Packaging Value

Innovative Development in Packaging

#1 Trend In Labeling

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In the spring of 2014, I wrote about Loftware’s annual survey of customers and their perception of changes in the future; especially involving print on-demand color labels.  Loftware, Inc. (https://www.loftware.com/)  is the global market leader in Enterprise Labeling Solutions with more than 5,000 customers in over 100 countries.

Loftware Color Labeling


In their 2013 report, they predicted a significant growth in print on-demand color labeling.  Read about it here:  http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2014/04/enterprise-wide-color.html

In their latest 2016 survey, Loftware predicts a very large increase in color label printing.  Here you can watch their webinar specifically on this technology:  http://resources.loftware.com/Reduce-cost-overhead-color-label-printing-Thank-You.html

Or download the survey here:

http://resources.loftware.com/Top-5-Trends-Enterprise-Labeling-2016.html

Watching this webinar, you will find all the reasons to begin using the solutions we sell; and validates the Color Label Solutions business model.  The number 1 trend was the move to printing color labels on-demand.
Two key findings from this survey are as follows:
  • 90% of their customers believe color label printing will become more important
  • 60% of their customers plan to purchase color label printers.

WOW!  That’s a new buyers for the solutions we sell!
According to Loftware and their survey, the reasons driving this tremendous increase in color label printing are as follows:
  • Complying With Government Mandates.  If you following this blog, you’ve read about GHS (Global Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of chemicals) and the importance of color label printing.  In fact, we have currently 60 posts on our blog featuring GHS.   California Prop 65 warning is another example of a regulatory mandate that may require manufacturers to print color labels on demand:



  • Improving Brand Management.  Companies are placing more value on their brand; and want to convey their unique brands throughout the supply chain consistently. Also, color enables companies to distinguish between product lines/models/sizes quickly and easily across multiple languages.
  • Eliminating Preprinted Labels.  70% of Loftware’s customer use preprinted labels.  But preprinted labels come at a cost; Obsolescence, Storage, Lack of Design Flexibility, Process costs, etc.  Print on-demand color enable companies to print at the last possible moment, to enable design flexibility and reduce/eliminate label waste and storage.
Listening to Loftware’s webinar it’s clear; companies are learning the branding importance, cost savings and process improvements in moving to on-demand color.  That’s why Loftware created the native drivers for color label printers now available in their software.  Loftware offers drivers for Epson, QLS, CAB and even PCL based laser printers.  According to Loftware, native drivers simplifies deployments, enables large scale deployments, reduces network traffic (large data print streams) and optimizes printer performance.  Loftware seems to be on-board the color train!

Also, during the webinar, Loftware referenced a blog post written by Richa Groupa of VDC. VDC (http://www.vdcresearch.com/)  delivers in-depth market insights to technology vendors, end users and investors across the globe; featuring reports in the AIDC market including label printing.  


VDC Color Label Printing

In her post,


https://blog.loftware.com/migrating-the-aidc-market-from-monochrome-to-multi-color

Richa states their research showed 40% of their end user respondents use print on-demand color labels in their operation.  Although the perception that color costs more, preprinted labels create a lot of waste accounting for 9.3% of all label purchased. This waste along with all of the Branding, ID and Compliance benefits mentioned earlier will drive more companies to print on-demand color labeling.

http://www.vdcresearch.com/_Documents/briefs/autoid/16-Color-Label-Printers.pdf

My thanks to Maureen Perronil and Jessica Hutter of Loftware for their outstanding webinar.
If you are considering deploying Loftware and/or color label printers, contact us to help you decide how to proceed.  By focusing exclusively on this market, Color Label Solutions is your premier provider of systems to help you print color labels on-demand.
Guy Mikel
855-962-7670
info@colorlabelsolutions.com 

Edibles Packaging & Labels

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DISTRICT EDIBLES (http://www.districtediblescolorado.com/) is a quality, artisan crafted edible line now available in Colorado and other states. All edibles are created in small batches, with Ultra-premium CO2 extracted cannabis oil. Consumers will feel the difference in the quality and consistency of our products so you can really redefine your high!

