Could roll labeling be the solution to your production needs and supplier issues?
Purchasing labels on sheets, or sheetfed, has been standard for years, especially for smaller quantities of custom labels. But did you know there is another option that may better fit your business needs? Roll label printing is a best-kept industry secret.
While sheet labels and roll labels are the two standard options, they offer unique advantages depending on your preferences and labeling needs. However, once your print volumes become substantial, roll label printing offers savings in materials and ink cost, ultimately reducing the cost per label.
But let’s discuss both options.
Sheet Labeling
To put it simply, sheet labels are printed on a flat sheet allowing for labels to be printed as needed, by the sheet. Some printers can provide smaller quantities of labels, which can be a more affordable option for those looking to print only a small number of labels daily, printing a single sheet at a time.
As a business grows and its labeling needs increase, printing sheet labels becomes more expensive and time-intensive.
Most smaller businesses, or those just getting started, find sheet labeling beneficial for numerous reasons, including the ability to conduct test runs, print seasonal or limited-edition labels, or print smaller batches of labels that need updates, as some industries find themselves facing frequent regulation changes.
However, as a business grows and its labeling needs increase, they’ll find printing sheet labels becomes more expensive and time-intensive, especially as people discover the cost per label becomes far more costly than the alternative labeling option.
Roll labeling
What exactly is roll labeling? You guessed it. These are labels that come on a continuous roll. Roll labels come in a variety of different materials but are wound around a spool as opposed to lying flat, as seen in sheet labeling.
Roll labeling is an affordable option to print labels in-house and print much faster, allowing for quicker production runs. Additionally, roll labeling allows for automatic application, which increases efficiency and time savings. But how does one know if they’d benefit from roll labeling? Roll labeling is ideal for businesses looking to print in bulk, so they typically better serve businesses that have longer print-run needs.
With supply chain issues and delays, roll labeling has proven to be a more reliable, accessible product allowing customers to keep up with production and meet time-to-market.
Roll labeling is also the ideal solution if you want to customize your labeling. As mentioned above, roll labels come in a wide assortment of different materials and an array of custom shapes, colors, and specialty finishes like gold, silver, or matte. So, if you find yourself wanting to customize and wow with your labels, you’re in the market for roll labels.
An additional consideration? With supply chain issues and delays, roll labeling has proven to be a more reliable, accessible product allowing customers to keep up with production and meet time-to-market.
Hardware Needs to Consider
Sheet labels are generally better suited for those using an inkjet, laser, or standard home office printer. While there are some exceptions (digital presses), they are more the exception than the rule for sheet labeling.
If you’re using or planning to use a label printer, you’re looking to use roll labels. With a label printer, labels are ready-to-print, print much faster, and can be applied to products faster, too – you have the option to hand-apply your labels or invest in an automatic label applicator.
With a label printer, labels are ready-to-print, print much faster, and can be applied to products faster.
The good news? A label printer can easily be added into production and includes built-in, easy-to-use software.
Next Steps
If you feel your business could benefit from the usefulness of automatic application, a more affordable cost per print, customization, large print runs, and the ease of updating or changing variable data in a single print run, roll labeling is the best fit for you.
Our GetLabels division offers hundreds of label materials, finishes, colors, shapes, and adhesives for a wide range of applications, including materials for inkjet, toner, or thermal transfer printers, guaranteeing a perfect solution fit for your needs.
Find more information on costs associated with in-house labeling, including roll labeling, here.
Questions?
We’re happy to discuss your unique labeling application and your individual labeling needs.
Contact us to speak with one of our labeling specialists today.
