Running a business activity is not only associated with many opportunities, a sense of independence and the ability to influence important issues, but also with great responsibility. For a company to operate in accordance with the law, we must be sure that everything necessary is properly regulated. Only then will the activities we supervise be able to grow without any problems. What is particularly worth remembering?

Barcodes – advantages and benefits

Currently, entrepreneurs can use an increasing number of technologies that clearly improve their daily work and allow them to achieve better results and greater profits. Barcodes used in many industries and companies of all sizes are one such solution. Today, they are almost necessary in stores and warehouses. Their implementation can be both the company’s own management decision and the requirement imposed by companies with which business cooperation has been established.

What are the advantages of barcodes? They certainly allow for a specific and quick identification of products and gathering information about them. They can be placed on goods in two ways: printed directly on the packaging, or placed on a label attached to the goods. It is worth emphasizing that they can have different dimensions, so we can easily adapt them to a given product and packaging surface, even if they are non-standard.

Simple and effective operation

The essence of how barcodes work is extremely simple, but implementing them in an enterprise requires proper preparation. The first step is to apply to GS1 to apply for membership and to grant GS1 Company Prefixes. For entities registered in GS1 Poland, this is the GS1 590 prefix.

 An individual company number is also generated, which in combination with the prefix creates the whole in the form of the GS1 identification key. It is used to identify goods, their location, and logistics units. The next digits, from seven to twelve, are the correct number of the product, and the last digit is used to check the correctness of the number.

What exactly is GS1? It is an international organization with headquarters located in Brussels and Princeton. Its task is to manage the GS1 system on a global scale, verify the quality of bar codes and consultancy during the implementation of logistic labels. Poland became a member of the organization in 1990. GS1 standards are used to streamline transactions and facilitate coordination. They are based on global identification, information gathering and sharing, which is reflected in effective cooperation with business partners, and improvement of the efficiency of production processes within the company.

How to choose a bar code for the type of business?

It is very important to match the type of bar code to the nature of services rendered or products sold. It is worth following some basic criteria that will help to make the best decision. When applying for a product code that will be sold directly at the point of sale after scanning, it is worth starting by choosing the EAN/UPC symbol that will enable scanning around the world. If you want variables in the code in the form of expiry date, size or serial number, you will need to use the code with the GS1 2D, GS1 DataBar or GS1 – 128 symbol. It is also possible to include a URL in the bar code or to adapt it to the scanning option from an external packaging by a logistics company.

Although, the implementation of bar codes requires time and completing the necessary formalities, this project definitely pays off. It will be an investment in time saving, streamlining many processes, including logistics, and thus, it will allow achieving measurable benefits and profit. It will give the company a modern character and will further strengthen its professional reception among clients and contractors.

More than ten years ago, such attention was not paid to labels as it is now, because companies were not obliged by such information rights, and even the awareness of customers was not so great. First of all, what mattered was the price and packaging, which still play a significant role in purchasing decisions. However, a growing tendency to increasingly rational and conscious shopping decisions has been visible, and therefore labels have become very important, and their refinement is simply necessary. Why can they contribute to the company’s success and how do they affect customer satisfaction? 

Why have labels become so important? 

It has been known for a long time that the packaging front and its colors must be carefully matched. Marketing specialists design them for specific clients, wanting to catch their eyes and arouse interest in the product. Currently, fewer and fewer people are guided only by such aspects – consumers reach for a visually attractive assortment, but before buying it, they usually look carefully at labels in search of relevant content. This is especially true for the food industry, where labels are a key element. This became particularly important with the introduction of harmonized label content by the European Union, thanks to which they meet the requirements of consumer rights. They are to be non-removable and properly placed, so choosing labels of good quality is very important.

The restrictions also apply to the content itself, which needs to be legible and understandable. Even the smallest labels must contain information about the name, net content, shelf life or possible allergens. Larger labels also require detailed composition and nutritional value, information about storage and use, or the manufacturer’s address, and for alcohols – also the country of origin and volume. In addition to the required elements, many manufacturers also decide on information about the share of individual nutrients of the product in the daily reference dose or the effect of such products on preparation of a balanced diet. 