District Edibles Packaging & Labels
District Edibles Packaging & Labels


Recently, I asked District Edibles to talk to the PR agency for Epson and the Printing News about labeling in the cannabis market.  Based on this request, the Packaging News published this article that featured our customer and myself.

http://www.printingnews.com/article/12365495/labeling-the-high-life

In the article, Lauren Gilligan from District Edibles said the following:
District Edibles is another brand that is seeking to set itself apart, using packaging to help it stand out from the crowd. “When it comes to label design and packaging, we look for something unique and appealing,” said Lauren Gilligan, vice president of sales & marketing. “In order to stand out in a cut-throat market like Colorado, we look for the initial look of the product. Is it eye-catching? With so many brands on the market, it is really important to have curb appeal in order to captivate the consumer. The next feature we look for is texture. Is there a particular feel to the label? It stimulates another sense for the consumer, and makes your product a lot more memorable. Since we work in cannabis, safety also plays a big role in our package design. Packaging needs to be functional to make sure it doesn’t get into the wrong hands of children or pets.”
And I got my comments in the article as well:
“Three key requirements are driving cannabis manufacturers and processors to the use of on-demand color labels,” agreed Guy Mikel, president of Color Label Solutions, reseller/partner of the ColorWorks on-demand inkjet label printers. “First, companies in the cannabis business must comply with the state requirements, which keep changing. As most states require a variety of variable data such as serialized package tracking, lot or batch identification, and/or THC or other component testing results, companies need to include this information on their packaging. Printing this information on the label is the most efficient means to meet this requirement. Second, companies are developing new products. As new SKU’s are tested and developed, label content evolves. An on-demand color label makes changes easy to do. Third, branding is a key component of the marketing of cannabis products, especially as the market moves into the recreational segment. Manufacturers want and need to convey their product attributes and product positioning in a retail setting. Great looking color labels on-demand help marketers project a premium product image; which is what District Edibles has achieved with their products.”
Overall, I like to thank District Edibles for participating in this article featuring the customers of the Epson label printers. Also, I’d like to comment on three aspects of the packaging District Edibles is using.
First, District Edibles prints their labels full-bleed.  It’s not easy to print 100% of your labels full-bleed.  The media guides in the C7500 make it relatively easy to print the edges of your die-cut labels with ink.  This post documents my feelings on the media guides in the C7500:

http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2017/09/lx2000-vs-c7500.html

District Edibles Packaging & Labels
District Edibles Packaging & Labels
Second, District Edibles prints their labels in black.  Black is the most difficult color as you can see any “imperfections” in the print.  This previous post explains the difficulty in printing all black:

http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2016/11/ink-pigments.html

Third, District Edibles is using a package we sell; the MPack.  This child-proof, tamper-evident, and water/air tight container is great to meet the regulatory and product requirements for edible cannabis products.  Plus we’re producing the MPack in black for District Edibles, giving them a unique look.  In this previous post from our participation in the Seed to Sale tradeshow, I discuss the MPack:

http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2017/02/cannabis-label-solutions.html

It’s great to have customers like District Edibles; as they grow in this brand-new market.  If we can help with the labeling of your edible or other products, be sure to contact us.  We’d love to have more great customers like District Edibles.
Guy Mikel
866-962-7670
info@colorlabelsolutions.com 

Label Expo Europe 2017

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This week, I attended Label Expo Europe in Brussels for the first time.  Although I had attended Label Expo in the US several times before, I found this session much more valuable.  Let me share with some of the new, exciting technologies I saw in the print on-demand color world.

Guy Mikel at Label Expo Europe 2017
Guy Mikel at Label Expo Europe 2017
The most exciting new technology I saw at Label Expo did not involve labels; rather corrugated.  Beautiful, On-Demand, Color Corrugated.

Inkjet Coated Corrugated Printed with the NS Midi
Inkjet Coated Corrugated Printed with the NS Multi
New Solution (www.newsolution.eu) was showing inkjet coated corrugated printed with the NS Multi Corrugated printer.
http://newsolution.eu/ns-multi

At approximately $100,000, this printer is not inexpensive.  The NS Multi uses 5 Memjet print heads to print up to 42” wide corrugated; very quickly.  Watch this corrugated printer in action:


Here is a picture for the loading table:

NS Multi
NS Multi
Using the inkjet coated corrugated created by New Solution, you can now produce cartons for all of your products on demand.  To make this system work, you flood-coat print the boxes with the inkjet coating, then form the box, and then print.  Box manufacturers should be able to produce the inkjet coated material as it’s no different than flood coat printing.  Once the box is coated, the NS Multi produces great looking boxes.  I was very impressed.

