Consumer Vs Label Printers

In this post, we have a guest blogger:  Hannah Gibson.  Hanna is a great new employee for Color Label Solutions; we're lucky to have her on our staff.  Read Hanna's first post next.

My name is Hannah Gibson, a Sales Manager for Color Label Solutions, based in the Seattle area. After working at a label convertor, I came to work at Color Label Solutions to manage label sales. In my conversations with different companies in different industries, I hear frequently “I don’t know anything about label printing”. To me, this situation is great as our mission is to support companies transition to On-Demand Color Label printing.

One question, that I get asked frequently when speaking to newer or smaller companies is “Why should I use a label printer?  I’d rather print from my office/home printer.”

When responding to this question, I provide several reasons why a label printer is a much more efficient choice for any company.

Sheet Vs Roll Labels

Let’s start with cost per label, which is a big factor for businesses. I Googled the top selling printer of 2018, which I found was an HP OfficeJet printer, according to Amazon.

HP: Highest Selling Consumer Printer

https://www.amazon.com/HP-OfficeJet-Wireless-Printing-F1J03A/dp/B013SKI4X8/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1529933142&sr=8-6&keywords=%231+office+printer

For the HP OfficeJet printer, the yield is 165 pages/tri color cartridge. The cost of a black and tri color cartridge is $42.89. $42.89 divided by 165 is $0.26/page. With 10 labels per sheet, the ink cost per label is $0.026. Assuming the 165 page/cartridge yield was calculated at 15% coverage, the cost per label would be $0.13/label when printing at 80% coverage; 5-fold more.

To learn more about how these ink yields are calculated, read this previous post:

http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2013/02/laser-versus-inkjet.html 

After calculating the ink, I calculated the cost per an actual label.  For this comparison, I used a 4” x 2” Matte Poly sheet label from Avery.

https://www.avery.com/products/labels/5523

and calculated a cost per actual label of $0.11. Therefore, the ink and a 4 x 2” label combined would cost approximately $0.24.

C7500 Ink Cartridges

When printing a 4 x2” label with approximately 80% ink coverage using the Epson C7500G, I calculated the ink cost at $0.017/label.  A 4” x 2” Matte poly Label we sell on a roll is $0.042/label, with significant discounts in volume. 

https://colorlabelsolutions.com/product/4-x-2-matte-poly-labels-3-core-c7500/

Overall, I calculated the cost for ink and material in a consumer printer is at least 24 cents (assuming 80% coverage).  At the same time, the cost for ink and labels using an Epson label printer are less than 6 cents; a savings of 75%.

Sheet Labels

In addition to ink and label costs, add the extra waste. Most companies I talk to who are wanting to transition from sheet fed to labels on a roll mention they experience lots of jams, and have a hard time getting the print to line up on the labels, resulting in a lot of waste.  And what if you wanted to print only 4 labels at any one time?  You could waste up to 6 labels.

Another important factor is a printer designed for labels will increase your productivity. The simplest explanation of increase in productivity with a label printer is speed; a label printer is generally faster than your office printer. In addition, your employees will waste less time fixing jams or selecting which labels on a sheet to print. When needing a few labels, you can print the exact number rather than a full sheet of maybe 4-16 labels at time.  Also, rolls of labels enable you to use a label applicator or dispenser to automate more of the process.

Also, label printers give you flexibility in design and automation. With a label printer, graphic designers will have flexibility to create a more professional looking label, which is important for branding. Also, label printers enable the use of label design software such as BarTender, which allow for automating Variable Data printing. 

Besides cost, waste, productivity and design, label printers offer a HUGE difference in durability when compared to a consumer-oriented printer. By most accounts, a typical consumer printer should last 1 to 3 years. But when adding sheets of labels that are oozing adhesives, the printer typically wont hold up very long. A label printer is built for manufacturing environments and will last much longer with heavy use.

As the premier provider for Print on Demand systems, Color Label Solutions can help you transition to printing high resolution, durable labels with a low cost per label. Give us a call today to talk about your label requirements. 

