Bottle Labelling Machines: An Explainer

 First, why do you need a bottle labeler?

If you are looking to streamline your production and packaging processes, or improve the look of your finished product, you’ll need to start researching the options for bottle labelling machines. If you are applying bottle labels by hand you’ll know that getting the details right: ensuring that the details on the label can be easily read, fixing the label in the perfect position so that it is straight and does not overlap or cover vital information, ensuring the label sticks well to the bottle… and doing it all quickly enough not to hold up production can be a challenge. A labelling machine can make a huge difference to your production time but also helps with the professional look of your product - crucial if you are producing FMCG (fast moving consumer goods) where shelf-appeal is a vital factor to consider. It’s important for you to purchase the right labelling machine in order to get the finished, professional look that you need.

Next, how to select the right one?

There are hundreds of decisions to be made when running a manufacturing or production business and we’d love to tell you that choosing your bottle labeller will be nice and easy. There are certainly ways we can make it easier for you - try our labelling configurator tool for example. But there are many many labeling machines to choose from. Here we break it down a bit for you so that you are better equipped with an understanding of the many variables in bottle labelling.

• Shape: what shape is your packaging? Is it standard bottle shape? Tapered? Cylindrical? Oval? Square? Is it a bottle you are labeling or are you looking for jar labeling machines? Some machines are specialised for each shape and some are more flexible.

• Size: labelling machines are very flexible for size but if your product comes in a vial, for example, you will need a machine designed for that. Think about the package dimensions and the amount of information you need on the label. All food, drink, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and cosmetics have compliance information that must be included. Plus you will want to consider your branding - how much space does your logo take up?

• Material: what is your packaging made of? Whether it’s glass, metal or plastic, most good labelers can handle it but if you have something unusual then this needs to be part of the mix too.

• Process: some machines move bottles through the line standing up and others on their sides. This may be particularly important if you are adding a labeling machine to an existing production line or planning to expand later. You’ll also want to think about the impact on your packing and shipping department.

• Automation: do you want fully automatic labeling or prefer a semi-automatic labeling machine (your choice will be affected by price and existing processes)?

Finally, where to buy your machine?

Now you know the key elements you need from your labelling machine for bottles, it’s time to consider where you are going to buy it. Reputation and experience are really important here. Because of the sheer number of variables, you do need to pick a supplier with a strong track record. Spend some time researching different companies and look at the range they have available (a larger range means they have strong relationships with the machine manufacturers).

Look for information on the quality of the machines themselves, the level of customer service they offer and their approach to aftercare. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the different types of automatic bottle labelling machines that are available. Asking about parts, repair costs, maintenance and servicing is also important. Your machine needs to be a good investment in the long-term.

Read on for more information about the machines we have available for UK businesses from world-leaders CDA. We have complimentary labelers for your cases and pallets from Intrex and Domino. And we supply consumables including plain labels and thermal ribbon.