NS Multi Printed Box
NS Multi Printed Box
For those regular readers to this blog, you may remember our work in print on-demand corrugated:

http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2016/09/label-expo-2016.html

This new technology opens packaging to the same drivers as on-demand color label printing.  With all the SKU’s, now you can produce the boxes you need, when you need them.  On-demand cartons offers significant cost savings in both reducing obsolete inventory and improving processes.
In addition to the new corrugated technology, Okidata launched the new Pro1050 color LED label printer.

Okidata Pro1050
Okidata Pro1050
The Pro511 uses new technology to print compared to most LED and laser printers.  This technology offers better color registration and narrower/shorter labels as well as no waste of label traveling through the printer at the end of a print job. 
  • .83” to 4.95” Print Width
  • .5” to 52” Print Length
  • 6” per second
  • 1200 x 1200 DPI
  • 60 KG (no on-demand demonstrations at this weight)

Plus this technology produces great looking blacks and even white colors on a wide variety of substrates. Notice how black is the print. 

Pro1050 On Clear Film
Pro1050  Black On Clear Film
Pro1050 White on Clear Film
Pro1050 White on Clear Film
Pro1050 on Silver Metallic
Pro1050 on Silver Metallic
Pro1050 on Antique Beer Label
Pro1050 on Antique Beer Label
Now, very clear film, metallic, bright gloss synthetic, inexpensive films and other materials will be available for on-demand color printing.  And the printer toner costs will be priced competitively to inkjet ink according to Okidata.
However, Okidata will not make this printer available in North America initially.  I will keep you informed as I learn more of their plans.
Although we’ll not be able to sell the new Pro1050, we’ll start selling the new L501 as soon as it’s available approximately February 2018.

L501 Color Label Printer
L501 Color Label Printer
With an estimated list price of approximately $3300 (official price has not been set as yet), this 8.5” wide color label printer produces great looking labels; in both dye and pigment-based inks.  The L501 offers great flexibility in printing by changing the consumable printhead.  Need bright colors; use dye-based inks.  Need durable prints; use pigment-based inks.
Watch the L501 print wide labels here:


L501
Normal mode on the left; and draft mode on the right

The L501 is very comparable to the LX2000; but from my perspective better design in both the hardware and software.  The L501 uses a newer generation of HP print engine compared to the LX2000.  I’m very hopeful for the L501 for those companies who must print wider than 4.25” labels.  Compared to the LX2000 from Primera, the L501 should offer a better design, faster printing and maybe lower ink costs according to Afinia.
As the L501 gets closer to market, we’ll keep you informed on the availability of this new 8.5” wide label printer.
For professional printers and in-plant print shops, we saw the perfect companion device to the C7500GE at Label Expo; the Eclipse Mini Finishing Station from Impression Technology Europe:

http://www.eclipselabelequipment.com/label-finishing-equipment/the-eclipse-mini/

Mini Finishing Station
Mini Finishing Station
At approximately $10,000, the Mini Finishing Station can laminate and die cut label up to approximately 4” wide at a price point much less expensive than other finishing stations available on the market.  Most of the other finishing stations start at approximately $25,000.  With the Mini, you can now print continuous labels, laminate and then die cut to the specific size you need.  No more ordering a wide variety of die-cut label sizes and then printing.  You can keep only one size in inventory.
Watch it run here:
https://youtu.be/5PUmzmvbMys

 The Mini uses knifes (plotter type) to cut labels and not dies.  But given the mini is only 4” wide, the speed is not too bad.  Not fast; but not excessively slow.
With the Mini, you can now purchase inexpensive media; and then laminate to add durability or glossy finish.  And the Mini should enable you to lower your label costs.  Combined with the C7500GE which offers the Wasatch RIP for better color control, the Mini makes entry into the digital printing market easy for most any professional printer.  At a fraction of the cost of a digital press.
Another new hardware technology available at Label Expo came from Memjet; and both New Solutions and Trojan Label showed new versions of the above the web (media path) printhead technology.  The Atom from New Solutions:

Adam Color Label Printer From New Solutions
Adam Color Label Printer From New Solutions
And the T2C from Trojan Label (now a part of QLS).
 

