Protect Your Brand with Simple Security Features
Protect Your Brand with Simple Security Features
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 Durable Are Sustainable Labels?
How Durable Are Sustainable Labels?
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?
Contact us today to request a free sample and test the strength of our sustainable labels first hand!
Useful Links
Ultra-High Temperature Tags: A Simple Guide
Ultra-High Temperature Tags: A Simple Guide
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
Top Tips for Effective Artwork Management
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
Sustainable Digitally Printed Pouches: What They Are and Their Benefits for Your Business
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
Print Your Own High Temperature Labels
Print Your Own High Temperature Labels
This is how to print high temperature labels – able to withstand temperatures from 200C to 1,250C – in house using your own printer. You’ll learn what label printing hardware you need, the type of thermal ink ribbon and the label design software you need to design your labels.
- Printer compatibility
- Ink selection
- What can you print?
- Label design
Label Printing Hardware
The labels we supply need to be printed using a thermal transfer printer. Thermal printers are made by Zebra, Sato, Honeywell and a host of other brands.
These printers are specially designed for label printing. They are fast and extremely reliable.
Thermal Transfer printers use a roll of ink ribbon that melts onto your label. They are single colour – depending on the colour of the ink ribbon. 99% of the ribbons we sell are black, but can come in other colours.
Thermal printers range in price from £500 to £1500 depending on how big, fast, durable and flexible they are.
Ink Selection
Ink ribbons for standard high temperature labels (sub 400C) come in three lengths – 74m, 300m and 450m – depending on your printer.
These ribbons are made from resin and come in boxes of at least six rolls. It is possible to get different coloured ink ribbons – though there are quite high minimum order quantities.
The ultra-high-temperature labels (designed to withstand temperatures up to 1250C) need a specialist ink. These are only black and come on rolls of 300m. This makes them compatible with all industrial sized printers and many of the desktop models.
Ultra-high-temperature inks are more expensive than standard ribbons and come in units of single rolls.
Are There Any Limitations About What I Can Print?
You are limited to printing just one colour – usually black.
You can print standard linear barcodes, QR Codes and other 2D barcodes. You can print logos and text. Depending on your printer resolution, it’s possible to print text down to around 5 points size.
Depending on your label design software, it’s possible to print any font or language.
Each of your labels can be unique. Serial numbers and date codes can be included.
Thermal label printers range in print resolution from 200 dpi to 600dpi. Most printers are 200 or 300 dpi. 300 dpi printers produce images of good resolution acceptable for most industrial uses.
Designing Your Labels
Labels can be designed by you, using label design software from Zebra (Zebra Designer), Seagull Scientific (BarTender) or Loftware (Nicelabel).
These programmes can design labels with barcodes, text, and graphics.
Using this software, you can link to databases – from Excel to SAP and Oracle.
Check our guide to label design software to see the full range of capabilities.
Page updated: 11 Jun 24
BarTender Cloud – The Next Generation of Label Design
BarTender Cloud – The Next Generation of Label Design
Seagull Scientific, the name behind the industry leading BarTender label design software, have been on a journey. Several years ago they realised they needed to set up their best selling label design software to operate in the cloud. Like other SaaS providers, Seagull decided to charge ongoing subscription charges rather than one off outright purchases. Their journey started with charging an annual maintenance charge on software purchases. The next step – in competition with their rivals was to create a proper cloud based solution.
Read on to see what’s so special about BarTender cloud, but first a little background.
In September last year we were invited to train to be BarTender Cloud resellers – with the launch of their new cloud product.
A couple of months later BarTender Cloud was further improved with the addition of the label design component.
Now BarTender cloud is a fully fledged cloud based label design application.
So What is BarTender Cloud?
If you’ve used any other label design app, then BarTender cloud works just the same – you choose the label dimensions and add elements to the design, like barcodes, text, images and so on.
BarTender Cloud is the same as the desktop app – except with a few added features.
Ability to design labels from your browser
Any browser. A browser on a tablet, a Mac (something BarTender didn’t previously do) or a PC.
If you want to print labels from your mobile device, that’s possible (though it isn’t easy to design labels). Use BarTender’s printing app for iPhone and Android.
Shared library of label templates.
Using the template library you can choose from hundreds of designs that experts have made for you – you just tweak it to meet your needs.
Not only do these save you time, but these designs comply with the rules of your industry. Filter the ever growing set of templates by industry or compliance standards.
