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Sustainable Labeling: How to Choose Greener Labels

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These days, consumers and many manufacturers are realizing the merits of going green. Not only are eco-friendlier packaging options good for the planet, but they're good for your reputation and your bottom line.

In a recent Consumer Brands/Ipsos poll, 84% of respondents said they were concerned about waste from plastics and packaging. Recycling is at the forefront of their minds, and they're willing to prioritize brands that show a greener approach.

What does that mean for you? It means that taking a look at your packaging options, right down to the labeling, is crucial.

What Makes More Sustainable Labeling?

What factors play into a label’s sustainability? There are many components to a label—the material, the adhesives, the finish, even the ink—that can play a role in the label’s compatibility with the recycling process.

It’s important to understand how recycling works and the requirements for your packaging before you choose the labels for your product. Labels are ubiquitous---almost every product has a label of some sort on the product, whether it’s a food, beverage, consumer good, or medical supply. In most cases, the recycling process doesn’t require that consumers and users remove their label to recycle.

During the recycling process, products are often heated to very high temperatures. This heating burns off any labels and glue. For certain products, the recycler may request that labels be removed. The labels themselves may also be recyclable (in the case of some paper labels, for example). Different recyclers may have different standards for their recyclable products, so if you're working with consumers in a particular region and recycling is a concern, it may be a good idea to explore the local regulations and guidelines.

But of course, if your company has taken measures to provide more sustainable products to your consumer, then you’ll want to do your due diligence when it comes to exploring sustainable label options. Here are all the aspects of labels you should consider when you’re seeking more sustainable label choices.

Are Label Adhesives Recyclable?

Generally speaking, most label adhesives aren’t recyclable. Even if a paper label is used, the adhesive will need to be removed before the label can be recycled. There are natural adhesives out there, but it depends on the other requirements of the label and storage conditions for the product. Look for an RCA or recycling compatible adhesive if it fits your specifications.

RCAs were first devised for use in the postal system. When it comes to recycling envelopes, the adhesive closure and even stamps can be a concern. In most cases, the RCAs are used to adhere paper to paper. During the recycling process, paper is shredded into pulp. The adhesives are resistant to shredding and can then be removed before the final processing. Other adhesives can damage the recycling machinery and cause problems.

There are also biodegradable label adhesives (and even labels themselves). These are often used on food products, and these labels will break down over time. The biodegradable adhesive is often plant-based, made from materials like sugarcane. In some cases, these options can be an appropriate choice.

Most label components like ink, standard adhesives, and lamination are considered contaminants in the recycling process, but recycling companies will often remove them during the processing if they are a problem. The adhesive itself can't be extracted from the label or recycled. It's also important to note that many adhesives eventually degrade, change, and deteriorate over the product's life. Removable and repositionable label adhesive options offer a lower tack and can be used in some cases.

Which Label Materials Are Most Sustainable?

Choosing paper labels can make your product packaging more sustainable and recycling-friendly. Many paper labels on sauce jars and other products can be washed off or removed during recycling. Generally speaking, paper labels are often the most eco-friendly and may even be made from recycled materials.

Plastic and synthetic labels can be used on packaging with the same type of plastic. For example, polypropylene or PET bottles with polypropylene or PET labels can usually be recycled together—no label removal necessary. In some cases, a label may fit around the entire package (like a beverage bottle) and can be removed easily once the product is gone.

Choosing Finishes and Lamination

Another area to review is the finish and lamination on your labels. Some labels need to be water-resistant, heat-proof, or otherwise able to withstand certain conditions. In this case, a protective finish is important. Other embellishments like metallics can align with your branding and make your product stand out.

For lamination, matching the material to the packaging can increase the recyclability of the product. Again, a polypropylene laminate would be appropriate for a polypropylene bottle. A paper label with a laminate finish may not be as easily recycled. It’s also important to check the adhesive and the ink before deeming the label recyclable (even if the lamination is the same material as the product packaging).

In many cases, the finish, adhesive, and even ink will factor into the sustainability of a label. It's important to weigh the requirements of your label and the information you need to convey against the merits of going completely green. With the proper guidance, you should find a label that will do the job while still complementing your product.

Fortunately, when it comes to labels, there are ample options for customizing and adjustment. Your product is different and distinctive, so you’ll need a label that works for you. We have an array of labeling choices here at T&L Graphic Systems. If you need to find a sustainable label or a label with any unique property, we're here to help. Reach out today to explore your options.