C7500 With Rewind

Hannah Gibson
info@colorlabelsolutions.com
855-962-7670

Purchase a C7500 here:
https://colorlabelsolutions.com/product/c7500-inkjet-label-printer/ 

Making Money On-Demand

Recently, I attended a webinar by HP titled, “Cost vs Value; how to monetize digitally printed packaging”.  In this webinar I found HP lays out the reasons for Color Label Solutions to exist: by explaining the benefits and returns for moving to on-demand color labels and packages. 

In addition, HP provides a ROI tool to calculate the potential return on investment for moving to on-demand color, or in their terms, “Packaging Decoration”.  In this post, I’ll summarize the paper; and provide links to download the whitepaper and get the calculator.

Overall, HP states that on-demand color packaging and labeling has 3 key advantages when compared to preprinted:

• No Plates
• No Press Setup
• Easy configuration

These advantages lead to the benefits:

• More cost-effective printing of small batches
• Increased agility; by reducing the time to market
• Increased variation and personalization of labels and packages, in which every item is “one-off”.

The benefits of on-demand color increase the value to the company, both internal and external to customers.  But where does a company find the value to pay for the typical cost per unit increase in using on-demand color labels and packages?

HP offers 4 areas to research inside a company to find returns from moving to on-demand:

1. Supply Chain- Adding efficiencies
2. Marketing-Extending customer engagement
3. Finance-Increasing overall profitability
4. Business Development-Developing/Testing new market opportunities

#1: In the Supply Chain, HP states moving to on-demand:

• Reduces warehousing
• Frees up capital trapped in inventory
• Allows for fewer materials to be ordered
• Reduces obsolesces of artwork changes

On-Demand saves money throughout the supply chain.

#2: In Marketing, HP opines that on-demand labels and packages are the final opportunity to convince customers to purchase their products.  In addition, on-demand color labels and packages enable companies to strengthen brands making it easy to set up product versions and localized promotions.  And finally, on-demand color enables brands to invest in promotions and advertising for less than traditional methods.

#3: In Finance, HP says on-demand color offers ways to increase sales and margins; a means to increase overall profitability.  By understanding the ratio of gross dollar margin divided by the current cost of “decorating” (the incremental cost of on-demand) labels and packages, companies can calculate the value or return in the investment.  For most companies, HP says the increased sales required to pay for the increased cost of on-demand is less than 1%.

#4: In Business Development, HP states that on-demand makes it easy to develop:

• New consumer categories
• New channels
• New territories
• Test markets, special programs, regional customization and tactical e-commerce activities

On-demand enables companies to customize product packaging and labels which is different than traditional channels; making testing of new offers easy to do with limited impact on existing paths to market.

For further information, download this white paper here: http://www8.hp.com/h20195/v2/GetPDF.aspx/4AA7-2182EEW.pdf 

Or watch the webinar here: http://hp.brightcovegallery.com/corporate/detail/videos/corporate/video/5805270421001/cost-vs.-value-%E2%80%93-how-to-monetize-digitally-printed-packaging---webinar?autoStart=true

In the companion RODPI (Return on Packaging Decoration Investments) Excel sheet, HP gives companies the methods to calculate their return on investment in moving to on-demand.  Email HP here, ropdi@hp.com, to get this ROI calculator. 

After reviewing this white paper and calculator, I believe current customers of on-demand color tools can find ideas on how to increase their return on this investment.  Further, this white paper gives non-users ideas on how on-demand color labels and packaging will make money for their companies.

With the changes in technologies, on-demand color labels and packages make financial sense for many if not most every company.  Contact us to discuss how on-demand solutions we sell will help your company increase returns and support your areas for growth.

Guy Mikel

855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com 

July 1st: Are You Ready?

It’s July 1^st: Are You Ready?

On July 1, 2018, California’s new regulations governing the packaging and licensing of cannabis begins.

CBPH Issued Universal Cannabis Symbol

Although we’re not regulatory experts, we can help with compliance to the packaging and labeling requirements coming to California.  And recently, we’ve had a lot of questions from our customers on these issues.  Let me tell you more about the requirements as we understand them; and how we can help.

First; Child Resistant Packaging is required for all cannabis packaging.  If you need a child resistant package, we offer the MPACK; the first new pharmacy vial since the 50’s. 

18 and 30 Dram MPACK's

 Plus, we have them available in two sizes; 18 dram (3.125” tall x.92” wide) and 30 dram (4” tall x .92” wide).