Growing consumer awareness

Currently, there is a high level of social awareness, which is also reflected in the ecological attitude of consumers, and the fact that more and more people want to eat the healthy way. For this reason, the customers themselves are also very demanding, and in various industries – they are currently not satisfied with trite information, because they expect that the label will include most of the desired information.

This awareness has increased with the legal obligation imposed on producers, but also with numerous information campaigns that put emphasis on that consumers should pay attention to the quality of the products they buy. Thus, in the sales process, the label currently plays an equally important role as the price or packaging – careful preparation should therefore be one of the priorities of every company that expects its customers’ satisfaction. Therefore, it is good to use good quality labels and prepare the content with a view to carefully and thoroughly informing consumers. 

Additional persuasion tool

It should be kept in mind that labels are not only a means of information for companies that are supposed to affect customer satisfaction, but can also be a subtle persuasive element. The growing consumer requirements are not a problem for companies offering good quality products. In this situation, in addition to basic label information, it is worth placing additional content that will meet the needs of inquisitive buyers. These may be detailed specifications or, in the case of food products, accurate nutrition information, and the effect of products on shaping a balanced diet. Therefore, it is impossible to overestimate the role of the label – poor quality and poorly prepared, will only scare the consumer off. On the other hand, with high quality and high information value, it will additionally encourage consumers to buy and can measurably affect sales.

There are many factors to consider when choosing labels. Otherwise, there is a risk that we will make the wrong choice. There are many types of raw materials on the market that are used to make self-adhesive labels. Individual models also differ in size. When choosing them, we must look at the dimensions of the printer we use. However, the most important issue is what we are going to use the adhesive labels for. After specifying their purpose, we start looking for the right models. Do you know how to choose the right labels?

What types of labels are there?

Paper labels are usually used for thermal transfer prints. They are produced using thermal transfer ribbon. This type of print is distinguished by considerable abrasion resistance and durability. UV radiation does not darken it. If weather resistance is not required, then it is worth choosing paper labels. However, they do not work well in contact with moisture.

In turn, models made of PE (polyethylene) are used mainly in the cosmetics and chemical industries. They are useful for labelling plastic bags or other soft containers. Whereas, polypropylene (PP) models are not only relatively durable, but also very stiff. This means that we can easily process them mechanically. These types of labels are used in the production of advertising materials, textiles and packaging. They are very popular in the food industry. The lower flexibility of PP film means that this type of label is not the optimal choice for uneven surfaces or soft packaging. Instead, they are resistant to chemicals, moisture and high temperatures.

For electronic and electrical goods, polyester (PET) labels are usually used. This is primarily due to the resistance of this material to changing conditions, regardless of whether it is chemicals, temperature fluctuations or moisture. Such labels also work in storage and industrial conditions – polyester is highly resistant to abrasion. It is ideal for the production of rating plates or information labels.

Companies looking for more flexible labels should consider vinyl film models. The properties of this raw material make it ideal for curved and porous surfaces. Such labels can withstand 5 years in external conditions, while for internal applications there are no restrictions. Vinyl products are often used to seal computer parts and electronic components because they do not conduct electricity.

What factors have the greatest effect on the choice of labels?

You definitely need to consider the environment in which the labels will be used. With this knowledge, we will be able to choose the right material. The shape of the label also matters. The most common are rectangular products. Since we only place a bar code and information needed to identify the goods on them, there is no need to use more creative shapes. The situation is different for products that are to draw the customer’s attention. Then, much more often companies decide to use labels in the shape of an ellipse or a circle.

More original solutions will require some investments in your own die and they will significantly complicate the process of producing such labels. Another criterion for their division is the type of adhesive used – it can be strong or easily breakable. We need to consider what surface our labels will be applied to. Smooth surfaces do not require special adhesives, but the situation is quite different for rough or soft surfaces.

How to choose the right labels?

