glue. Using washable adhesive labels, recyclers are able to separate labels from other materials (glass or cardboard).

With washable adhesive, you can now recycle the packaging more easily, you can separate the labels and possibly recycle them.

Durable Alternatives to Plastic Labels

Paper, by its nature, soaks up water. That means it’s not a good material for wet or moist situations.

One of our material suppliers has been working on a solution to this. Using their own paper mill, they have been developing paper labels which are more durable but at the same time, both sustainable and biodegradable.

Whilst these materials aren’t perfect for every situation – it would be worth testing.

A word of caution – these materials are more expensive than standard papers or even plastics and you would need to buy a large minimum quantity – running to hundreds of thousands of labels I would imagine.

Industry Examples

Many industries, such as food and cosmetics, have successfully switched to sustainable labels without sacrificing durability. For example, bio-based labels are used on chilled food items where exposure to water and low temperatures is common, and they perform just as well as conventional labels.

Conclusion

Sustainable labels are not only great for the environment but also highly durable. With advancements in materials and adhesives, businesses no longer need to worry about the performance of eco-friendly labels. They can withstand heat, moisture, and wear, making them a reliable choice for various industries.

But remember, sustainable labels aren’t the same as biodegradable. Biodegradable labels aren’t as durable. Sustainably made labels are.

Interested in testing them for your own products?

Useful Links

Offers insights into bio-based materials used in sustainable labels.

A great resource on sustainable packaging and labelling solutions.

University of Surrey develops a glue additive to help recyclers.

Last Updated: 24 October 2024

Ultra-High Temperature Tags: A Simple Guide

4th October 2024NewsJosh Ballan

Ultra-high temperature tags are specially designed labels that can withstand extreme heat, where standard tags would fail. They are commonly used in industries that deal with high-temperature environments like metalworks and heavy machinery. Read on to learn more about these unique tags.

What Are They Made Of?

These Ultra-high temperature tags are made to last – first of all from materials that are able to cope with very high temperatures without melting or discolouring. Secondly from durable steel plate.

Some Ultra-high temperature tags also have special adhesives for heat applications or are mechanically attached with bolts, screws, rivets, or welding.

How Are They Used?

These high temperature tags are designed to be reused. Typically applied not to the item being tracked but to a mould, jig, tray or shelf. Any container or stand that holds items being heat treated can be tagged for tracking.

These heat resistant tags are custom made so you choose the data printed on them. You can choose QR or other 2D codes, serial numbers, location codes, text (you choose the language), logos and barcodes.
Some tags even incorporate RFID chips that enable automatic data capture. This makes it easier for companies to manage and track items as they move through various stages of heating and cooling.

Who Needs Them?

Heatproof tags are primarily used in industries where products or materials are exposed to high heat. For example:

Steel and metal production – tracking items through casting and heat treatment.
Automotive and aerospace – used on moulds, trays, and vehicle parts during high-heat processes.
Food and baking – tracking items in baking ovens.
Glass and ceramics – managing items that undergo high-temperature firing

If your business involves handling products at extreme temperatures, heat resistant barcoded tags could significantly improve your tracking process.

Things to Watch Out For

Although these tags are designed for tough environments, there are a few important considerations:

Ensure you’re using the right tag for the temperature range. For example, aluminium tags can handle up to 600°C, while ceramic and stainless steel tags like the coated ceramic Tag can resist temperatures as high as 900°C.
Some RFID tags may need time to cool before they can be read properly after exposure to high temperatures.
Tags may have different levels of resistance to chemical cleaning or abrasion. For instance, the coated heatproof tag is designed to resist scratch damage and chemical exposure, including acids and solvents.

Try Them for Yourself

Interested in seeing how these ultra-high temperature tags could benefit your business? Contact us today to request a free sample. Experience their durability and find out how they can streamline your tracking and labelling processes, even in the most extreme conditions.

Simply reach out to us, and we’ll be happy to provide the right tag solutions for your high-temperature project.

Useful Links

Read what you need to know if you want to print your own high temperature labels

https://expertlabels.co.uk/news/print-your-own-high-temperature-labels/

Here’s how metal processing company Bekaert uses their high temperature labels:

www.businessresearchinsights.com/market-reports/high-temperature-label-market-115513

Last Updated: 7 October 2024

Top Tips for Effective Artwork Management

9th August 2024NewsJosh Ballan

We work with a number of organisations with lots of artwork to manage. In some cases, thousands of different designs. Effectively managing artwork saves time, reduces stress, and keeps your brand consistent. Here are some easy tips to help you manage your labels and packaging artwork better. We’ll discuss tools for design, project management, and storage, the best image formats, and simple ways to improve your process so that you have the right artwork in the hands of the right people.

Design Tools:

Adobe Creative Suite: Includes Photoshop and Illustrator, great for designing and editing labels and packaging. Everyone in the business of design is familiar with Adobe.

