Bringing Brands To Life

If your brand is important, I suggest you read how Old Smokey Distillery brought James Ownby Reserve Tennessee Straight Bourbon to life.

James Ownby Reserve Label

AmeriGraph Packaging, a division of our parent company, General Data, worked with Old Smokey Distillery and their design agency, Baker Associates to produce the label for their new brand.  Read this great story here.

James Ownby Reserve

Summarizing this story, I see three key aspects of this story.  First, the design from Baker to communicate the key aspects of the brand.  The story details the aspects the design team wanted from the label.

AmeriGraph's Indigo Press

Second, AmeriGraph’s ability to produce samples using unique materials and the new HP Indigo press. The Indigo is a digital machine, requiring no plates to print prime labels, shrink-sleeve and flexible packaging.  Learn about GDC’s purchase of the Indigo press here.

Watch GDC’s Indigo Press run here: 

Flexographic Press

Third, was the use of standard flexographic press to enable embossing to make the labels unique; and make the brand stand out.  Flexographic printing technology uses plates to imprint images across a wide range of surfaces/materials.  Overall, the team of Ole Smokey, Barker Associates and AmeriGraph worked together to produced an outstanding label that represented the brand perfectly.

In discussion with Paul Thompson, Vice President and General Manager of AmeriGraph, I asked, how long did this process last?  According to Paul, “From concept to final finished product, we took approximately 90 days. We completed several tests on the HP digital to prove out the print technologies we were suggesting to achieve the desired results.”  Man, this effort sounds like lots of work.

Also, I asked Paul about using the new Indigo press; specifically why? Paul said, “Actually, we ran the tests and proof of concepts on the digital press and we ran the actual production run on the flexographic press. The customer wanted to add embossing in addition to cold foil and textured varnish. In addition, the production quantity was best suited to flexo technology. Actually, a cool story to marry both print technologies to create the final product.”

You may remember that I’ve featured both AmeriGraph and Paul Thompson in earlier posts about shrink sleeve labels.

I do hope you read the story about the creation of the James Ownsby Reservelabels. Our colleagues at AmeriGraph did a great job.

If you need to create a new product with labels that truly reflect the brand, contact us and AmeriGraph.  We’ll produce the truly unique labels needed for your products.

Guy Mikel

855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com 

 

 

Noticing/Remembering Labels

Do you care if people notice/remember your labels?

Seems to me that anyone using color in Brand Labels would answer this question with an emphatic YES.

But many labels (if not most in the global market) used currently are monochrome; so do these companies care if anyone remembers, recalls or even notices their labels?

Monochrome Shipping Label

Frankly, it seems like companies who use these types of labels don’t care if someone remembers, recalls or even notices these labels.  If they did, these companies would change the artwork to get better memory and recall.

In the monochrome, ~$4 billion worldwide barcode printer market, Zebra is the largest selling thermal manufacturer.  If you use a Zebra or any other thermal printer, do you care if anyone remembers, recalls, or notices your labels/

Companies who use these types of printers probably do print labels that matter; and improved recall or attention would support their business.

Influence Of Color On Memory Performance

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3743993/

In the article, Influence of Color on Memory Performance, Color is believed to be the most important visual experience.  Further, Color helps us in memorizing certain information by increasing our attentional level as well as colors have the potential to attract attention. Therefore, it can be concluded that colors have the tendency to capture better attention level, and thus, better memory.  The bottom line:  Information that we pay more attention to is more likely to be remembered than the information that we ignore and do not pay attention to.

 

Monochrome Barcode Labels

Recently, I wrote about replacing Zebra printer with a C6000A printer.

And about the potential for color-coded labels.

But many markets use thermal labels exclusively; and therefore, must not see the benefits of improved memory, recall and attention.  For example, Zebra list these markets as their primary targets:

Receiving Label

Warehousing: Receiving, Put A-Way/Replenishment, Inventory Management, Packing/Staging, Cross Docking, Shipping, Reverse Logistics.

 

Food Traceability Label

Manufacturing: Traceability, Asset Management, and solutions such as Food Safety and Pharmaceuticals.

Shelf Labels

Retail: Food/Beverage Labeling, Shelf Labeling

Prescription Label

Healthcare: Patient ID Management, Pharmacy.

In all of these areas, color and or images even would improve attention to detail and increase attention. And increased attention would….

• Reduce errors
• Reduce costs
• Increase customer satisfaction

All for little to no incremental cost.  For example, it is estimated that 2% of all shipping costs are from errors. With $1.49 trillion spent on shipping, reducing the billions of dollars of errors would seem easy to do by adding color to labels.  