Do you know how to choose the right labels? If you want to make the right choice, it is best to familiarize yourself with various stages of this process. This includes information such as how goods are stored and their characteristics. Labels that will work for a window manufacturer will not necessarily be the right choice for a fish processing company.

To make the right choice of a label printer, you should consider many parameters that will be crucial during the production process. Therefore, two types of label printers were created – thermal and thermal transfer printers. Therefore, it is worth knowing how each of them works, what are the differences, and which may turn out to be a more accurate choice. This will avoid unnecessary costs and the need to replace the printer with a more suitable one.

What is a thermal printer and how does it work?

A thermal printer is a type of printer that is proven and works with a special type of labels only. Their operation is mainly based on changing the color of the label due to the use of very high temperature during printing. The color change can be easily achieved by using a specially designed thermal head, which is composed of a needle matrix. In this case, label printing occurs by pressing the spring on the head. After the contact with the thermal paper, the head leaves blackened points, thanks to which a bar code and an inscription appear on the label.

The thermal printer is classified as a mosaic printer. However, it should be kept in mind that it can only be used for printing on thermal paper that is resistant to high temperatures and other types of labels cannot be used at the same time. Moreover, it should also be kept in mind that under the influence of solar radiation, i.e. factors such as sunlight or high temperature, the print on the label has a tendency to fade. Therefore, exposing the label from thermal printing to prolonged adverse weather conditions may lead to its permanent total or partial disappearance.

How does a thermal transfer printer work?

Another type of label printer is a thermal transfer printer. Its work consists in melting the ribbon on the label by means of high temperature. The dye that appears in the carbon transfer ribbon is placed on the printed label, thus the name “thermal transfer”. The main advantage of using a thermal transfer printer is the fact that you can use both paper and foil labels here. What is more, the print on this label does not show susceptibility to external factors such as sunlight, high temperature or UV radiation.

An additional factor that makes a thermal transfer printer a good choice is the wide selection of this type of printers. On the market and on the Internet you can find many thermal transfer printers, which are usually at comparable prices to thermal printers.

Which printer will be the better choice?

Very often, it is quite difficult to clearly determine which type of printer will be the better choice. The key factor that determines the choice is the intended use of such a printer. Another factor is whether or not the printer is intended to label only waybills, which are usually not exposed to prolonged exposure to adverse conditions. If the printer is intended only for printing labels and barcodes that are not exposed to long-term adverse weather conditions, choosing a thermal printer may be a good option.

In turn, when labels need to be resistant to such factors as washing, strong rubbing or other adverse factors, it is worth considering a thermal transfer printer. Then, you can be sure that despite the unfavorable external conditions the print will be well visible and there is no fear of its disappearance. Additionally, you can use different types of labels, both paper and foil, for a thermal transfer printer. This means that thermal transfer printers have a universal nature of use and therefore may be a better choice as opposed to thermal printers.

Transfer tape, also known as ribbon, is one of the basic consumables. It has been designed for thermal transfer printers. Properly selected, both for the type of labels and the printing machine, it will become an excellent dye carrier. However, many users have a problem selecting a thermal transfer ribbon, depending on the type of printer they have. There are several types of tapes, each serving different labels and devices. How to choose the right one?

Coloring tapes and their types

This is one of the parameters that we need to get acquainted with to know what kind of tape will work best when achieving our goals. Each type of tape will have a different use, and also different properties.

We print different types of labels on them. Basically, thermal transfer ribbons are divided into:

✔️ wax thermal transfer ribbon – this type will be used for paper labels with a matte finish. For other types of labels, the print will smudge and disappear. With paper labels, the dye will be more durable and resistant. It is worth adding that this type of tape is one of the cheapest on the market.

✔️ resin thermal transfer ribbon – this type of tape will work with all types of labels. No matter if they are plastic or paper. Thus, it is possible to finish both matte, glossy and semi-glossy. This will not affect the quality of the print, which will be permanent. It will also be resistant to weather conditions. This is the most expensive type of tape offered by the market. For paper labels, we can choose wax tape, which is much cheaper.