Logistics and Labels: 5 Reasons Why Supply Chain Labeling is Important

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Supply Chain labeling

In the last year, the United States has fought through the global pandemic of COVID-19. During this time, our supply chain has been crucial to keeping America running. Supply chain labeling is an essential and often overlooked piece of the logistics puzzle.

While 2020 has been a year like no other, the truth is that the supply chain is always critical to our survival and meeting our needs. Manufacturing and transporting goods across the country has been vital to our well-being since the days of the industrial revolution.

In challenging times and “normal” times, logistics and the supply chain keep us running smoothly. Here are 5 reasons why supply chain labeling is important.

1. Supply Chain Labeling Helps Suppliers Communicate

At the very core, labels are a communication tool. A label tells us what’s in the box, bottle, container, or shelf. Supply chain labeling, like medical labeling, consumer product labels, and all other labeling forms, acts as a sign. The labels send a signal and message to those who read them.

Today, the reader may be a computer and a scanner, using barcoding to track and inventory products. Ultimately, though, it's the human manufacturer and the human recipient who will benefit from the communication chain. Quality-printed labels send a message and ensure that message is clear. Labels are an important tool for branding, consumer connections, and the identity of products.

2. Labeling Aids in Quick Identification

In manufacturing, shipping, and logistics, as with many other industries, labels help identify a lot of information with a simple, quick scan. Because labels use numerical values and patterns, they help keep the supply chain organized and efficient. Orders come in, products go out, and suppliers can pinpoint what and where everything is in the process.

When workers pick and scan in a warehouse, they need to get the correct product on the pallet. Labels make scanning and identification a straightforward process. Team members are faster and more efficient in their work, thanks to labeling.

3. Barcoding Helps Track and Organize

Barcoding was invented in the 1950s by Norman Woodland. The concept was based on morse code, using thick and thin lines to code a scannable message. It would take several decades before barcoding became commonplace, but this invention set the stage for much of the product tracking we use every day in the supply chain.

Coding is so common these days that we hardly think of the barcodes found on nearly every product. These labels assist in inventory tracking, as well as provide valuable information on demographics and demand. It’s crucial that barcoding is clear and placed correctly. Reflectance, smearing, and tearing can inhibit an accurate read. Quality barcodes are a must because barcodes help us track and organize everything in the supply chain.

4. Labeling Helps in Recalls

A recall is something that no manufacturer wants to think of, but labels help us minimize the damage when product recalls happen. Enhanced tracking and custom logistics label solutions help ensure that no matter where a product is, it's easily identifiable. Because product labels convey essential information, including ingredients, dates, and origin, we can use the label to refine the recall and ensure that the only products returned are damaged.

Clear, correct labels also help prevent product recalls. One of the most common reasons for recalls is misprinted label information, so labels must be printed properly, easy-to-read, and stay affixed with the right adhesive.

5. Shipping Relies on Supply Chain Labeling

Labels play a critical role at the shipping point of the supply chain process as well. In fact, in many cases, the correct information on a shipping label is the most vital label detail. Without the right information, products can get held up and delayed.

A missing label may extend delivery times and may even result in lost or damaged products. When a product must get to the right destination quickly, a clear, durable label is essential.

Supply chain labeling is the backbone of the health and efficiency of industry. When you need labels you can rely on, T&L Graphics has you covered. From die-cutting to tear and abrasion-proof coatings to high-strength bonding and temperature resistance, our labels stay clear and stay put.

Going Above and Beyond to Keep You Happy

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Label converter company

Does your label converter company go above and beyond to keep you happy?

At T&L Graphic Systems, we’ve built a strong reputation as the label converter company that exceeds customer expectations. The fact is most of our business comes from referrals and word-of-mouth from our happy customers.

Why do customers trust T&L? Because we go the extra mile to keep our clients satisfied. New clients often come to us with one or two product lines, only to find they’re so pleased they eventually bring over all their label needs. One of our customers started with one SKU and we now print over 400 SKUs for their business.

At the end of the day, it's because we're easy to deal with. There's no hassle, excellent quality, and unparalleled service. Does your label converter offer all that?

5 Questions you should ask before you choose a label printing company.

1. Does Your Label Converter Give You the Run-Around?

One aspect our customers love about us is that there's no red tape to deal with. When customers call, they speak with Doug or Steve. We're the decision-makers, and we've been in the industry for over 30 years. Our customers know they have constant access to the top brass.

If there's a problem with a label order, customers talk directly to us. There's no bureaucracy. You aren't passed around to various salespeople who over-promise and under-deliver. We'll tell you exactly what you can expect, and we’ll make sure the job is completed to your satisfaction. You’ll get an accurate quote on price, time, and product.