And most importantly, these packages are certified child resistant:

MPACK Child Resistant Certification

Second to Child Resistant, packaging must be tamper evident.  With the MPACK, we recommend labeling over the top/bottom sections where the packaging separates.

Labeled MPACKS

With the addition of a perforation, separation of the label between the top and bottom is easy to do. 

Tamper Evident Paper Label

For other types of packages, we have paper labels with a durable adhesive that acts as a tamper evident seal.  Once the adhesive is set, the paper can’t be removed (on most surfaces) without shredding.  If interested, we can send you matte paper labels to test on your packaging.

MPACK's In Color

Third, packages for edibles must be opaque. As seen in the above picture, we have the MPACKS in a variety of colors, with the option of a monochrome image on the package itself. 

Fourth, packages must be resealable; the child resistant “Snaps” on the sides make the MPACK resealable. 

Resealable MPACK

Even with the side snaps, the MPACKS are so easy to open they qualify as Senior Friendly!

MPACK Senior Certification

In addition to the packaging requirements, California has new labeling requirements; both on the “Primary Panel” label and the “Informational Panel” label. On the Primary panel, the label must:

• Identify the product
• Provide the THC/CBD content
• Contain the CBPH Issued Universal Cannabis Symbol
• Include net weight or volume.

On the Information panel, the label must contain:

• Manufacturer's name/contact information (website/phone number)
• Manufacture date
• Government warning statement
• Ingredient list
• Instructions for use
• Expiration date
• Unique ID/Batch number

(FYI: I found this page helpful.  https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DFDCS/MCSB/Pages/PackagingandLabelingFAQs.aspx )

As for the warning statement, I found this paragraph:

“GOVERNMENT WARNING: THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS CANNABIS, A SCHEDULE I CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN AND ANIMALS. CANNABIS PRODUCTS MAY ONLY BE POSSESSED OR CONSUMED BY PERSONS 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER UNLESS THE PERSON IS A QUALIFIED PATIENT. THE INTOXICATING EFFECTS OF CANNABIS PRODUCTS MAY BE DELAYED UP TO TWO HOURS. CANNABIS USE WHILE PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING MAY BE HARMFUL. CONSUMPTION OF CANNABIS PRODUCTS IMPAIRS YOUR ABILITY TO DRIVE AND OPERATE MACHINERY. PLEASE USE EXTREME CAUTION.”

For edible products, the label must contain any allergen information, list of artificial food colors, and nutritional information.

If you decide that your labels need to meet Prop 65 requirements, please see this earlier post:  http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2017/09/new-ca-prop-65-requirements.html

To print the Unique ID, Batch Number, Expiration date, THC content, CBD content, and all other variable data, we recommend BarTender; the leading label design and printing software.  With this software, it’s easy to add information to an established label template at print time or integrate with a database as simple as Excel to pull variable data onto a printed label.

If interested in BarTender, here is the link for a free 30-day trial download.

https://www.seagullscientific.com/downloads/label-software/barcode-label-printing-software-download/

 And to start, I suggest you watch these three short videos:

 https://support.seagullscientific.com/hc/en-us/articles/204791538-Getting-started-with-BarTender-Video-7-43- Getting Started

https://support.seagullscientific.com/hc/en-us/articles/214448067-Data-entry-forms-Designing-a-data-entry-form-Video-5-51-  Data Entry Forms

https://support.seagullscientific.com/hc/en-us/articles/204770598-Getting-started-with-database-connections-Video-5-20- Database Connections

Purchase BarTender and software maintenance here:  https://colorlabelsolutions.com/product-category/label-software/

Overall, we have a child-resistant package, tamper evident labels and software to make printing variable data easy to do.  Plus, we’ll help you design and print the labels you want to use on-demand and in color.  Contact us if we can help you with your new California labels.

Guy Mikel

855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com 

Inkjet Coated Kraft

All the time, we get requests for Kraft paper labels. 

However, I’ve found these Kraft labels to print poorly with inkjet printers.  The primary reason for poor print quality is that the ink will migrate/spread on plain paper.  This migration or spread makes the print quality look “fuzzy” and frankly, not good.  Wish I had a closeup picture; so hopefully you can imagine what I mean.