✔️ Resin-wax dyeing tape – we can use it for foil and semi-gloss labels. It is not the cheapest on the market, so like in the previous case, let us use a cheaper solution for paper labels.

✔️ Textile thermal transfer ribbon – used e.g. in label printing. 

✔️ Colored thermal transfer ribbons – they stand out because they offer colors other than black. Thanks to them, monochrome printing is possible.

The right size

Thermal transfer ribbons have different sizes that should be matched to the labels we intend to print. Remember, regardless of the chosen type of tape so that its width slightly exceeds the width of the label. Then, we will avoid problems caused by anaesthetic wrinkling, and we will make sure that the print is made correctly, without distortion. Another tape parameter is its length. We need to adapt it to the printer specifications.

The device manufacturer usually places information about the maximum length of the tape in the package. The length of the tape depends on it, and is as follows:

✔️ for office printers, typically, thermal transfer ribbon is 74 m long. 
✔️ for desktop printers, this parameter is 110 m.
✔️ for industrial printers it is 300 m and 450 m.

Remember to read the printer specifications first. In the manufacturer’s guidelines, in addition to the maximum tape length in the package, we also read:

✔️ printing width – it defines the width of the core. A thermal transfer ribbon is wound on it. The most popular are currently 4-inch printers with an S-core size.
✔️ Core diameter – it depends on the printer model. They come in 0.5 inch and 1 inch sizes.

However, it should be taken into account that the width of the core does not always specify the width of the thermal transfer ribbon. It all depends on the type of labels. If the core is spaced, for example, at 3 inches, but we need to print smaller labels, we can confidently use a tape with a smaller width than the roll on which it is wound. This will not affect the quality of the print, nor its durability. Of course, if we adjust the type of thermal transfer ribbon first. The selection of this product is not easy, you need the right knowledge and knowledge of the offer available on the market.

Sophisticated jewellery products are marked with professional labels, which are characterized by unusual shapes or the highest quality of materials from which they are made. All information on the label is legible even several months after printing. The materials used for the production of jewellery labels can be distinguished by silver matt polyester film (PET), silver polyester film imitating brushed steel and white polyethylene (PE) film. The jewellery industry has specific dimensions that jewellery labels should have – these dimensions are 10 × 50 mm with narrowing.

Characteristics of jewellery labels

These labels are primarily characterized by their small size to discreetly present the most important product information to the customer. The label should contain information about price, quality and type of material, as well as weight. In addition, this information is applied directly to the product (without leaving any traces of glue) or on a special tag.

A thermal or thermal transfer printer allows the entrepreneur to print labels in the workplace, which is an incredibly convenient. Jewellery labels can be both shiny and matte. On shiny tags you can write only with a foil pen or oil pen. However, to sign on the matte label, you only need to use a regular pen. Shiny tags can be divided into ready-made or with individual printing. A characteristic feature of matt labels is their pigment printing, while shiny labels are made using resin printing technology. It is worth noting that resin printing is fully resistant to abrasion.

How are labels for marking jewellery products made?

Labels are usually made of polypropylene so that the sticker is fully resistant to water or mechanical damage. Many printers available on the market create labels that are compatible with barcode scanners. When choosing a jewellery label printer, consider the stock. For example, office printers are extremely compact and print about 2,000 labels a day. Meanwhile, the circulation of industrial printers is almost 15,000 printed per day – the difference in volume is sky-high.

An intermediate product is a semi-industrial printer, which is also ideal for printing greater volumes. All printers intended for printing labels for jewellery marking should be characterized by stability, durability and simplicity in use. In addition to good quality, the printer should be used for the production of durable labels and proven materials. The minimum application temperature for jewellery labels is -23 degrees Celsius.

The durability of labels anticipated by producers is a year indoors. Usually, one roll is about 3000 labels. Labels with an overlap have a permanent adhesive layer that leaves no traces. The price of one roll is about PLN 150.00.

How to order a jewellery label?

The first step necessary to realize an order is to provide the customer with all parameters and information that, at his discretion, should appear on the jewellery label. Many customers appreciate the direct contact with the label maker, as the customer’s vision of label designs may change at the production stage. Label makers should provide customers with a ready design and allow them to make initial adjustments.