2. Does Your Label Converter Adjust Artwork if Needed?

At T&L Graphic Systems, we employ our own in-house art department dedicated to making adjustments to your labels. Our art department doesn't create logos, design flyers, or build layouts. They're there to make sure your label prints out precisely to your specifications.

Often clients come to us with beautiful artwork, but there are adjustments needed. In food labeling, for example, there are often small changes—adding ingredients, changing instructions. Our design department expertly modifies and tweaks the artwork you provide us to ensure your label has the right text.

3. Does Your Label Converter Company Make their Own Plates?

One of our specialties is creating our own plates for our Mark Andy Performance Series P5 press. In fact, we recently upgraded our plate-making equipment, allowing us to create some of the best plates in the industry. When our in-house art department receives your files, they create proofs. Once you approve the proofs, our art department makes them into plates.

This ability to create our own custom-made, state-of-the-art plates is unique in our industry. The quality is excellent, and your waiting time is significantly reduced. We're able to offer quick turn-around and fulfillment with beautiful labels.

4. Does Your Label Converter Offer Warehousing?

Some label converter companies require all your inventory paid upfront. Others refuse to warehouse your projects because they don't have space or capacity. We offer warehousing storage and we don’t charge when the bill is released, as most label converters do.

When you bring us a project, we can flow it out slowly over time. This allows for a bigger print run and cuts the overall cost of your printing project. Best of all, there are no hidden charges and add-ons. Warehousing is one of the regular services we offer.

5. Is Your Label Converter an Expert?

The main difference that sets T&L Graphic Systems apart is our expertise. Because we work in a very specific industry niche, we know our product backward and forward. We understand the label substrate and adhesives required for different applications. We know which finishes will protect your label and which cuts will look great on your product.

Because we got our start in the medical industry, we also uniquely understand the demands of medical labeling and the needs of hospitals and physicians. We know what works and what doesn’t, and we’ll use our knowledge to help guide you.

When you work with us, you will work with people who go above and beyond for our customers. Should anything go awry, we own our mistakes and take care of the problem. We know what's most important is that you get the labels you need to continue your daily operations.

Can your label converter company do all that? And if not, shouldn’t you expect more?

Contact us today to learn how T&L Graphics will meet the needs and demands of your business with our unparalleled performance and unmatched approach to customer satisfaction.

‘Tis the Season for Variably Imaged Labels

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Variably Imaged Labels

As the end of the year approaches, your thoughts likely turn to end-of-year planning, holiday vacations, New Year goals, resolutions…and variably imaged labels?

It's true. The end of the year (and the start of the next) is often a busy time for ordering labels across many industries. Here at T&L Graphic Systems, we often see an increase in orders for our variable data labels. If you haven’t started to think about your labeling needs for next year, now is the time.

Here are several of the industries we serve, where variable data labels are a must-have.

Variably Imaged Labels in the Medical Industry

We started by serving the healthcare industry, and this is still the heart of our printing business. There are few other industries where accuracy and tracking are quite literally a matter of life and death.

Variable bar-coded labels ensure that patient information is seamless. One of the primary uses for variable bar-coded labels is in specimen tracking and medical slides. When a patient under your care has any lab work run, the labels are critical to tracking and accuracy.

The medical industry requires the highest quality labels that hold up to the strain of Xylene baths and other chemical solutions in the sterilization process. Lamination and specialized adhesive ensure the variable bar-coded labels stay put, no matter what.

Most medical practices are setting up supplies for the new year, so it's a great time to order labels and ensure you've stocked up. We print labels with any data, QR, and barcoding that you may need to fit your current system.

Tracking Inventory in Retail, Trucking, and Shipping

This really is the season for retail, and we print variably imaged labels for many distributors who serve major retailers and manufacturers. Tote labels in backstock, shipping, and conveying ensure orders never get lost or misplaced. Shipping and tracking systems require a unique code to track orders through miles of conveyors, and each unique code specifies the critical order information. Trucking companies use PRO number labels to ensure every shipment has a unique tracking code.

We print consecutive barcodes to align with any warehouse tracking and shipping system. Work-in-progress systems offer real-time tracking to tell you exactly where any order is within your process. We can populate codes according to your needs and ensure each label is sturdy, reliable, accurate, and stays in place. Warehouse shipping and tracking labels are something most people rarely think of, but it’s so critical to client satisfaction, inventory, and order accuracy.

Something as seemingly minor as a low-grade label may cost your business dearly in terms of shrink and loss. Our variable data labels are accurate and of the highest grade quality. Labels are graded on an ANSI scale of A-F (like a student’s report card), and we will never sell a label that scores below a B. When you need quality you can count on, don't cut corners.