CorelDRAW: Powerful design software alternative to Adobe. Runs on Windows and Mac. Collaboration is built into the software. Good for making logos and layouts for packaging.

Canva: This is what we use. It’s an easy-to-use, web based tool for less complicated design work. Great for collaboration and can be used on a range of different operating systems.

BarTender: This is what we use for designing labels but can be used for general document management. Powerful Label and document design software with sharing, permissions and workflows for managing artwork.

Project Management Tools:

Trello: Helps organise your label and packaging projects with boards and lists.

Asana: This is what we use. Manages tasks, sets deadlines, and helps you work with your team.

Monday.com: Easy platform to track projects and collaborate in real-time.

Storage Solutions:

Cloud Storage: Keeps your design files safe and accessible from anywhere.

- Google Drive: Best for teams needing free storage and real-time collaboration, especially if already using Google Workspace.
- Dropbox: Ideal for those who want a simple, intuitive interface and robust file recovery, despite its limited free storage.
- OneDrive: Suits teams using Microsoft Office, offering good security and integration, with affordable storage plans.

External Hard Drives: Physical backup for your files.

Storage Shelves and Cabinets: Keep physical samples of labels and packaging organised and safe.

Best Formats for Images and Their Uses

Choosing the right image format is important for different uses:

JPEG: Good for web images and mockups. Small file size and decent quality.
PNG: Great for images with transparency like logos. High quality and detailed.
TIFF: Best for high-quality prints of labels and packaging. Keeps all image details.
SVG: Used for vector graphics like logos. Can be resized without losing quality, perfect for print and digital use.
PSD: Photoshop’s format. Keeps all layers and edits for ongoing projects.

Simple Ways to Improve Your Process

Document your policy: It sounds tedious, but ten minutes writing up how your artwork will be managed and the systems and processes followed will make life easier for you, your team and contractors like us.

Name Your Files Consistently: Use a clear system for naming your files. Include the date, project/product name and version number. Include the label dimensions. Example: 20240805-38X25-PAR-A14563-Beautiful Brows-V2. This is the second version of the Beautiful Brows product, product code A14563 on a 38mm x 25mm Peel & Reveal label (PAR) – originally created on 5th of August 2024.

Organise Your Files: Create a simple folder structure. Sort files by product type, project, type of packaging, or client. Store files in cloud storage which can be accessed by us.

Use Metadata: Add information like title, date, and label dimensions to your files. This helps in finding and organising your designs.

Back-Up Regularly: Save copies of your files on external drives or cloud storage to prevent loss. Given that a large portfolio of artwork might have taken a team of designers months to design and is, in effect, irreplaceable, backing up is critical. That includes backing up from the cloud to local storage.

Document Your Process: Keep records of your design steps, from sketches to final versions. This helps track your progress and can be useful for future projects.

‘Retire’ artwork: When designs become obsolete, archive them so your artwork is current. Archiving rather than deleting means you can reuse designs for future projects.

Set up workflows: With BarTender Enterprise edition you can assign users with different roles – e.g. designer, approver, printer. Each role has different permissions. You can then set up workflows.

An example of such a workflow might be: artwork is designed and the status set to ‘designed’. When the document status changes to ‘designed’ it triggers an email to the approver who then checks over and approves the design. Once the artwork status changes to Approved it can be printed by one of the print users. Print users are not able to change the design and they can’t print it until the status is approved.

Using the right tools, choosing the best formats, and improving your process can help you manage your brand labels and packaging better. These tips will keep you organised, save you time, and protect your creative work, ensuring your brand always looks its best

As always, we are here to help. If you have a question, or specific requirement you would like to discuss with us, heat-proof or not, please get in touch with our. Email sales@expertlabels.co.uk or call us on 01359 271 111, we’d love to hear from you.

Useful Links

Cloud lead referral program link. https://www.seagullscientific.com/buy/cloud-referral/?ResellerAccount=1179451

Last Updated: 9 August 2024

Sustainable Digitally Printed Pouches: What They Are and Their Benefits for Your Business

12th June 2024NewsJosh Ballan

In today’s market, sustainability is essential. Consumers prefer eco-friendly products and businesses must adapt. Sustainable, digitally printed pouches are an excellent way to enhance product appeal and reduce environmental impact. These pouches reduce material waste and offer cost-effective, flexible design options. In this article, we will explore the benefits of digitally printed pouches and how they can help your business attract eco-conscious customers while maintaining high-quality packaging standards.

What are Sustainable Digitally Printed Pouches?

Sustainable digitally printed pouches are new packaging solutions made from eco-friendly or recyclable materials like Cellulose (wood pulp) and starch-based Plastics (usually from potato, corn, or wheat). They use digital printing to create bright, high-quality designs.

