Proper labeling plays a crucial role in the packaging process, and many businesses opt to outsource label printing services. However, owning label printers and conducting label printing in-house can offer substantial benefits. In this article, we will discuss the advantages of owning label printers.
Private Labeling Opportunities
Owning label printers allows businesses to engage in private labeling. Private labeling has experienced significant growth in various industries, including food, beverage, cosmetics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and nutritional supplements.
Studies have shown that customers often perceive products with private label or store brand labels as having higher quality or value. By utilizing in-house color label printers, manufacturers can readily produce customized labels in low-cost, short-run quantities, giving them a competitive edge in the market.
Instant Label Printing Capability
Even with efficient forecasting and purchasing procedures, packaging departments sometimes find themselves scrambling for labels at the last minute. For manufacturers with numerous products, ensuring that the right labels are in stock and available when needed can be challenging. However, in-house label printing solves this problem. The ability to print the exact quantity of labels required, precisely when needed, goes beyond product promotion—it is a tool that enhances productivity by enabling on-demand label production. Manufacturers can create labels instantaneously, switch packaging lines within minutes, and start labeling new products immediately, thanks to in-house label printers.
Cost and Inventory Reduction
In-house, short-run, low-quantity label printing is cost-effective, allowing businesses to adopt lean, just-in-time manufacturing practices and reduce inventory. Estimating the number of labels needed before product or label design changes can be challenging, even with excellent inventory management techniques.
Moreover, conventional label printing economics often require print shops to order labels in large quantities, exceeding actual requirements. Consequently, excess rolls of purchased labels are kept in stock. Over time, stored labels can accumulate dust, deform, yellow, or lose their adhesive properties. Furthermore, labels or the products they are intended for may expire before they are utilized, resulting in wastage. By owning label printers, businesses can eliminate these issues and reduce costs associated with excess inventory.
Increased Production Flexibility
In the past, basic barcode label printers were used for printing “back panel” labels with product-specific content and barcodes, while full-color primary display labels were outsourced to licensed label print houses. However, in-house label printers have revolutionized the label printing process by integrating it completely. Businesses can now achieve greater production flexibility by producing both types of labels in-house, enabling quicker turnaround times and more efficient operations.
Quality Control Maintenance
Businesses operating in strictly regulated industries, such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, hazardous chemicals, dietary supplements, and foods, must adhere to external auditor specifications and internal quality management systems during the packaging process. Label printers facilitate in-house quality control by providing the freedom to add or remove label material without incurring excessive costs. Regulatory labeling requirements, such as GHS chemical danger labeling, stricter disclosure regulations, or country of origin labeling laws, can necessitate label redesigns. Owning label printers allows businesses to implement these modifications easily.
Final Thoughts
TMS Packaging is committed to delivering high-quality packaging solutions for all industries. Visit our website to explore our offerings, ranging from labels to boxes and more. Whatever your specific needs may be, we have you covered.