Ensuring Safety and Security with Serial Numbers and Void Labels

Many manufacturing and repair plants implement consecutive number labels. These property tags are printed with serial numbers on durable material. Not only do these unique numbers help keep track of equipment, but it's a valuable security step as well.

Similarly, void labels add another level of security across almost any industry. Typically used in the pharmaceutical, medical, and retail industries, these void labels tell users if the product has been tampered with at all.

When it comes to variably imaged labels, a lot is riding on those little black lines of a barcode. At T&L, we know how vital your labels are to the accuracy of your business and the safety of your clientele. In addition to adhering to the highest grading system, to ensure no chance of failure, we do a rigorous quality check.

During our quality check, we ensure there are no missing labels in the run. If anything is out of place, we stop the press and correct the issue. Believe it or not, many printers will just include a note letting you know there are a few missing barcodes.

Our high-speed printers ensure jobs are completed astonishingly fast. At T&L, we have the experience and implement the right quality controls to ensure your order is completed on-time and with the highest level of accuracy.

So, this season, as you're looking ahead and making your resolutions, be sure you’ve ordered your labels for the new year. T&L will help you set up for success with labels you can depend on.

Does Your Label Capture Your Brand Story?

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Does-your-label-capture-your-brand-story

When a customer scans the aisle, looks in the cupboard, or seeks a solution, does your label catch their eye? Does your label capture your brand story?

Many marketers consider packaging and labeling critical to solidifying customer-brand connections. Your packaging and labels are vehicles for brand-driven storytelling. Sometimes, a label is your sole method for communicating with a customer. It's your one shot to reel them in and tell them who you are (and how you'll fulfill their needs).

In short, a good label needs to say, "Pick me! Here's why!"

1. Labels Create A Narrative

Consider labels as the cover to the book of your brand-story—they craft a narrative about your product. Labels tell consumers the story of what’s behind and inside the package. For an interesting example of the label-as-a-story concept, consider wine labels.

Many products feature narrative labels, but the wine industry stands out as having mastered the art of brand-driven storytelling on a label. The wine aisle tells more stories than a library shelf; each label has a tale. Some feature illustrations of a chateau or vineyard (capturing authenticity and brand authority). Others may feature artwork that feels carefree, joyous, and even a bit naughty…and really, is there any better way to sum up the story of wine?

Packaging as brand-driven storytelling isn’t limited to wine labels, however. Any brand can apply this idea to their label and achieve the same effect. In one study, researchers found consumers who connected to a story were willing to pay up to 64% more for a product.

2. Labels Convey Critical Information

Now, taking a departure from the beverage department, let’s consider labels used in the medical industry. In this case, the labels’ story isn’t a fairytale. For medical labels, the story is informational, precise, and vital.

We may often overlook the informative nature of labels when we think of brand-driven storytelling, but these components are crucial. They may convey all kinds of critical information: the manufacturer branding (evoking reliability, reputation, and accountability), the quantity, instructions for use, expiration date, cautionary information, and much more.

The language used in instructional labels is straightforward and easy-to-follow. It's telling consumers exactly how to use the product and what problem it will solve—non-fiction when you need it the most.

3. Labels Evoke a Feeling

When you see a professionally labeled product, you associate professionalism with the brand. Labels capture a brand’s personality using logos, colors, fonts, pictures, and design elements to craft a myriad of messages.

A brand may convey warmth, trust, nostalgia, value, prestige, whimsy, environmental awareness, health-consciousness, or many other messages. Symbolism in labeling and packaging is a powerful tool for three-dimensional communication to customers.

The feelings evoked by your labeling reinforce customer recognition and confidence. Think of your label from the customer’s perspective. What feelings does it evoke? What is the message? Is the message consistent with your brand, yet unique enough to differentiate each product? Does the customer know and trust you will solve their problem?

4. Labels Please the Eye

Storytelling is traditionally a language art, but a visual method like labeling transcends language to convey a message. Using the right material, colors that catch the eye, graphics, shapes, and finishes will play up your message and convey meaning without words.

Think of the richness of a foil or embossed label. Unique label elements showcase an attention to detail and care. Certain finishes appear handcrafted and rustic, or modern and sleek. Each component of the label captures the eye and reinforces your message.

Envision your label without words. What do the visual components—shapes, colors, lines, and fonts—say to your customer? Is this the message you want your brand to send? Does it capture your story?

Brand-driven storytelling is both an art and a science. When wielded properly, it will catch the eye and help you send a powerful message in an instant. If you’re ready for labels you feel proud of, contact us today!