Benefits of Sustainable Digitally Printed Pouches

Eco-Friendly: These pouches use less material and energy to produce, which helps protect the environment. They are often made from materials that can be recycled or that break down naturally, making them a good choice for customers who care about being environmentally friendly.
Cost-Effective: Digital printing is cheaper because it doesn’t need expensive plates or long setup times like traditional printing. This makes it a good option for small orders or special designs, saving money and offering flexibility.
Flexible Designs: With digital printing, you can create high-quality designs that are easy to change. This means you can quickly update your packaging for new marketing campaigns or seasonal promotions without spending extra money.
Quick Production: Digital printing is faster than traditional printing methods, which means your pouches can be produced more quickly. This helps your packaging stay current with changing market demands and reduces waiting times.

Why It Matters for Your Business

Using sustainable digitally printed pouches can boost your brand’s image by showcasing your commitment to the environment. This can attract eco-friendly customers and help your products stand out in a crowded market. Plus, the cost savings and flexibility of digital printing can improve your profits and make your marketing more effective.

By choosing sustainable digitally printed pouches, you’re helping to protect the planet and showing that your business values both quality and sustainability. This can lead to more loyal customers and a stronger market presence.

Useful Links

World Economic Forum: This source highlights innovative approaches to reducing plastic waste through sustainable packaging solutions.

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/12/sustainable-packaging-reduce-plastic-waste/

European Commission – Environment: This page provides comprehensive information on the EU’s initiatives and regulations for packaging and packaging waste, including targets for reducing packaging waste and promoting reuse and recycling.

https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/waste-and-recycling/packaging-waste_en

Page updated: 12 Jun 24

Bekaert: A Case Study on High-Temperature Labels

19th March 2024NewsJosh Ballan

The Right Tools in the New World

Identification is an important part of any process that needs to track objects. But how do you track items that get heated to more than 500C? That was the problem multi-national technology company Bekaert, specialists in advanced metal transformation and materials solutions, had. This is how we helped them solve that problem with the help of barcodes and ultra high temperature labels.

Our client Bekaert tells us how they use ultra-high temperature labels to make their operations world class. With Bekaert’s focus on operational efficiencies, they’re able to create sustainable growth and success.

The Story of Bekaert

Bekaert first started designing wire products in Belgium back in 1880. They have since grown into a multinational group with operations across Europe, North America, Central and South America and Asia.

From humble beginnings, Bekaert now produces cutting edge metal fibres for a variety of industries, including concrete reinforcement, armoured wires and magnetic wiring. Working with multiple industries requires complex production processes which need to be carefully managed to maximise potential and minimise errors.

One operational efficiency that Bekaert uses in their production process is a barcode based tracking system, which means parts need to be clearly identifiable throughout each stage of production.

These barcodes can’t be printed onto regular labels however, due to the fact that production involves a furnacing process which can reach temperatures of 500°C. In order for the parts to continue through the entire process without the need to change labels (a process which takes time and leaves the potential for errors) the parts need to be labelled with high temperature labels.

Where We Come In

Expert Labels helps Bekaert streamline their production processes by supplying temperature resistant labels, capable of withstanding temperatures more than 1000°C, with a special adhesive to ensure the labels can handle anything thrown at them during these processes.

The barcode tracking system, using the specialised, high temperature labels ‘reduced the number of quality complaints relating to the application of incorrect labels, overnight’ according to Bekaert’s General Manager.

The presence of these labels during the furnacing process has led to ‘no deterioration in product quality’ whilst increasing the efficiency of production as a whole.

In the past Bekaert used to replace tracking codes after the heating process which led to mistakes and took valuable time. The new high temperature labels means Bekaert is able to save valuable ‘operational time and eliminate the errors’ by having barcodes move around the whole process without needing to be replaced.

Bekaert extensively researched the options available to them with the help of Expert Labels to find material options that could perform throughout the production process as well as finding an adhesive that could maintain contact with a metal part under the extreme conditions of the furnacing.

The services that Expert Labels provide for Bekaert allow them to focus on their products that have 144 years of quality and experience behind them and assist in minimising the potential errors that can impact a company of this size and reputation.

Long-term Partners

At Expert Labels we have over 30 years of experience dealing with specialist material labels, and pride ourselves on our ability to find new, forward-thinking solutions to all processes that involve labelling solutions.

Our continued relationship with Bekaert ‘has made a massive difference’ to their production experience. This difference is what can separate an efficient process from one that hinders your company’s growth and development.

To see how we can use specialist labelling materials to streamline your business, from high temperature materials to cryogenics and compostable materials; please get in touch with us by phoning 013 5927 1111 or by emailing us at info@expertlabels.co.uk.

Useful Links

Bekaert Homepage

Check Berkaert:

https://www.bekaert.com/en/

High Temperature Labels

High Temperature Heat-Proof Labels and Tags

Last Updated: 19 Mar 2024

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The Right Tools in the New World

The Story of Bekaert

Where We Come In

Long-term Partners

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