T2C from Trojan Label
T2C from Trojan Label

Both of these units are high speed label presses; but in a smaller footprint.  And as I understand, both use the same above the web (media path) Sirus printheads making maintenance much easier than earlier designs.  I have a lot to learn about how these printers work before I comment more about the technology.
These new industrial designed color label printers will seem to produce thousands of beautiful labels. More interesting to me, is that I learned Memjet has launched a new print technology offering longer printhead life and pigment ink.  Read the press release here:

https://www.memjet.com/press-releases/memjets-next-generation-printhead-technology-brings-inkjets-benefits-high-volume-print-markets/

By next spring, we should see pigment-based printers from Memjet OEM partners; in a variety models.  With this type of great, new technology coming to market, the print on-demand color label business will continue to grow.
At the Neuralabel booth, I learned they were making a big change with their 300x color label printer.

Neuralabel 300x
Neuralabel 300x
According to Ken Lund, President, Neuralabel will begin selling a version of the 300x with a straight paper path.  In the past, the 300x has had troubles with label media jamming as it goes around the 3 turns in the printer.  By adapting the printer to use a straight paper path, the 300x should become a much better option for 8” wide label printing.  Perminate printheads, fast speeds and high resolution are key capabilities of this printer if the new design can prevent jamming in the printer. Read this earlier post on the 300x here:

http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2016/03/300x-color-label-printer-top-10.html

In addition to new hardware, I found many new types of media for print on-demand color labels.
Wine labels that print great even with the low resolution C831 printer:
C831 Wine Labels
C831 Wine Labels
Imagine how nice these labels will print with higher resolution printers.
Or inkjet coated fabric labels for mattresses and carpets:
Inkjet Coated Fabric Labels for Carpets
Inkjet Coated Fabric Labels for Carpets
Inkjet Coated Mattress Labels
Inkjet Coated Mattress Labels
And some great new material from my friend Franz Walter Pohlhaus. Die cut, matte paper visitor badges with adhesive backing that fold at the perf to form a thicker, stiffer badge:

Adhesive Backed Badges
Adhesive Backed Badges
Inkjet coated parking stickers with on-board lamination to protect from UV rays:
Inkjet Coated/Laminated Parking Stickers
Inkjet Coated/Laminated Parking Stickers
Or inkjet coated, heat-sealed paper labels that form a package after printing:
Heat Sealed, On Demand, Inkjet Coated Package
Heat Sealed, On Demand, Inkjet Coated Package
Print On-Demand Direct Thermal POS Paper
Inkjet Coated POS Paper
Inkjet Coated POS Paper
Watch the C7500 print the back of direct thermal POS paper here:

Overall, the trip to Label Expo was very informative; and well worth my time and money.  All this new technology makes me excited by the prospects for print on-demand color labels.  Contact us if we can help you with any of this new technology.
Guy Mikel
855-962-7670
info@colorlabelsolutions.com 

SealerOn™-100 Affordable Entry Level Induction Machine

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The development of SealerOn™-100 is brought about by the need to produce  safe and affordable induction machine for entry level businesses with low volume production requirements and with low budget consideration.  With CE safety certification for LV and EMF which is frequently lacking with almost all other low cost sealing machines, this certification is truly […]

Bottle Bagging and Palletising

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Palletising Our range of Palletizers include: – Manual – Semi-automatic – Automatic from blow moulder exit to strapped and wrapped pallets at the end of the line. With fully automatic palletizing we supply: – Pallet dispensing – Layer board/tray magazines – Pallet conveyoring – Automatic strapping – Automatic wrapping We also offer a small footprint […]

What are Stretch Bands?

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The use of Stretch bands is the new and creative way to securing all kinds of packaged goods. Each PE recyclable film has immense elastic strength that allows excellent pallet stability. They are an effective tool to secure pallet loads, drums and rolls of goods. They can even be used to keep the palletized load […]

Global Sourcing: How It Can Help Your Business and How Benefel Can Facilitate it for You?