In warehouses, each picking error costs between $12 and $15 each which adds incremental costs to warehousing errors.  

Further, medication errors cost more than $40 Billion in the United States alone.  Color would reduce these costs. 

Colorized ZPL

Replacing your existing Zebra printers with a color label option along with changes to your label templates or software code (to add color, highlights, images, or other mnemonic devices) will achieve these benefits in valuable and large markets/applications.  And colorizingZebra Print Language (ZPL) is easy to do. 

If your company is using monochrome labels from a Zebra or other thermal transfer or direct thermal printer, I ask you to consider the potential benefits of adding color.  I’m convinced this decision will make you money and increase your customer’s satisfaction with your company and products.

Contact us if we can help you add color to your labels.

Guy Mikel

855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com 

Waiting For A Zebra Printer?

Recently, we sold a Zebra ZT610 thermal transfer printer to a long-time customer to use with a specific application in one of their facilities. 

Zebra ZT610

 

Although a bit unusual for us to sell a monochrome, thermal transfer printer, that was not my surprise.  It did surprise me, however, that it took..

 6 WEEKS TO SHIP

If you are having issues getting a Zebra or any other thermal transfer or direct thermal printer, then maybe now is the time to consider a C6000A color label printer.  On most orders, we ship the C6000A printers either same or next day.

C6000

So why should you consider switching from thermal transfer/direct thermal printers to a C6000A during this supply chain crisis?

First the prices of the printer are about the same or even less.  At the time, we sold the ZT610 600 DPI printer for ~$3,900.  But we sell the C6000A printer for $2,450:

You maybe able to save money by moving to this Epson printer.

Ink Cost Comparison

Second, ribbons for thermal transfer printer have increased significantly in price and may be difficult to obtain with the current supply chain situation, especially durable resin ribbons.  Many people, however, think ribbons for thermal transfer printers cost less than ink.  This perspective is not exactly true.  In this post from as far back as 2013, I compared the cost of thermal transfer versus inkjet printing.

As I state in the post, many people “know” that ribbon prices are less than ink.  However, the cost per label depends on the percent coverage.  With an inkjet printer, ink cost depends on coverage.  With a typical shipping or barcode label, the percent coverage is typically small; and thus ink costs are not that much.  Thermal transfer printer use the same amount of ribbon if you print 1 dot or 100% coverage.  Further, durable resin ribbons, required for many applications, cost significantly more than plain wax ribbons.  And all ribbons have increased significantly in costs, especially since the Covid 19 pandemic.

Third, the C6000A printer is just easier to use than a Zebra or other thermal transfer printers.  In this video, Andy Scherz, Product Manager for Epson, lays out several reasons why the C6000A is easier and better to use than monochrome, thermal transfer printers.

Some of the benefits of the C6000 versus a Zebra printer are as follows:

• Inserting labels into the printer from only one side versus all angles
• Threading ribbon versus inserting ink cartridges
• Adjusting head pressure, heat, speed, ribbon and media in a thermal transfer printer versus the nozzle verification technology for every pixel of the C6000.
• Risking poor barcodes from ribbon wrinkle and other artifacts of thermal transfer printers versus the higher resolution C6000.
• Using labels which offer little chemical resistance versus the durable ink from the C6000.

The C6000 is just easier to use than thermal transfer printers.

ZPL Code

Fourth, the Epson printer offers a “drop-in” ZPL emulation making it easy to replace a Zebra printer.  In this post, I show how the C6000 series printers use ZPL:

Color Codes

Fifth, color on labels offer great readability and comprehension than monochrome print.  In this post, I offer examples on how color codes help many types of customer applications.

Manufacturing, Food, Cannabis, Tradeshows and other markets benefit from moving from monochrome to colorized labels.  Color, Highlights, Large Fonts and Images improve even pharmacy labels. 

Although the C6000 and color label printers in general offer many benefits, one of the most important benefits today may be the fact that we can ship.  If you are waiting to receive a Zebra printer, consider canceling the order and contact us to move to print on-demand color with a C6000.

Guy Mikel

855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com 

Ink Food Certifications

Safety is a key ingredient for food companies; including packaging and labeling.  Epson inks for their line of ColorWorks label printers comply with international Food Contact Material (FCM) regulations.

In 2019, Epson announces that the ink from the ColorWorks line of label printers met the EU Regulation framework (EC) No. 1935/2004, Good Manufacturing Practices Regulation (GMP) (EC) No. 2023/2006, Plastics Implementation Measure Regulation (EU) 10/2011 and the Swiss Ordinance (RS 817.023.21) on Food Contact Materials for food packaging printing inks; and other certifications as well. Learn more here. 