You even get the required logos and industry specific barcodes.
Easy to get design expertise to help you.
No more sending files back and forth – simply ask your design expert to log on and design your label for you. (Let us help you with your cloud label design).
Centralised library of label designs.
In the past you needed to buy BarTender’s Enterprise edition if you wanted a centralised library of designs. Now you have that with BarTender cloud.
You can set access permissions – allow groups or users the ability to just print – or perhaps they can edit but not delete.
Retire old designs to a ‘retired designs’ folder and only give certain users access to the current designs.
Reduce Support Costs
No need to install software and support the software on your own servers. This is all handled by BarTender Cloud. Expert support can be provided quickly and easily by BarTender specialists such as ourselves – without us needing to be on site or needing access to your server.
Easily Share Label Printing
Have your manufacturing partners – in other countries – print your label designs on their printers.
Integrate
Using the Automation version of BarTender Cloud, you’re able to connect your label designs to Excel online, Google Sheets, Oracle, Microsoft Azure and SAP.
Just like the desktop version of the software, you establish a connection to your data source and link the elements of your label to the fields in your database.
Now you can capture data from across your organisation and feed it into your labels – one source of data for every label.
BarTender Cloud has prebuilt connectors so you can connect without the need for coding skills.
Print-driver free printing
With BarTender cloud, you no longer need to have drivers for your various printers.
BarTender Cloud will auto-discover your local and network printers and automatically print using one of nearly 8,000 Seagull Drivers specially made for thermal label printers.
BarTender Cloud Pricing
BarTender Cloud comes in two versions – Automation and Essentials.
Essentials lets you design labels and create data entry forms for your labels. You can connect to databases and you can print to any number of printers.
Automation gives you the ability to store more data – up from 2GB for Essentials to 5GB, call upon more data integrations options and a higher level of support (i.e. live chat and phone).
Interestingly, Seagull are charging based on the number of labels you print each year. Prices start for printing 10,000 labels and go up to over 250,000.
BarTender Cloud is charged on an annual basis with an initial ‘provisioning’ fee, which includes training to get you up and running along with two label designs made for you.
For exact costing, contact us here for an up to date price.
Try Before You Buy
Taking BarTender Cloud for a test drive is easy.
Complete the form and you’ll get access to trial period of BarTender cloud.
Useful Links
Useful BarTender related links:
See our guide to label design and printing software.
Last updated: 9 May 2024
Bekaert: A Case Study on High-Temperature Labels
Bekaert: A Case Study on High-Temperature Labels
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
Driving Warehouse Efficiency: A Guide to Successful Labelling in 2024
Driving Warehouse Efficiency: A Guide to Successful Labelling in 2024
Building on the innovative solutions discussed in our previous article on High Tack and PiggyBack labels, this article we will touch on more game-changing practices in warehouse management.
These solutions make sure your products are safe and secure, even when it’s tough to clean them or there’s need to be kept in secure packaging.
Waterproof Labels
Just like PiggyBack labels, waterproof labels are especially useful when a product needs cleaning. However, unlike PiggyBack labels, waterproof labels last through the cleaning, even when using a strong solution.
Great for outdoor storage and entry areas, these labels can withstand heavy rain. A great choice for racking labels, they last for years, making cleaning easier than traditional paper labels, and reducing waste by removing the need for costly and time-consuming reprints of worn-out warehouse labels.
By preventing damage to key labels, waterproof labels proactively ensure warehouse operations remain efficient and that bad weather’s impact remains outside the warehouse.
Tamper-Evident Labels and Tapes
Mixing different products in warehouses can be a big problem. It can impact product quality, certification and control, and potentially the safety of customers.
To help with this, special labels and tapes that show if a package has been opened are important. Place these on incoming packages and storage boxes, and it’s very difficult for batches of products to become mixed, or for products to be interfered with before reaching their intended user.
They might say ‘Void’ or ‘Opened’ to show if something’s wrong. This is a simple, but secure solution are easy for managers across multiple industries to implement, and important to think about.
Barcodes and QR Codes
Barcodes and QR codes, integral to warehouse management since the 1980s, become even more important to supply chains for traceability and the versatility of their applications. Beyond categorizing products and logging them in computer systems, barcodes help:
- Expiry date tracking
- Returns processing
- Maintenance date tracking for various systems
- Links to Instructions
- Identifying hazardous materials
- Automatic label printing through pallet label scans
Barcode versatility:
With over 100 barcode types, each offers unique advantages. When considering a barcode solution, reach out for some friendly advice by sending us an email, giving us a call or clicking our Chat button.