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What is Global Sourcing? Global sourcing is a means by which international purchases of materials, processes, supplies, and various technologies are procured by an organization as part of a core procurement strategy. With the demand for goods at an all-time high, the competitiveness among businesses looking to supply that demand is now more than ever. […]

SealerOn3000™ Flat Cap Induction Machine

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The SealerOn™ 3000 is typically rated for Flat Caps of Diameter 20 mm to 120 mm traveling on a conveyor at speeds up to 20 Meters (60 Ft) per minute. The Actual Speed needs to be determined with the Cap, Lining Material and Bottle combination to hand. The Standard frame Allows the Sealing Head to be […]

LX2000 vs C7500

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Recently, I’ve been asked, “What are the differences between the C7500 and the LX2000?”  Frankly, this question is coming from people who do not want to spend the $8500 or more on the C7500; but want good print quality.  The LX2000 is a lot less expensive and can print up to 8″ wide labels.  In this post, I’ll explain my view of the 10 biggest differences between these two color label printers.



Before I start, you may find my initial post on the LX2000 of interest:

http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2015/06/lx2000-full-bleed-color-label-printer.html

On our blog, I found 38 different posts on the C7500.  Here is my first post on this printer:

http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2014/09/first-review-tm-c7500-at-label-expo.html

Now the 10 biggest differences between the LX2000 and the C7500

Print Quality:
With a max print resolution of 4800 DPI (https://www.primeralabel.com/lx2000_specs.html), 

the LX2000 can print great looking labels.  At the highest settings, you can produce great lookihng labels.  But with 1200 x 600 resolution

(https://epson.com/For-Work/Printers/Label/ColorWorks-C7500-Inkjet-Label-Printer/p/C31CD84011),  

so can the C7500.  Top is C7500 and bottom is LX2000; both are at the standard settings.  See how the blue in the top of the picture (C7500) is darker, richer.


C7500 (Top) vs LX200 (Bottom) Print Quality Comparison
C7500 (Top) vs LX200 (Bottom) Print Quality Comparison
Ink Cost:
The ink cost in the LX2000 is much higher; but not as much as I expected for this artwork at normal settings.  Using this label artwork, the LX2000 ink cost is estimated at $0.069/label versus $0.049/label for the C7500.  $0.02/label more. These estimates are at normal settings.  To get a higher print quality, many companies would be forced to run the LX2000 at a higher print quality setting.  Therefore, I believe in reality the ink cost difference would be much higher.
LX2000 Ink Cost/Label
LX2000 Ink Cost/ 4″ x 6″ Label
C7500 Ink Cost/Label
C7500 Ink Cost/4″ x 6″ Label

Yield per cartridge.
LX2000 vs C7500 Ink Cartridge Comparison
LX2000 vs C7500 Ink Cartridge Comparison
The LX2000 ink cartridge is much smaller than the C7500.  Therefore, yields are much lower.  In the above example, you would get 1094 labels/LX2000 Cyan cartridge and 9,085/C7500 cartridge.  Almost 9X more.  Magenta and yellow are about the same difference.  Black is only 2X as the black cartridge is larger in the LX2000.
Printhead:
The LX2000 uses consumable printheads.  You’ll need to spend $250+ for a printhead occasionally when printing large volumes.
Speed:
The LX2000 is very slow compared to the C7500.  Watch how long it takes to print one label.  In the video, the printer just finished cutting one label. Overall it took about 5 minutes to print 10 labels for the ink calculation at the normal setting.  At the high print quality setting, the speed would be much slower.


And here is the C7500 printing 10 copies of the same label artwork:


Relatively, the C7500 prints much faster than the LX2000.
Rewind:
The C7500 offers a built in rewinder; the LX2000 does not.  Watch the C7500 print and rewind 100 4” x 6” labels in 1 minute.


Button Push:
The LX2000 uses a series of button pushes that I still don’t understand.  I believe you can get 20+ different actions based on these three buttons.

LX2000 Buttons to Push
LX2000 Buttons to Push

Design:
The LX2000 is a HP printhead inside of a metal box. I find the design finicky.  In fact, I cut my finger printing the 10 labels required for the ink calculation.

Inside the LX2000
Inside the LX2000

The inside of the C7500 is well designed; especially the media path which prevents side-to-side movement of the label media.