And recently, Epson Europe released a PDF describing these certifications.  Get this great summary here: 

Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 provides a harmonized legal EU framework. It sets out the general principles of safety and inertness for all Food Contact Materials (FCMs).  This regulation insures FCM’s don’t release compounds into the food or change food composition, taste or odor. To learn more.

Good Manufacturing Practices Regulation (GMP) (EC) No. 2023/2006 lays down the rules on good manufacturing practice (GMP) for the groups of materials and articles intended to come into contact with food.  GMP details here. 

Swiss Ordinance (RS 817.023.21) is a list of substances that are allowed for the manufacture of packaging ink and related requirements for food contact materials and articles. Swiss Ordinance details here. 

Jacob Kallergis, Epson

For this post, I asked Jacob Kallergis, European Product Manager for the ColorWorks line of printers, on why Epson pursued these certifications.  According to Jacob, “Responsible food producers, who need to certify their packaging meets the FCM regulations in Europe, will look for appropriate materials. Ink is just one component of the packaging; you have other components also including the label, the barrier, etc. As Epson sells label printers to these companies, we need to ensure our inks comply with the FCM regulations.”

In the PDF and the Press Release, I noticed the certifications were for indirect food contact.  This definition means that printing must be completed on a non-contact surface such as a label on outside of the package.  When asked, why not direct food contact, Jacob said, “Generally, the inks market for labelling are for indirect use.”  And Jacob is correct.  After my years in this business, I don’t know of any label printing company selling printers that use edible inks.
 
Epson Europe considers food manufacturers a great target for their line of ColorWorks label printers.  Jacob says, “Food manufacturers need our on-demand color label printers.  These companies are moving toward smaller and larger variety of SKU/batches as well as customized food products/labels. Plus, Europe’s smaller countries and languages mean potentially many different labels.  ColorWorks label printers are perfect for these types of companies.”  Check out Epson Europe’s web page designed specifically for food manufacturers. 

Be sure to read Epson Europe’s case studies (unless you’re hungry):

ESPA:

HF Chocolate: Confectionary wholesale

Raureni food producer: 

Affaires Pâtissières:

Orlamunde:

Greens Engros:

Continuing, Jacob says, “Confectionary producers seem to be the most interested with on-demand color labeling as well as prepared foods.  Health conscience consumers, especially since the pandemic, are seeking specialized products, looking for high quality food.  Our label printers enable these companies to print the labels they need when they need them.”

Over the years, I’ve written about food companies many times.  For example, Foodie Fit:

and several customers involved in an Epson PR tour: 

and even cannabis edibles, Love’s Oven:

Epson ColorWorks

Bottom line: Food manufacturers can feel safe printing labels using Epson’s inks in the ColorWorks label printers. If you are a food manufacturer producing labels for a variety of products/SKU’s, contact us as we can help with your food label printing.

Guy Mikel

855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com 

On-Demand Pouches-WestPack

At the recent WestPack 2021 tradeshow, we ran the FP-230 Flexible Packaging printer and laminator.

FP-230 Color Flexible Package Printer

FP-230

Watch the FP-230 run here:

We then took the printed/laminated material to the Phoenix Engineering booth to fill/seal the material.

And you may have seen my earlier post on using this combination of devices to print, fill, and seal flexible packaging.

FP-230 Printed/Filled Pouches

During the show, I asked Mike Atkins, National Sales Manager for Afinia, why use these machines to produce flexible packaging?  According to Mike, “Outsourcing is a good option if you require large quantities of pouches; and the printing is static (i.e. never changes). But if you require variable data printing for different SKUs, and/or your individual SKU requirements are relatively small, you may be forced to purchase more pouches than needed. The FP-230 allows you to print on demand and change the content on the fly.  You don’t have preprinted minimums and you print just the amount you need for a particular run. And if you are white labeling, or private labeling, this opens up more opportunities to deliver quickly, have lower minimums, and create more revenue per product by offering packaging as a service.”

Artysio Flexible Pouches

In the FP-230, we used Sihl’s Artysio Flexible Packaging material.

Grace Engebretsen, Manager, Sales & Business Development Packaging North America for Sihl believes the Artysio material fits many different types of customers.  The technology allows total flexibility and is very sustainable, printing only what is needed and locally on site.  Grace says, “Generally speaking, small to medium sized brand owners with a large number of SKU’s (i.e. more product complexity) as well as copackers are both ideal customers.  Copackers who do business with multiple customers, offering varying products/sizes for markets such as food, nutraceutical, and personal care.  We’re looking for customers that want to control their own packaging operation due to product complexity and/or small quantity runs.”