Almost all of the labels we sell have an inkjet coating.  This coating adheres the ink to the surface of the label, preventing the ink from migrating/spreading; and making the ink bind to the paper stronger.  For example, inkjet coating enables us to sell durable, poly labels that meet the BS5609 requirements.  To meet the requirements for the marine shipment of chemicals, printed labels must survive in the ocean and resist server abrasion testing.  Learn more about BS5609 from these older posts here: 

http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2012/03/bs5609-is-no-bs.html and 

http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2013/03/kimdura-better-results.html

Now we have just launched a new inkjet coated Kraft paper label that prints great!

Inkjet Coated Kraft Paper Labels

When we received the new inkjet coated Kraft paper, we printed the material using a relatively low-resolution artwork. 

C3500 Printed Inkjet Coated Kraft Labels

And compared it to our standard matte paper:

Matte Paper vs Inkjet Coated Kraft Paper Labels

From our print tests, we found the print quality of the new inkjet coated material much better than traditional Kraft paper labels and almost as good as our standard matte paper labels.

Once tested, we sold it almost immediately to a customer, Kristy of Blue Rock Acres. 

http://bluerockacres.com/

When asked why Blue Rock Acres was interested in a Kraft paper label, Kristy said, “The company was looking for a label that would distinguish our A and B Brands. We went with Kraft-backed packaging for the new B brand and thought the look should carry over to the label as well. We wanted a brown bag appearance, a wholesale or low-price vibe, while still being eye catching to the consumer. I think the Kraft labels capture this extremely well and I am very pleased with the new labels.”

Blue Rock Acres Printed Labels

Considering these labels were printed with a relatively low-resolution C3500 printer, I think they look great!  According to Kristy, “The new Kraft labels look great and print great, including small print disclaimers and barcodes! Just the look we wanted.”

If you are looking for vintage or brown paper look for your labels, consider our new inkjet coated Kraft paper.  You’ll find these labels print great; and convey the desired brand image.

Guy Mikel

855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com 

ZPL With The C7500

Recently, I had reason to practice printing ZPL to a C7500.

ZPL Datastream Printed With The C7500

Let me tell you more about to use this capability in the Epson C7500 printer.

Before I begin, you may be asking what is ZPL?  Zebra Programming Language (ZPL) is the command language used by all ZPL compatible printers. It is a command-based language used by the printer as instructions for creating the images printed on the labels.  Although I can’t find the history of ZPL, Zebra Technologies changed it’s name in 1982 to focus on thermal transfer printers; and was probably using a version of this language at that time: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zebra_Technologies.   Sato claims to have invented thermal transfer technology with the launch in 1981:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal-transfer_printing.  Before Windows, desktop printers used a print language.  And many of Zebra’s competitors offer ZPL emulations or interpreters.

From my perspective, ZPL offers a few key benefits; primarily speed and legacy installed base.  With ZPL, the application sends only the variable data to the printer; making time to first print very fast.  By using a preprinted label or uploading a template, you can embed non-variable objects onto the label.  In addition, developers have created applications for decades that use ZPL to print; and Zebra has sold millions of printers to customers who use these applications.

To print a Zebra ZPL print stream using the C7500, you have two options:

• Use a Generic Text Driver
• Use LPR from a command line

To use a Generic Text Driver, you need to add it to your system.  I found the instructions here on how to add this driver: https://dfarq.homeip.net/how-to-add-a-generic-printer-in-windows-10/

Once added, you need to select it to replace the standard C7500 driver on the Advance Tab.

Generic Text Replacing C7500 Driver

Once the driver is installed, you need to change the resolution of the printer.  For the ZPL print stream I had, I needed to change the Resolution in “Printer Setup 1” to 200 dpi.  To make this change, go to Menu on the front panel, page down to select “Printer Setup 1”, page down to select “Resolution”, and then use the arrow keys to select 200 DPI.  Be sure to remember to change this setting back to 600 dpi when finished as well as select C7500 on the Advanced tab in the Driver setting.

To print the ZPL stream, I then opened the ZPL code in Notepad:

ZPL Printstream in Notepad

And printed to the C7500 using the Generic Text Driver.  Worked perfectly.

