Posted by
Rob Brady on Thu, Dec 15, 2011 @ 09:47 AM
Dry Technology Products can be a powerful marketing tool! This weeks Blog is brought to you by Mike Szymanski. With decades of experience in the label and packaging industry Mike can speak to a multitude of solutions for almost any application!
Instant Redeemable Coupons (IRC) are a label product which is most commonly applied to retail products to offer an instant in store discount or mail in rebate.
The removable coupon is created when the facestock and top film ply of the coupon base are separated from the bottom film ply on the substrate or the product its applied to. The dry coupon (no adhesive) can be printed in four color process or in just a couple of colors, many facestocks are available for the many different construction possibilities. Coupons are designed for automatic applications and they will all remove cleanly with no adhesive residue. Built in lift tab areas can be designed to facilitate consumer acceptance and will not obstruct the graphics underneath.
IRCs can be presented and promotionally developed as a turnaround tool, for return coupons, proof of purchase, receipt cards, sweepstakes programs, and promotional labels. Direct mail is another marketing use of this type of tool and its capabilities. One direct mail marketing use would be temporary I.D. cards. The garment industry would use this type of label as a removable hang tag, or another non-tacky type label.
The marketing of instant on-pack coupons, used on the outside of a package and that are removed and redeemed instantly for the product inside have the highest rate of success. This type of application has the highest redemption rate because you just peel and redeem, no clipping, saving or searching. List price is maintained by on-pack coupons, and eliminates double bookkeeping by the manufacturer and retailer. On-pack coupons can be implemented quickly with packaging changes being unnecessary and savings advantages offered without impairing brand image. Instant coupons encourage trial purchase and reward brand loyalty. Product labeling like food labels and beverage labels can be used like a coupon to market sweepstakes, games and contests to generate consumer involvement and brand recognition.
To ensure success of your coupon program we can suggest and supply ideas and the necessary materials that will aid in the specifications and pertinent information for construction design, development, and application of yoour labeling projects. Samples can be supplied upon request.
Posted by
Rob Brady on Thu, Dec 08, 2011 @ 02:01 PM
Are you looking to run a promotion on an existing product? Have you been offering your customers coupons? Does your product require expanded content labels? Could IRC's (instant redeemable coupons) be the key to some sales success at your company?
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IRC's, folded coupons and expanded content labels are growing ever more popular in todays label market. Whether you are a large scale company like 7th Generation or a small business that is looking to promote a product or service, these labels can come in quite handy. Recently 7th Generation ran a couple of different promotions for both their laundry detergents and their diaper packs. On the laundry detergent bottles you may have seen a promotional coupon for the Laurie Berkner Band. On their diaper packs there was an IRC for the new Dr. Seuss movie The Lorax. What was unique about both of these labels was the amount of information they could hold on them based on their constructions, and that they both had variable codes on them for customer's to redeem for either free music or a gift with purchase.
For companies looking to boost sales over the holidays or to run a promotion for their customers, these different constructions of labels can be a real charge for their products! If you are curious about getting an IRC, expanded content label, or coupon quoted just give us a call!
Posted by
Rob Brady on Tue, Dec 06, 2011 @ 09:14 AM
This weeks blog is brought to you by Mike Szymanski. Mike has a wealth of knowlege in label printing and often times can point out simple solutions to complex problems.
It is very important how to remove a label from its liner. The proper way to remove a label from its liner is to peel the liner away from the label, not the label from the liner. Pulling the label from the liner can result in a weakening of the adhesive, a breakdown of the fiber in the face material, causing a permanent curl in the label.
Proper removal of the label from the liner and application to the substrate are important in obtaining proper adhesion. Curl put into the label during removal from the liner will contribute to the edges of the label lifting later. This problem is eliminated with automatically applied labels by peeling the liner from the label and dispensing a flat label onto the substrate. The same principle of removing the liner from the label versus the label from the liner should be used with hand-applied labels.
While pressure sensitive materials need no special activating agents to make them work, they do need pressure to properly bond. Labels should be applied to the substrate and then thoroughly rubbed down on the substrate. Pay particular attention to make sure the edges of the label are down.
Proper label removal from the liner and correct application to the substrate will eliminate many potential problems and greatly improve label performance. Use both approaches every time for improved label performance.