Establishing a cost estimate is an extremely important element when ordering jewellery labels. Many companies guarantee delivery time up to one week. Jewellery labels are characterized by elegance and durability. They are designed to attract the customer’s attention, while not obscuring the main element, which is jewellery.

Labels are carriers of information about a given product at every stage of its transport. What is more, do not forget about their artwork. It should positively influence the image of the product to attract as many customers as possible. For this reason, you should not limit yourself to standard black and white labels. Entrepreneurs should use colorful products in various shapes. Of course, the right choice depends largely on the specifics of the industry in which the company operates. Labels should not only be adated to the needs of individual customers, but also stand out from the competition. Attractive labels gain in importance during periods of increased sales, such as the holiday season, for example. Every company should ensure that its products are distinguished, to the possible extent. The main goal is to manage the increased demand in every possible way. One of them is to improve product attractiveness by means of a colored label.

Commonly used printing methods

The so-called digital printing is very popular. The data contained in the digital file is transferred for printing. Appropriate printing machines and coloring agents are needed for this type of printing. The biggest advantage of this method is immediate printing. We are able to make low-volume series without any problems. What is more, we will not need to bear the high cost of dies. Digital printing also allows printing variable data. Especially, various graphics or texts. If necessary, our labels can be prepared on a roll. In turn, flexographic printing involves the use of flexible printing forms. They are usually made of rubber, polymer or similar materials. The universality of this method results from the possibility of printing various substrates.

You should opt for flexographic printing if you need to print rough surfaces. Colored labels can be prepared in sheets or on a roll. It all depends on the capabilities of printing machines that we have at our disposal. Companies that need a higher quality print than the one offered by the digital method often opt for offset printing. With its help it becomes possible to map even the smallest elements. If possible, it is best to choose this method when our order will be reproduced in hundreds or thousands of copies. Usually, our labels will be prepared in special sheets.

Why use colored labels?

Original-looking products attract the attention of customers who more often decide to buy them. Personalized labels are a great way to distinguish our goods from the competition. They can be used as part of an advertising campaign that will build brand awareness. The final goal is to increase sales.

Using personalized labels is a highly flexible solution that will be useful in many different situations. We can prepare such labels on our own. However, we need special printing devices in connection with a computer or tablet on which we will design our labels. The simplest step is to print advertising slogans in the form of colored labels that you can stick on our products.

Combined with the graphic variety of packaging, we can easily distinguish our goods. A much better solution is to commission this task to an experienced company that can offer a wide range of clean and colorful labels. Just specify the requirements and the company will do the design and print works. Depending on needs, we can order simple labels with a bar code or more original color models. Certainly, the use of colored labels is a valuable investment.

Nowadays, labels are found everywhere, they are used to describe all kinds of ingredients or properties, e.g. cosmetics, medicines, also used in logistics or electronics, their usefulness is endless. The variety of labels is endless, they can have different colors, shapes or be made of many materials. Think about what kind of labels are you looking for and adapt it to your requirements.

Labels – why invest in them?

Properly selected can help to accelerate and standardize the flow of information in the distribution chain, employees of the production line, in warehouses or in logistics centers. However, the most important advantage of a properly selected label is promotion and creation of a product image.

Advantages and types of labels

The key ingredient to success is labels thanks to which the company will gain customer trust, for example through: legibility and durability of labels. It is also worth remembering that each of them has different properties and applications, and it is on them that you should focus when developing and investing in your business so as to keep pace with consumers and their requirements. We can distinguish 4 basic types of labels.

Clean labels

Perfect as a sales tool for a company and an easy and readable source of knowledge for clients. With this form, depending on the needs, the appropriate size and material is selected – paper or foil and the right type of adhesive, which due to the use on various surfaces will ensure label durability, regardless of the conditions of storage of the goods on which it will be found. Labels can be prepared in the form of a roll or in the form of sheets. They can be subject to further printing process, depending on the demand, using thermal or thermal transfer printers.