C7500 Media Path
C7500 Media Path
Label Roll: the LX2000 has a max OD of 6”.  The C7500 has a max OD of 8”.   Larger rolls mean fewer changes and lower label costs.
Support:
You’ll get a lot more support from us.  Here is an example of the type of support we provide that I published earlier:

http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2017/07/1-solution.html

FULL DISCLOSURE: I find Primera difficult to work with.  For sure, Primera does not want resellers like us as partners as they prefer to sell direct to consumers.  For our customers, we’ll provide technical support; and we’ll help you negotiate the repair processes of our vendors.  We work hard for our customers.
I hope these 10 aspects explain our view of the differences between the C7500 and the LX2000.  I understand hardware cost is important; but you sometimes get more value by investing a bit more money.
If you have questions comparing label printers, call us. We’ll be happy to gain an understanding of your requirements and recommend the best label printing solution for your organization.
Guy Mikel
855-962-7670
info@colorlabelsolutions.com 

New CA Prop 65 Requirements

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For those of you doing business in California, have you seen this symbol?

New CA Prop 65 Icon
New CA Prop 65 Icon
Beginning August 2018, you will begin seeing this symbol everywhere in California with the implementation of the new Prop 65 warning labels.  Proposition 65 (California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986) was implemented as a so-called right-to-know statute that requires everyone in the chain of commerce to ensure that California consumers receive “clear and reasonable” warnings prior to being exposed to a growing list of chemicals—now numbering more than 900.  In 2018, California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has defined “clear and reasonable” to include the above warning symbol.  You’ll notice the difference.

New Prop 65 Label Requirements
New Prop 65 Label Requirements
To see the latest 900 cancer or reproductive compounds on the list, visit here:
https://oehha.ca.gov/media/downloads/crnr/p65single07072017.pdf 

Having worked in the crop protection industry for many years, I recognize many of the compounds.  However, one of the compounds on the list was surprising to me:
Marijuana smoke: 
https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/fact-sheets/marijuana-smoke

With the changes coming to the cannabis business in January, I wonder how this warning will affect labeling prerolls, etc. in California.
Or aspirin:
https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/chemicals/aspirin

A list of all the published fact sheets on each compound are here:
https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/fact-sheets

Also interesting to me, the new Prop 65 labeling requires specific font size for the warning; no smaller than 6 point font and/or no smaller than the largest font for consumer information on the label.  For more specific answers to questions, see this link:
https://oehha.ca.gov/media/downloads/crnr/art6businessqa.pdf

You may say this new Prop 65 warning does not apply to us as our company does not sell directly to consumers.  In this situation, the manufacturer of a product that contains a compound on the list must notify their customers of the requirement.  Given the notification requirement, I don’t know if they’ll decide to place the warning on their labels as well.  That’s a question for the regulatory experts inside each company.
For our customers already meeting the requirements for GHS labels, printing this new warning symbol on-demand and in color will not be any big deal.  On our blog, www.colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com,  we have 59 different posts covering GHS.  One of my favorite post covering GHS labels involved NIC Industries:
http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2016/06/c7500g-whiz.html

And Engineered Lubricants:
http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2015/01/ghs-needs-erin.html

If you need assistance printing labels for products covered by Prop 65 and/or GHS contact us.  We can help you print color labels on-demand.
Guy Mikel
855-962-7670
info@colorlabelsolutions.com 

Color Rebar Tags

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Rebar (short for reinforcing bar) is a steel bar or mesh of steel wires used as a tension device in reinforced concrete and reinforced masonry structures to strengthen and hold the concrete in tension.



Rebar fabricators supply various grades, sizes and shapes to meet the requirements of construction projects.  Given all the types of rebar, construction sites need a means to quickly identify the correct bundle for each part of a project.  Color is the easiest method to identify rebar.  Let me tell you more about using on-demand color rebar tags.
Brooklyn Rebar (http://www.brooklynrebar.com/)  is a rebar fabrication company committed to serving contractors and warehouses in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey.  They provide fabricated rebar to complex, large and small bridges, concrete high rises, tunnels, treatment plants, power plants, ranging in size, from 1 to 10,000 tons of rebar.  Brooklyn Rebar is located on the Brooklyn/Queens line with easy access to all east side tunnels and bridges into Manhattan.