Artysio Product Profile

At the show, I told Mike that it seems to be fairly easy to run the FP-230.  Mike said, “The printer is fairly simple to operate. Designs can be printed from a simple PDF viewer, or you can print directly from any number of design applications. Printing flexible packaging is as straightforward as any other type of desktop publishing. The FP-230 connects directly to a PC, or to your network, and installs in your list of printers using a standard Windows driver.”

 

From my perspective, the most difficult aspect of this printing is making sure the art is designed for the correct size of packaging. But please remember; I have no experience running packaging equipment.  Phoenix Engineering’s packaging equipment seems straight forward.

 

Globally, packaging is a $120 to $160 Billion business; of which flexible packaging is a large part.  In the US, flexible packaging is a $31 billion business. Over the next few years, some of this market will move to on-demand color packaging. The trend toward shorter runs and more just-in-time or on-demand production will drive this move.

 

Contact us if you want to move to on-demand flexible packaging.  We can support this switch.

 

Guy Mikel

855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com

Support Tradeshow (Badges)

Last week, I attended and we exhibited at our first tradeshow in 1 and ½ years; WestPack.

CLS booth at the end of the show

WestPack

And I learned that WestPack was the first tradeshow at the Anaheim Convention Center since the Covid-19 shutdown in March of 2020.  Having exhibited at this show for years, it was great to get back to some sort of normal.  And I attended all 3 days of the show seemingly without catching Covid-19.

At the event, we showed the PAC 5 Print/Apply Device.  And the FP230 Print On-Demand Flexible Packaging Machine. 

As some of you know, we’ve had tradeshow providers as customers for years.  In 2017, I wrote about tradeshows first here.

And then again about the Consumer Electronic Show here.

After this shutdown, I find it amazing that these companies are still in business at all.  After zero revenue for 1.5 years, I’m surprised and happy these companies are still in business.  Given the shutdown’s impact on these companies, I urge you to support this market by attending any and all tradeshows you can.  For example, we’re exhibiting at White Label Expo in Las Vegas September 1^st and 2^nd, 2021.

And we’re exhibiting at MJBIZCON October 20-22 in Las Vegas for those customers in the cannabis market.

Google Pay Tradeshow Certificate

Prior to the event, I learned something that was very troublesome; the organizers decided to make the event “contactless” which meant NO BADGES.  This decision bother me on three levels. First as an exhibitor, we spent a lot of money to meet people and gather prospects for our products and services.  With no name badges, I was concerned this decision would inhibit people from sharing their name and contact information; thus reducing the return from exhibiting at the show.

Second, as a badge/printer provider, I hated to see this business/market disappear.  I believe badges add value to exhibitors as well as attendees.  Plus badges offer means to add even more value through color-coding, imaging and messaging.

Third, as a person who believes in science, I understood that Covid is spread primarily by airborne particles and spray droplets that are inhaled or swallowed; and not by surface contact.  In fact, I don't understand how badges would increase contact at all.

When I learned of this decision, I immediately contacted our event sales person to complain.  In addition to the idea of contactless, the show organizer tried to explain the contactless decision as sustainable.  As we sell paper badges made with sustainable forest materials, I found this rationalization absurd. 

Once the event started, I noticed several affects of not only the decision to go contactless, but also of people complaining about no badges.  At the entrance of the tradeshow floor, many people had issues opening up their Apple or Google Pay to get the certificate.

Attendees Attempting to Open Entrance Certificate

In my case, the certificate did not show up at all in Google Pay.  I had to download the certificate a second time; and take a picture of my phone screen.  And during the show, I met several people who just printed the certificate.

Exhibitor Wristband

Given the difficulty to open the certificate, the show organizers offered wristbands to prevent the requirement to open your phone each time you entered the show floor.  However, the wristband supply was gone immediately.

Name Badge Station

In addition, it seems my and other exhibitor complaints about no badges was “heard” by the show organizers.  They implemented a Name Tag Kiosk inside of the show floor to print badges; but without any way to scan.

Name Badge W/O Lead Info

In addition, they decided to print badges for attendees as well; still without any QR codes.

On-Demand Color Badge Printers

By the second day, new attendee badges had a QR code on them.  I appreciated the fact that the show organizers responded to the concerns of the exhibitors and probably even to the attendees.

After completing this first tradeshow since the start of the pandemic, I’d appreciate your support for tradeshows and for the industry as a whole.  The companies who operate in this market have been crushed; but have survived. And I was able to exhibit and attend this show without getting sick. Please support this market by attending tradeshows; but please make sure everyone has a badge!

Guy Mikel

855-962-7670

info@colorlabelsolutions.com