Posted by
Rob Brady on Wed, Nov 09, 2011 @ 09:41 AM
We caught up with Label Tech product expert Mike Szymanski this week to talk about some of the uses of static decals and static cling labels in the pressure sensitive label industry. Mike has decades of experience with label companies and label manufacturers- here's what he had to say!
Static cling is a versatile and cost effective product with a variety of potential uses. Static Cling is often called by other names such as clings, window clings, static stickers, window decals. Most people in the printing industry associate static cling with the oil change “stickers” that service stations and express lube mechanics place inside a car’s windshield to remind the owner of the next scheduled maintenance.
The major advantage in using it is that it works well without adhesives when applied to glass and some other clean smooth surfaces. Applying static cling labels is a very easy operation and removing it is even easier. It is not recommended being used on the outside of a car window, its static properties are not strong enough for it to have any long term life (adhesion) out in the elements or on a fast moving windshield or window. They do hold up well on the inside of a car window in hot and cold conditions. Once its purpose has been served, it is easy to remove and does not leave residue.
There are many other potential applications for static cling products, including point-of-purchase signs, organizational decals (college, police and charitable organizations), instruction labels, product feature labels (four color process printed advertising on the window doors of market freezers),graphics and decorations, and warning signs, loyalty programs, direct mail promotions. Also, collectible characters, seasonal or temporary promos, sunglass labels, and they all can be printed in many colors and different shapes and sizes. Static cling labels or decals draw attention to products or to point of purchase promotions.
Label Tech Inc has the technology and the know how to provide you with a quality static cling product which works well, and which looks great whether it is printed in one color or in four color process plus. We encourage you to keep your eyes open for potential uses for static cling. We are always happy to answer questions and provide samples for all the labeling you may have.
Posted by
Rob Brady on Mon, Nov 07, 2011 @ 08:46 AM
How do you plan on certifying your product's safety? Perhaps you have considered writing a garauntee on your product's packaging? Or, if you are looking to be official then you are probably looking in to the Underwriters Laboratories- otherwise known as UL. Headquartered in Illinois, the UL develops standards and test procedures for products, materials, components, assemblies, tools and equipment, primarily having to do with product safety. Chances are if you are looking for a UL certification then you are also going to need a UL certified label printer.
The UL mark on your product is a powerful statement that signifies your product has gone through stringent testing and is certified by Underwriters laboratories as safe for the general public. Now you need a label that will announce that fact to the consumer. Not all printers are certified by Underwriters Laboratories to print these labels. Just as the product itself, the label manufacturer needs to go through the same stringent testing to be recognized by Underwriters laboratories as being certified to print “the mark” that signifies UL acceptance of the process and materials used to produce the label. The label manufacturer must be qualified as part of Underwriters laboratories component-marking and labeling systems for the privilege and right to print the UL mark.
Many products fall into the category that would require this level of certification some samples being appliances, electrical cords and other electronic devices. If you are looking for a UL certified label manufacturer then you have come to the right place. Stay tuned for more valuable pressure sensitive label information from Label Tech Inc.
Posted by
Rob Brady on Fri, Oct 21, 2011 @ 02:02 PM
What is a novelty label? Good question. Perhaps the greatest overlooked aspect of the label industry on the whole would be the novelty of a label or a "novelty label." Novelty labels are any kind of label that can be for fun, unusual, or new applications. For instance they may come in the form of kid's stickers at the doctor's office, or possible a coupon, or maybe a metallic label, or even an IRC label. Think about people using bumper stickers and making statements about who they are or what they believe in. However, novelty labels can be more than just bumper stickers and kid's stickers. Novelty labels can also be anything that is new and unusual.
There are a wide array of materials and processes that can give a label novelty. Take holographic or fasprism materials for instance. These are materials designed for pressure sensitive printing that have a metallic sheen to them often times with some sort of reflective prism qualities to them. The company Kra-Ze out of Connecticut uses a holographic hot stamp on their clear "no-look" label. The result? Attention grabbing shelf appeal.