In January 2016, a Project Manager, of Brooklyn Rebar contacted us to discuss how they could print color tags for their rebar.  During our conversation and subsequent work together, I learned that Brooklyn Rebar uses Soule Software, (http://www.soulesoftware.com/),  which offers a complete suite of software for rebar fabricators and placers.  In their software, Soule built the capability to use color in their customer’s operations.  According to Bob Boeving, Vice President of Sales for Soule Software, “Color has become a very valuable tool for rebar fabricators.  Now fabricators can add color bars to their tags to help the job site stage and locate the correct materials for each specific part of a project.  Fabricators can set up unique colors for each section of a project, which print automatically.  This color capability helps contractors reduce errors and increase productivity on the job site.”

Bob continues, “color on-demand tags helps fabricators as well to stage, load and offload rebar correctly.  With color, fabricators can pull off the truck rebar in the correct sequence.  In addition, our software enables the use of images to show unique dimensions or bends in the rebar.  These images help the fab shop understand what’s required to reduce potential errors.  We can also use color to identify foreign or domestic steel; and to identify different grades of steel.  This color identification helps the fab shop pull the correct steel inventory for their job. Overall, color on-demand tags are a powerful tool to help reduce errors in a rebar operation.”
Based on the capability of the Soule Software, Brooklyn Rebar purchased a C7500 and 4” x 6” matte poly tags. 

Print On-Demand Color Rebar Tag
Print On-Demand Color Rebar Tag
 Initially, we had issues with the tags.  First, we learned the C7500 can’t use standard shaped tags; tags with a notch for thermal transfer printers to detect top of form.  When the printer pulls the tags back into the printer to start printing, the notches catch causing the printer to error out.  Second, we tried new material with a shinier back.  Although the tags would work in a C3500, they would not function in a C7500.  It seems the C7500 has a substantially different blackmark sensor.  The reflection on the back of the tag caused the printer to misread the blackmark.  Third, we tried a thinner, 5 mil poly tag.  Although durable, the 5 mil tag could tear at the notch, potentially losing the tags during shipping or moving in the yard.  Because of these problems, we had supply issues, getting the tags to our customer.  One aspect of the 5 mil tag; they print great!

5 Mil On-Demand Color Tag
(FYI:  We featured this same tag material in our post on mattress tags)  http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2017/06/on-demand-color-mattress-tags-labels.html

Through all these start up issues, Brooklyn Rebar stayed with us.  And we appreciated their support.  Ultimately, we settled on an 8 mil, matte poly tag with the design in the image above.  And these thicker 8 mil tags seem to be working well.
Print On-Demand Color Rebar Tag
During a recent visit, a Project Manager for Brooklyn Rebar, showed me how they use color in their operation.  According to the Project Manager, “we assign colors to specific areas of the project, using the Soule Software.”

Rebar Staging Document
Color Rebar Staging Document
“And in the software, it’s easy to pick the color for each section of the project”, said the Project Manager.

Soule Software Color Selection
Soule Software Color Selection
 “We use both solid colors and different color hash marks for each of the locations on a project.  For most projects, the solid colors are sufficient.  When we need more locations, we use different color hash marks.  We find the color coding helps our customers and us internally to reduce errors and increase our productivity”, said the Project Manager.
After working with Brooklyn Rebar and learning more about Soule Software, I do believe automating color codes on tags will help fabricators significantly.  Plus I like the fact that Soule built in the capability in advance of available technology; specifically the C7500.  Even today, I know of software applications that have been built using printing languages from the 1980’s.
And more importantly, I appreciate companies like Brooklyn Rebar who search and use practical technology that improves their productivity and reduces the potential for errors.
If you need a color-coded label or tag solution for rebar or any other item, be sure to contact us.  We would enjoy working with you to build a color-based solution that fits your business.
Guy Mikel
855-962-7670
info@colorlabelsolutions.com

Summer PR Tour

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Recently, Andy Scherz, Product Manager for Epson America approached us with a request. Andy asked:
“Do you any customers who might like a little PR?  We are focusing on the boutique product labeling market.  Cheese, juice, lotion…  The idea is that we would like to get some quantity of actual product with labels.  We will show these labels and highlight how they were printed by Epson solutions.  If you have any willing customers, please let us know.”

It seems Epson America was planning for the annual Epson Summer Press Tour. 

