PACKAGING
L
abel printing is an intrinsic part of just about every industrial and manufacturing process. In many settings, it is taken for granted as a functional necessity, where varying degrees of automation enable organisations to keep production, delivery and consumption lifecycle processes running smoothly.
However, developments in colour printing technologies are offering some game-changing capabilities, from branding and compliance to cost efficiency. But where do the key benefits lie, and how can manufacturers optimise their use of colour labelling?
BENEFIT 1: ENHANCED BRANDING RECOGNITION
In contemporary manufacturing, industrial and chemical markets, brand recognition has an important influence on business success. From a labelling perspective, the use of colour labels offers far more than just visual appeal; they can act as a powerful tool for strengthening brand identity and improving customer recognition. Unlike monochrome printing, which can limit the use of brand assets, today’s high-resolution colour label printers enable companies to incorporate full-colour logos, custom typography and brand-specific colour palettes directly onto their packaging. This not only reinforces brand consistency across product lines but also enhances shelf appeal and makes important information easier to locate at a glance.
BENEFIT 2: REDUCED OPERATIONAL RISKS
When critical components like labels are delayed, the entire production process can grind to a halt. Part of the problem is that relying on third-party suppliers for pre-printed labels introduces too many variables, from long lead times and rigid schedules to unexpected design changes that can derail shipments at the last minute. For businesses operating in fast-paced or tightly regulated environments, this lack of control can result in downtime and compliance headaches, among a range of other challenges.
Bringing label production in-house helps reduce those risks. With on-demand colour printers, teams can manage design and output on their terms, avoiding the delays and rigid schedules that often come with third-party suppliers. It also makes it easier to keep pace with changing requirements, whether that’s a product update, regulatory shift or last-minute change to a shipment, without holding up the rest of the operation.
BENEFIT 3: COMPLIANCE WITH INDUSTRY REGULATIONS
For chemical manufacturers, staying on the right side of compliance is an important and often complex task. Take the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), for example, which was developed by the UN to standardise the classification and labelling of chemical hazards, ensuring consistent communication
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THE TOP FIVE BENEFITS OF SWITCHING FROM MONOCHROME TO ON-DEMAND COLOUR LABEL PRINTING
By Gavin Thurston, Business Development Manager for Business Systems at Epson UK
of risks through labels and safety data sheets. In reality, however, localised implementation has introduced a patchwork of regional requirements that companies must address. At the same time, GHS continues to evolve, meaning organisations need to monitor regulatory developments across both international and domestic jurisdictions. Add to that the requirements of standards such as BS5609, a British Standard widely recognised and used internationally, to govern the durability of labels for marine transport, and the challenge becomes even more complex. For manufacturers shipping hazardous materials by sea, labels that survive immersion in saltwater are non-negotiable.
In contrast, today’s high-performance on- demand colour printers allow manufacturers to create durable, compliant labels as needed, including those that meet GHS requirements. Using pigment-based inks, these labels are designed to withstand exposure to water, abrasion and harsh environments, helping ensure they remain legible and fit for purpose throughout their lifecycle.
BENEFIT 4: IMPROVED TRACEABILITY AND REDUCED ERRORS
In pharmaceutical manufacturing, traceability is non-negotiable and labels must communicate critical information, from batch numbers and expiry dates to dosage instructions and barcodes with absolute clarity. Even minor errors can lead to safety risks, regulatory issues or supply chain disruption. High- resolution, legible printing helps minimise that risk by ensuring every label is accurate and easy to read, even at small font sizes. Using on-demand colour printers such as Epson’s ColorWorks range gives
JULY/AUGUST 2025 | FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS
pharmaceutical teams the control and precision they need. When formulations change, packaging is updated or regional regulations shift, labelling can be adapted in real time without relying on third-party suppliers. This flexibility supports end-to-end traceability, reduces the risk of misidentification and helps avoid costly delays or rework, all while keeping pace with production.
BENEFIT 5: FLEXIBILITY AND COST- EFFECTIVENESS
Label requirements are rarely fixed. A whole range of factors can trigger updates, and it’s the reliance on pre-printed labels that often leaves businesses stuck with obsolete stock. On- demand colour printing offers a more flexible alternative, allowing teams to produce the exact labels they need, when they need them. Whether it’s adjusting sizes or tailoring designs for specific markets, this approach supports faster response times, leaner inventories and less waste.
The efficiency gains go beyond flexibility. Modern label printers are built to handle varied output needs at speed, helping keep per-label costs under control regardless of print volume. For day-to-day jobs, compact models suit smaller runs, while more robust systems are available for larger-scale output with minimal maintenance. The result is a scalable setup that helps businesses stay responsive without wasting valuable resources.
Epson
www.epson.co.uk
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