Another way of creating a novelty label may be in the way the label is die cut. Inner die cuts can help a label have more than one application. Die cutting can help a label company get real creative when it comes to making labels for their customers. In the medical industry alone we are seeing more and more complex label designs not to mention health and beauty labels. Tamper proof labels and peel and re-seal labels are also becoming increasingly popular due to the ongoing demands of new federal regulations. Flourescent colors can also increase the novelty appeal of your label.
Promotional products alone have given label manufacturers something to work around the clock on. How many Planet Fitness bumper sticker have you seen in recent years?? It's rumored that the company will order in the neighborhood of 1.3 to 1.6 million of them this year alone. Coupons and IRC labels are also in high demand. More and more IRC's are being placed on packages for retail buyers. Promoting products can be the main intention of a novelty label. Custom labels can be given a new facelift with some of these novelty approaches. Sprucing up your current label may be just what the selling doctor ordered!!
Posted by
Rob Brady on Wed, Oct 19, 2011 @ 10:20 AM
What exactly does pressure sensitive mean and what exactly is a pressure sensitive label? If you are labeling a product then you should know that you have choices. Have you ever heard of a cut and stack label? How about a paper label? Often times, these can be the direct competitors of a pressure sensitive label.
Paper labels or "cut and stack" labels are applied to a product with a glue application process. Picture a stamp being licked and stuck to an envelope- it is a similar process when applying a paper label. Most beer bottles have a paper label on them. Sometimes the glue doesn't get applied consistently to the back of the paper label and what you end up seeing as a result is a label that is peeling up on the edges or corners. Paper labels are also very thin by nature of the material that is being used to print. As a result, paper labels can rip very easily. Whether you are making a custom product label, a custom food label, beverage labels, or any other kind of labels, it is good to know that you have choices in quality as well as durability. How your label is printed could very easily determine its shelf appeal.
So what is a pressure sensitive label? Put somewhat simply and a tad technically: pressure sensitive labels form a bond by simply applying pressure to the face of the label and in doing so the adhesive backed material adheres to the adherend! Put very simply- a sticker! Pressure sensitive labels are designed for a multitude of applications OTHER THAN being permanently placed on a product. There are a wide array of pressure sensitive adhesives that can achieve various results ranging from: permanent, removable, repositionable, static cling, freezer grades, light tack or even heavy tack adhesives. The list goes on.
The most important part of choosing label adhesives should be done by your printer. If you are having issues with your label not sticking then maybe it's time to look at some other adhesive solutions. Who knows- maybe your current printer doesn't know how to solve your problem! If you have any specific adhesive needs then you should call in an expert. Label manufacturers can bring in their material suppliers to mix and match adhesives with face stocks to find what best works for your label application. If your printer is looking to form a longstanding relationship with you and your company then he should be eager to solve your printing problems!
Posted by
Rob Brady on Fri, Oct 14, 2011 @ 11:32 AM
Packaging and Flexo labels going on packaging are a very common subject at Label Tech Inc. The application of the label on a package can make all the difference when it comes to the printer's choice of materials such as face stocks, adhesives, laminates, and even varnishes. Is your packaging flexible or firm? Are you applying a label to a box, a jar, or a bag? What is the temperature of the product that we are putting the label on? These are all key elements in determining what materials and adhesives we will be printing on. A company that truly knows their product should be able to answer all of these questions with ease. Now let's dive a little deeper into this subject.
Typically, if we are talking about packaging and labeling, we need to discuss the preparation, transport, warehousing, sale, and end use of your product. All of this information is relevant to your business and to your label company. For instance, a label may appear to have enough protection with a simple UV Varnish on it, but if it is shipping across country with no dividers in the box separating the product the varnish may wear and cause your label to de-face. On the other hand, if your product is going to be labeled for use in a freezer then you may want to consider using a freezer grade adhesive. If you were to use a simple permanent adhesive then the label would most likely fall off of your product. If you are labeling in a freezer and then the product is going to be put in a room temperature environment then you definitely are going to want to laminate it to prevent condensation from ruining your label. Removable adhesives are popular for putting a label on a product that you want the customer to be able to easily remove- didn't see that one coming huh!? If you are going to be machine applying labels and want the ability to peel a label off that goes on crooked and then put it back on straight then you may want to consider using a "re-positionable" adhesive.
