“Label” does not do justice to the functionality behind an item we take for granted every day. In reality, without the humble label, we would know little if anything about the product or ingredients in the pack, how it should be stored or when it should be consumed. Labels and labelling requirements however are continually evolving, as the information that they contain is influenced by new or changing legislation, the need for greater traceability and protection against counterfeiting.Keeping up with these changes and the influence they can have on label types, materials and application systems, can at times seem a daunting task. In this article Weber Packaging Solutions UK General Manager, Patrick Hughes looks at how working closely with a trusted industry partner can help manufacturers ensure they do not fall short of current regulatory standards and that they are also using the most efficient and cost effective labelling and marking methods.
Labelling and marking standards differ greatly depending upon the industry, with the Food and Pharmaceutical / Medical sectors having some of the most stringent requirements. For example, the increasing legislation requiring medical device manufacturers to assign UDI’s (Unique Device Identifiers) to both their devices and packaging will have an impact on manufacturing processes. The level of change, and its subsequent impact, will differ depending upon any particular company’s current approach to labelling, and in some cases could be as simple as changing the date format used.
At the other end of the scale however, companies wishing to become UDI compliant may find that they will have to make significant changes to their current methods. In instances such as this the changes will encompass not just the information required on the label, which includes: Device Identifier (version, model and labeller number) and Production Identifier, which must include one or more of the following (Lot or Batch Number, Serial Number, Expiry Date, Date of Manufacture). In addition the label will also have to include both Plain Text and a Bar Code or RFID Technology.
This in turn may mean re-considering some fundamentals such as the physical size of the label, the label type, perhaps the need to produce new artwork if the label also contains company or product branding, and also the need to check and validate that any new label design actually meets current requirements.
The size of the new label will no doubt be constrained to a certain extent by the physical size of the product or packaging, however the choice of label type will be influenced by whether the proposal is to include Bar Code information or to opt for RFID technology. The latter obviously has cost implications, however there are a host of benefits from an RFID solution. These include the fact that RFID does not require a line of sight access to be able to read tags, communication between the reader and tag is not sensitive to orientation, automatic scanning and data logging is possible without human intervention and the RFID system provides a high degree of security and product authentication - a tag is considerably more difficult to counterfeit than a simple barcode. The justification for using this type of label is often based upon the elimination of human intervention and products can be handled monitored and tracked more effectively with greater reliability overall.
Addressing these needs, Weber’s special smart label printers and printer-applicators, such as the Model 5300rfid, encode data on ultra-thin RFID inlays, embedded within labels and tags, whilst simultaneously printing text, bar codes and graphics. As a smart label is printed, the Model 5300rfid’s integrated encoder simultaneously transfers digital information to the thin, ultra-high frequency (UHF) transponder embedded in the pressure-sensitive label material. Labels that are used within the pharmaceutical and medical device industries often have to undergo somewhat arduous processes which could potentially damage the label material or the information contained on the label. Weber has developed a series of adhesives and topcoats compatible with autoclave, ETO, gamma and e-beam sterilisation processes that maintain the integrity of the label.
Economic and Eco-Friendly Labelling
Whilst adhering to legislation and regulation on labelling can be a key influence in initiating changes in labelling, other drivers are the need to reduce consumable costs, and where possible, maximise the use of eco-friendly and sustainable materials.
Reducing the costs of labelling can be achieved in part by using thinner label stock and / or thinner liner materials. Liner-less labels are also available, which eliminate the waste associated with traditional liners or backing paper, making them both cost effective and eco-friendly. Companies can also make savings by consolidating their packaging and labelling requirements and having a single source supply which will often generate attractive pricing structures. The ongoing pressures of production can often mean that manufacturers carry on using equipment and methods, which may have been in place for many years. Invariably in this situation there is scope for improvements and savings.
Identifying Opportunities for Efficiency & Savings
To identify potential for upgrading to faster, more efficient equipment and identify opportunities for the use of eco-friendly materials, manufacturers can take advantage of the ‘Labelling Audit” offered by Weber. As part of this audit, offered free of charge in certain instances, Weber will look closely at all aspects of the customers labelling and marking requirements and procedures. This encompasses an assessment all production equipment to identify any obsolete and therefore probably inefficient systems, making recommendations for upgrades or replacement where necessary. Label types and sizes will also be examined in depth to seek opportunities for rationalisation that would allow more efficient and cost effective stock control. Any current methods or procedures used for verification and storage of verification data will also be reviewed and where appropriate recommendations will be made on software and hardware needed to set up a networked approach to verification. Also considered as part of the audit are the preventative maintenance routines that should be in place to maximise operational efficiency and reduce instances of breakdown. The results of the audit are presented to the customer together with details of the benefits which would be realised by implementing the changes suggested. Invariably, although some modest expenditure may be required, manufacturers will see tangible improvements in quality, consistency and productivity which in turn generate ongoing savings.