Printed labels

Self-adhesive printed labels are made according to the customer’s recommendations and needs, they can be printed with data such as bar code, manufacturer’s data, possibly contain detailed information and any graphics, e.g. product photo, logotype. If the manufacturer wants something more advanced then color-flexographic or digital printing is recommended.

Color-flexographic labels

A versatile technique that is characterized by a variety of materials and various substrates. Most often used in the production of labels in a high-volume process, hence it is one of the most economical and effective techniques.

Of course, the label can be used as a final product or sent for further printing to add e.g. product information, bar code or expiry date.

Color-digital labels

The fastest form of printing, useful if you need to quickly adapt to the current demand for a given product. The outlays are made from 100 pieces, so there will be no problem, if there is no need to print large quantities of labels, it is fast and does not require additional costs associated with the purchase of additional forms for printing.

Its biggest advantage, in addition to quick production, is the possibility to print a design straight from a computer file and quick possibility of personalizing the label and thus faster order delivery time. This type of labels will be resistant and long-lasting, thanks to which you will save both money and time. 

Summary – why is it worth investing in the right labels?
To sum up, it is worth investing in good quality labels that meet your needs, noting that nowadays not only time matters, but also the aesthetics of a given product. Aesthetic and well-made label equals a satisfied and trusted customer, only the right one will bring profits for the next few years.

The choice of the right tape is essential if you want to print data quickly. Label printers usually use resin, wax or mixed tapes. Choosing the right type has a huge effect on the print quality. The substrate on which we will print needs to be taken into account. For thermal transfer printing, it is possible to apply barcodes, information and graphics to various types of surfaces. These include nylon, satin, cardboard, paper and PVC, PE, PET and PP films. Thermal transfer ribbons are used in the automotive, pharmaceutical, food and many other industries. You can choose tapes in several colors to design your dream label.

Available types of thermal transfer ribbons

Wax tapes are not very resistant to chemicals and mechanical damage. For this reason, they are only used for products with a short shelf life, not exceeding 12 months. Because this material is extremely delicate, the temperature of the printer head must not exceed a certain level. If it is too high, the wax will be damaged.

A more resistant alternative is resin tapes – they cope well in outdoor conditions. It is a relatively durable material that is used for printing on paper, textile labels and foil. However, this type of tape requires a high temperature print head. If you need matte, glossy, semi-gloss labels or cardboard tags, then it is worth using the so-called mixed tapes, i.e. wax-resin. They are more resistant to scratches, moisture and temperature than wax models. However, they are less durable when in contact with chemicals than resin tapes. The right choice depends on the conditions in which we will use the labels produced.

What are thermal transfer labels useful for?

We can find the greatest number of such labels in various warehouses and logistics centers. Special printers are able to quickly produce large quantities of labels with resistant prints. The information contained there will not be damaged under the influence of moisture, UV radiation and abrasion.

Thermal transfer models are also used in steel storage centers and building warehouses. They are used to mark products that are outside for a ling time. They are therefore exposed to weather conditions. Thermal transfer labels cope well with these conditions – the print remains visible and clear. During the production process they are equipped with a layer of strong glue that allows adhesion to the substrate. This means that they are ready to use immediately after purchase. They are sold in rolls, which should then be attached to the printer. The price depends primarily on the number of rolls and the label format.

Which printers are used for thermal transfer ribbons?

The task of the label printer is to print self-adhesive labels. It is the most popular tool used for the production of this type of labels. Although they can have any shape, the most common are rectangular labels with rounded corners. Thermal transfer printing allows getting a variety of colors – just use the colored ribbon. This is not possible in thermal printing. These types of printers do not use toners or ink.

Thermal transfer models use plain paper and ribbon. There are many different types of printers for thermal transfer ribbons on the market. It is worth noting that each of them supports all three types of carbon paper. When choosing a tape for the printer, we must pay attention to the diameter of the core. A difference of even a few millimeters may prevent proper printing. For office printers, tapes on rollers with an internal diameter of 12 mm are the optimal choice. Instead of printing labels on your own, use the services of an experienced company.