There are many face stocks and adhesives that can be mixed and matched based on the specific need your product has. When you are choosing a commercial printer you should try to find one that has a good working relationship with their stock supplier. This can mean all the difference if you have a special label application need. The printer can easily bring in their supplier to ensure your label is going to stick how you need it to.
Other things to take in to consideration can be simply overlooked and cause big problems later for your product's label identity. For example, if your label is going to be exposed to extreme heat at some point in it's lifetime then your printer is going to need to know. An example of this type of label could be something that is going on a furnace or hot water heater. There are many things to take into consideration when talking to your printer about your label. If you are lucky, then you will stumble upon a printer with employees that are already in the know about what questions to ask about application. Who knows, the printer you are looking for may be right under your nose!
Posted by
Rob Brady on Thu, Oct 06, 2011 @ 03:37 PM
Have you been struggling with designing a label? Do you have questions about what the best material is to run your label on? Do you even know what materials are available? Not sure whether to use varnish or lamination? Have you never heard of a "rewind code?" You've come to the right place. Everyone has been there before- looking for a little bit more education on pressure sensitive labels. If you are already an expert then you might not want to read on any further because this weeks blog is all about the basics of putting together flexo labels!
At Label Tech we have dealt with all kinds of label purchasers. Some of these people are extremely educated when it comes to flexo labels- others not so much. There are a lot of new companies out there bringing a new product to market and they are researching what the best way to label their product may be. So what did we do you might ask? We took it upon ourselves to create a "Learning Center" on the Label Tech website so that you can talk the talk when it comes to flexo labels! Right in the upper right side of our website you will find the Learning Center. Here are some of the questions you may find answered!
- What is the best finish for your label?
- What is a "Rewind Code?"
- What is Digital printing?
- What is four color process?
- What is full bleed?
- What is the best size for your label?
- What are my material choices?
- What is the ordering process?
- What is the proofing process?
- What are these new things called QR Codes?
Note: We feel that having this information can help customers better understand the world of the pressure sensitive label! We hope you find our learning center helpful and if you don't see the answer to the specific question you have feel free to reach out to a specialist. Thanks for tuning in this week to Flexo 101.
Posted by
Rob Brady on Tue, Oct 04, 2011 @ 08:26 AM
Family businesses like doing business with other family businesses and Bove's of Vermont is no different. Dick Bove, second generation family business owner had this to say about it:
"partnering with companies that are family business' is so much better than dealing with the corporate nonsense. -Dick Bove."
Label Tech Inc has been making custom food labels since 1985 and when Mark Bove met up with Label Tech he immediately liked the way they did business. Bove’s of Vermont, a premium pasta sauce company with roots in a 3rd generation family-run Italian restaurant, is committed to producing authentic sauces, frozen lasagna and meatballs using only the finest all-natural ingredients and time-tested recipes, at a reasonable and fair price point.
If you are looking for a vodka sauce that will knock your socks off then look no further!! Bove's Vodka Sauce has already climbed the charts to celebrity status being featured on Food Network's Throwdown with Bobby Flay! What is the secret to their success? Great ingredients and staying true to their roots when it comes to recipes. This vodka sauce is made with local vodka, crushed and diced tomatoes, sheeps milk pecorino romano, hand peeled garlic, Vermont cream, and a touch of red pepper for an even heat! Oh, did we forget to mention that it's gluten and sugar free!!
As Bove's business has continued to grow the search for a great label manufacturer has been a priority. Your label is your on-shelf store front, if it doesn't look good then it just doesn't sell. Bove's knows that Label Tech Inc has been making custom food labels since 1985 so the decision to have them as their premier label company was a simple one. There are many label companies out there to choose from however, having a local label manufacturer with the capacity to run high volume pressure sensitive labels was key for Bove's success. Here is what Mark Bove had to say about family business:
"Staying local and supporting your local community is what being a family business is all about. When people buy products in the grocery store today it's really hard to imagine who actually makes the product- at Bove's, being family oriented and engaging to our family of supporters we speak to everyone who may be interested in what we have to offer. Bove's celebrates 70 years this year serving countless generations of patrons. - Mark Bove."
Here's a brief clip from the Throwdown with Bobby Flay and Mark Bove!
