Define the pack condition at the labeller
A label specification tested on a dry room-temperature jar may fail on a hot, wet, oily or flexible production pack.
| Surface input | Questions |
|---|---|
| Temperature | What are the body and surface temperatures at label application? |
| Moisture | Is there condensation, rinse water or cooling-water carry-over? |
| Residue | Can product, oil, brine or cleaner reach the label panel? |
| Geometry | Is the panel round, tapered, faceted, recessed, ribbed or squeezable? |
| Pressure response | Will wipe rollers or belts deform the pack or disturb the closure? |
| Orientation | Must the label align to a seam, handle, cap, panel or existing print? |
Choose an application method that fits the geometry
Wrap-around label
Suited to compatible cylindrical packs; control skew, overlap and product diameter variation.
Front and back labels
Useful for oval or panelled packs; pack orientation and consistent side presentation are important.
Top or lollipop tamper label
Bridges lid and body or decorates the top; closure height, top flatness and wipe path must be checked.
Full or partial shrink sleeve
Covers complex shapes and can provide tamper evidence; material, application and shrink development are required.
Pre-printed pack
Moves decoration upstream but variable code and inspection still need a defined position.
Base or lid label
Can preserve body artwork but needs suitable presentation, access and downstream handling.
Control presentation on hexagonal, square or faceted packs
Shaped jars may need a specific face presented to the label head. Random conveyor rotation is not sufficient when front artwork must align with a panel.
Choose the datum
Use a mould seam, panel, embossing, lug, cap feature or printed mark that can be detected reliably.
Orient the pack
Rotate or guide the container without scuffing, tipping or loosening the closure.
Stabilise through application
Hold the face square to the label head and control wipe pressure.
Verify position
Inspect label presence and, where important, position relative to the selected datum.
Protect downstream
Avoid guides or accumulation pressure that lifts label edges before the adhesive develops.
Define variable information, print technology and inspection
| Coding input | Record |
|---|---|
| Content | Batch/lot, best-before/use-by, time, line or other traceability data. |
| Substrate | Glass, plastic, label, foil, laminate, lid or carton surface. |
| Code area | Size, orientation, contrast, curvature and distance from edges/seals. |
| Line condition | Speed variation, vibration, moisture, temperature and stop/start behaviour. |
| Data source | Manual entry, recipe, scanner, database or production system. |
| Verification | Operator check, scanner or vision criteria and reject/hold response. |
Control recipe selection and data entry so a technically readable code cannot be printed with the wrong information.
Integrate labelling around real conveyor behaviour
- Provide repeatable pitch and sufficient gap between packs.
- Stabilise containers with top/side belts or guides where required.
- Allow for label-roll change, waste removal and safe access.
- Define where rejected packs go and prevent accidental re-entry.
- Keep sensors, peel plates and rollers accessible for cleaning.
- Coordinate coder trigger and speed compensation with the label or product.
- Allow space after application for adhesive contact before accumulation pressure.
Test production labels on conditioned production packs
Inspect initial adhesion, bubbles, wrinkles, flagging, skew, overlap, scuffing, code readability and label condition after the expected cooling, chilling and distribution interval.