ColorWorks Label Press Tour
ColorWorks Label Press Tour
The Epson Summer Press Tour is an annual event that Epson PR conducts for press and analysts to showcase new solutions and corporate initiatives.  This event is not open to the public and is by invitation only to industry analysts and members of the press. And this year, over 100 press and analysts attended in New York City. 
Originally, this event was created and remains primarily for media to see Epson’s latest consumer products for Holiday Gift Guide inclusion.  In the last several years, Epson has shifted its company focus toward business solutions and leverages the event to generate larger brand awareness for Epson solutions that may not be as well known.  For this reason, Epson incorporated displays from more industrial business lines at the event such as robotics, point-of-sale printing and commercial label solutions.

How could we say no to Andy?  Based on this request, we suggested to Darek Connole, Public Relations for Epson a handful of customers who produce their product labels using Epson printers.  Based on this list, the Public Relations firm for Epson, Walt & Company, www.walt.com,  purchased on-line a selection of products from these companies. 


ColorWorks Booth-Summer Press Tour
One the products/labels of company featured was Hummingbird Nectar.  Douglas Everett produces beautiful labels for his product; using his great graphic artist skills.

Hummingbird Nectar Products

Many years ago, I wrote about Hummingbird Nectar, http://www.hummingbirdmarket.com/, on one of my first posts:

http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2013/03/customizing-my-nectar.html

Since day one, Hummingbird Nectar has invested resources and energy into producing innovative hummingbird nectar and offering quality hummingbird products.  Over the past years their nectar has evolved; and will continue to change as this company introduce best-in-class products for your hummingbirds.
As Douglas says, ““The team a Color Label Solutions and Epson keeps us humming along”.
In addition to Hummingbird Nectar, Epson showed a product from Burn Hotsauce, https://www.burnhotsauce.com/,  in their display:

Burn Hot Sauce
Burn Hot Sauce

Burn Hot Sauce is an original, small batch, farmer and chef owned business in Santa Cruz California.  All of their produce is grown on sustainable organic farms in California; and all of the fermented hot sauces highlight the farm on the label.  Burn Hot Sauce is raw, alive and full of probiotics. 
​And I featured this company with some great products in a post earlier this year:

http://colorlabelsondemand.blogspot.com/2017/01/hot-labels.html

Next, we got one of our long-time customers, Tongue River Winery, http://www.tongueriverwinery.com/, involved.

Tongue River Winery
Tongue River Winery
 Their slogan, “Quality Made Wines with fruit exclusively from the Northern Plains!” sums up not only their wines, but also the quality of the owner of Tongue River Winery:  Bob Thaden and family.  You’ll find the letter Bob included with the box of wine to Epson of interest: 

Letter from Tongue River Winery
Letter from Tongue River Winery

As Bob didn’t have to include this letter, it shows what a wonderful and kind man he is.
Also, Epson had products from Rejunvenation Therapeutics, https://rejuvenation-therapeutics.com/,   in their display.

Rejuvenation Therapeutics Label
Rejuvenation Therapeutics Label
Rejuvenation Therapeutics is a health-centered, science-driven company that strives to extend lifespan and improve overall wellbeing. Within a burgeoning field of dietary supplements and nutritional ingredients, Rejuvenation Therapeutics stands out with their dedication to scientific evidence and regulatory compliance to ensure that their products are safe, effective, and beneficial.
Rejuvenation Therapeutics is using a C7500G to produce their gloss poly labels.  I think they look great!
Lastly, Epson showed products from Miracle Botanicals, https://miraclebotanicals.com/, one of our customers from Hawaii.

Miracle Botanicals Labels

Essential oil is the passion of Miracle Botanicals! Ever since Hope Johnson was introduced to essential oil after the birth of her third child, these precious plant spirits have become part of their family’s daily life and over time every aspect of their lives has been transformed.
Rev. Hope Johnson is an Essential Oil Alchemist and Reiki Master.  I love that she signs all of her emails to us, “With Fragrant Blessings”.
We’re fortunate to have such great customers like the one featured above.  Please visit their website and try some of their products.  Or if you have requirements for other food and beverage companies, contact us and we’ll connect you to some of our other customers.
I’d like to thank Epson and the Walt Company for the pictures from the event; and for including us and a few or our customers.  Contact us if you want to produce beautiful and functional labels yourself.

Guy Mikel
855-962-7670
info@colorlabelsolutions.com