ZPL Printed Using The C7500

To print using LPR, I found this page seemingly straight forward on how to use this capability:  https://www.cups.org/doc/options.html.  (Full Disclosure:  I never actually used this method to print).  Experts with Linux should find these instructions easy to follow.

Actually, printing the ZPL is the easy part.  I found the uploading and creating the correct image template much more difficult; but figured it out.

On page 98 of the C7500 Operators Manual, you’ll find the instructions on how to select a background image to print.  Get the manual here:   https://files.support.epson.com/docid/other/m00079108.pdf

C7500 Background Image Settings

One key aspect I missed was the last sentence in the initial paragraph: “This setting screen is not displayed if you started the Printer Setting Utility from the printer driver”.  It took a call to Epson Advance Tech Support (562-276-1340) to figure out why I could not see the “Background Image Setting” option.  Once I understood, I downloaded and installed the printer setting utility as a separate application.  You can download this utility here:  https://download.epson-biz.com/modules/colorworks/index.php?page=single_soft&cid=346&pcat=35&pid=5.

Once installed as a separate application, I could select the “Use Shared Background Image”.

To create your background image, follow the instructions on page 99 of the C7500 Operators Manual:

How To Create Preset Image To Upload To A C7500

Key aspects are 1, must be a PNG format.  And 2, you need to create the image using the correct X/Y settings based on the label media size you are printing.  Once you have the correct image created, you can upload it following the instructions on page 98.

Upload Background Image To C7500

Once uploaded, the image prints in color whereas the ZPL code is printed black:

Color Image on ZPL Printed With The C7500

(FYI: I did not take the time to fix the image as the correct size or location.   But it printed!)

Over the years, I had several individuals talk about the ZPL feature of the C7500.  But I never had a company put this feature into operation until now.  With legacy applications, the ability to print native ZPL is an interesting feature of the C7500; especially with the ability to upload images completely eliminating the need to purchase preprinted labels.

If you are interested in using ZPL, contact us.  We’ll help you get started printing quickly.

Guy Mikel

855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com 

Get Your Matrix On

Printing full-bleed correctly can be tricky using die cut labels. 

Full-Bleed Label Printing

The problem is you want the ink to cover the edge of the label but not put too much ink on the exposed liner.  If ink goes onto the liner, you can transfer it to the actual label during application or rewinding.  Or you can’t quite get the label printed without leaving some white on the label.

Full-Bleed Label

 In the past, we’ve tried inkjet coated liners that work perfectly:  http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2017/02/full-bleed-label-media.html

But are expensive to use.

And I’ve written about using a finishing system post printing.  Here is one option I saw at Label Expo:

http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2017/12/affordable-digital-label-solution.html

Using a label finishing system is great if you are willing to invest in the equipment and change your process to print and then finish (laminate, die cut, weed the matrix and rewind) the labels.  Many companies don’t want to take the time or effort to complete this process.  But a finishing system produces prefect laminated, die cut labels each time.

One last option to produce full-bleed labels involves using slightly different die cut labels; leaving the matrix on.

Matrix On Circle Labels

In the above picture, you’ll see die cut circle labels; but you’ll also see the matrix left on around the die cut forming a rectangle and gap between labels.  With the matrix left on, you can print beyond the die cut label without having to working about the ink transferring.  Works great to produce full-bleed die cut labels.

However, you can’t use labels with the matrix on for label applicators; they will not peel correctly with the matrix left on.  And I’ve been told that labels with the matrix on are more difficult to peel and apply by hand.

To make matrix on labels easier to apply and work with label applicators, DPR has launched an inline matrix remover integrated with the C7500.  Watch this new device work here: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=47&v=cIt4yoOYNQE 

And learn more about this system here:  
https://www.dpr-llc.com/en/label-unwinder-rewinder-epson-C7500.html

Now in one step, you can print full-bleed labels completely; and then remove the matrix to have finished die cut labels.  If you have full-bleed artwork and use an applicator/find it difficult to peel and apply labels by hand, the DPR C7500 in-line matrix remover may work for you.  Contact us to learn more and discuss how this new device may make your workflow more productive.

Guy Mikel

855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com