Barcodes work well with the types labels we previously mentioned, making things run smoother. QR codes also work with these labels and are especially handy because you just need a phone to use them, and they’re more flexible and easier to set up than regular barcodes.
Check Samples – Click For Help
Barcode Printing in Your Warehouse
You can use software, like Seagull Scientific’s BarTender, to easily print barcodes and QR codes at your own warehouse. The only requirement is a label printer connected to your computer, it’s a budget-friendly way to access these solutions. If you only need it for a small project, we also provide label printing services. Just reach out to us at sales@expertlabels.co.uk or call 01359 271 111. We’re here to help!
Helpful links
Consumers becoming more eco-conscious and willing to travel, attend mass events, PwC survey reveals
Half (50%) of global consumers say that they have become more eco-friendly in the past six months, with Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern consumers leading the way, a new study by PwC has revealed. Read the full article here: https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/news-room/press-releases/2021/global-consumer-insights-pulse-survey-2021.html
Last Updated: 20 February 2024
How Piggyback Labels Can Make Warehouse Management Easier
How Piggyback Labels Can Make Warehouse Management Easier
Ultra sticky, high tack adhesive labels are very important in warehouses where losing a label can make extra work for you. Also – I want to show you something you might not have come across before and show how you can benefit from them: Piggyback labels.
Let’s take a look at high tack and piggyback labels for warehouses.
High Tack Labels
In the world of management it’s almost always true to say; “The Simplier, The Better”. Less is more.
Take High Tack Labels, for instance – you might never have thought about them. These labels barely warrant a second thought, but using high tack labels in place of standard labels could make your labelling better and your life easier.
As the name suggests, high tack labels are a level above standard permanent labels, in terms of stickiness.
The adhesive is extra sticky when you put it on the item and becomes even stronger once it’s set over the course of 24 hours.
Some materials such as certain types of plastic or more commonly, wooden pallets and corrugated card, need a different type of label adhesive in order to stick securely.
We can help you with waterproof/scuff-proof plastic labels, matte paper, gloss paper and speciality labels all with High Tack adhesive. In fact most label materials can be supplied with a high tack adhesive, with the exception of biodegradable or compostable labels. We can also supply any colour, shape or size of label.
If your operation has problems with permanent labels falling off key items or you need labels that you can stick, with peace of mind, contact us for some high tack label samples for testing.
Testing is important, as temperature can affect the performance of adhesive. Try before you buy.
PiggyBack Labels
Now, let’s delve into PiggyBack Labels. Piggyback labels are also known as dual-layer or Tandem labels. Imagine them as a collective of smaller labels hitching a ride on a larger counter part — a practical approach not just for keeping similar labels organised together, but also for enhancing efficiency in warehouses and packaging processes.
These sub-labels, printed with barcodes or tracking codes, can transform into a kind of item journey log. It shows where the item has been and where it’s going to go.
Piggyback labels are usually made from paper and can be printed over – either on a printing press or using a thermal transfer (or direct thermal) printer (Learn what a thermal printer is here). If you need colour print, piggy back labels can be overprinted with a colour label printer.
In a warehouse setting piggy back labels are the perfect solution for tracking items going to different storage areas.
You can use piggy back labels for tracking and managing inventory with a primary label for product information and a secondary label for tracking different components.
For shipping labels – the address or tracking code section of a piggyback label can be taken off and attached to a manifest, for example.
Talk to us if you have a project that you think Piggyback labels might be the solution.
In conclusion, PiggyBack Labels not only keep things organised but also act as smart trackers, making it easy for people to follow the rules and making the management of a complex warehouse easier.
Simplify your operations with PiggyBack Labels.
How To Get Started With High Tack and Piggyback Labels for Warehouses
Explore the benefits of High Tack Labels and the simplicity of PiggyBack Labels today. Contact us to discover how these simple solutions can transform your warehouse management game.
Email sales@expertlabels.co.uk or call us on 01359 271 111.
Helpful links
Piggyback Labels
Read our Piggyback Label Product Page – a summary of what they are and what you can use them for. Click here: https://expertlabels.co.uk/applications/piggy-back-labels/
Label Adhesive
If you’re keen to learn about label adhesive here’s the Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pressure-sensitive_adhesive
Last Updated: 22 Feb 2024
