The craft brew industry has succeeded in exponential growth every year. There’s no denying that consumers love an excellent beer product to quench their demand. Craft brew has become a staple in many people's lives. Whether they’re looking to sip on a cold beer during a sporting event, a family gathering, or just a simple night out, the demand for a beautifully crafted brew product will continue to rise.
If you’re experienced in the craft brewing industry, you have probably noticed that keeping up with this demand can be difficult and frustrating. When you make a great beer product that catches the attention of consumers, there’s no denying that your product will sell. However, when you are not a large corporation with a name-brand product, navigating ways to keep your production rate up to speed can be tricky.
You may have already realized that you need to find a way to make your production speed quicker and more efficient. If you’re currently labeling your beer cans by hand or even with a manual labeling machine, you are probably looking for a better way to get the job done. These labeling processes are time-consuming, complicated, and ultimately inefficient when you need to keep your production speed up with consumer demands.
Fortunately, there's a better way to apply your beer can labels and ensure that your production can keep up with the needs of your customers and ultimately take your craft brewery to the next level. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about how beer can labeling machines can improve your production.
Efficiency
If you’re used to manually labeling your beer can labels, you have probably noticed that this process is inefficient. Labeling by hand is a long process that produces more wasted products and fewer ready-to-sell beers. On the other hand, using an automatic labeling machine for your beer cans can increase your productivity by up to 500%. This can be a huge difference for someone who is overwhelmed with the demand for their product.
When you introduce a fully automatic labeling machine to your production line, you will be able to produce more beer products within a shorter period. Automatic labeling machines are quick and easy to use, which allows you to focus on other aspects of your craft brewery, rather than being stuck in the labeling phase.
Quality
Hand labeling your canned beer product can lead to having labels that are torn, crooked, or even bubbling. This is due to the fact that manual labor is inconsistent and unable to produce perfectly labeled cans every time. You may have noticed that hand labeling also causes more wasted products due to inaccurately placed labels, which can add up in cost.
Having a quicker production rate may be your one goal in mind, but ensuring that you’re producing high-quality products is just as important. When shopping, consumers are going to gravitate toward a product that looks high-quality and professional.
Fortunately, beer can labeling machines are consistent with producing quality labels. The machines eliminate the mistakes caused by hand labeling, therefore reducing the cost of wasted products. Introducing a labeling machine for your beer can labels eliminates the mistakes caused by hand labeling, ensuring that your beer products will stand out to customers in the store.
Cost vs. Value
If you’re looking to make the next step in improving your production line, you’re probably trying to weigh the pros and cons of the different choices that you could make. Purchasing a labeling machine may seem intimidating due to its initial cost, but it is important to think about the value a machine brings to your brewery.
Hiring people to label your beer cans can add up and be expensive. Adding a machine will ultimately reduce this cost, and allow you to place these employees elsewhere in your brewery. Relocating your employees after introducing a labeling machine can improve productivity in other areas, making your business processes more efficient all around.
Additionally, labeling machines are consistent and reliable, which will reduce your costs of defective and wasted beer products due to mislabeling. While the initial cost of adding a labeling machine may seem daunting at first, making the investment can ultimately end up saving you money.
Different Ways to Label
Now that you know that adding an automatic beer can labeling machine to your brewery can improve your production, let's look at the different types of machines that work great with labeling beer cans.
Shrink Sleeve Labels
Shrink sleeve labeling machines work by adding an oversized plastic sleeve over the can, then uses heat to shrink the sleeve. This makes your beautifully designed scratch resistant and waterproof, which is ideal for a craft brew can. Having a shrink sleeve label is a great option if your label features a bold graphic design.
Wrap Around Labels
While it may be untraditional for beer cans, using a wrap around labeling machine is still another great option. However, with the right materials and adhesive, using a wrap around labeling machine for your beer cans can look great. If you choose to use paper material for your labels, this option can also be more environmentally friendly when compared to shrink sleeve labels. Additionally, wrap around labeling machines are less costly.
Where to Start
Beer can labeling machines make a great addition to your craft brewery. They’re efficient, productive, and accurate, which will ultimately improve your production line. Additionally, beer can labeling machines come in many different price ranges, which will ultimately give you more options to choose from.
If you’re ready to make the switch to a labeling machine, you may be feeling lost on where to start, because there are so many different options. It is important to keep in mind that choosing a machine that will work best with your environment and materials of choice is crucial. We know that this process can be difficult to navigate, which is why we created The Brewer’s Guide to Craft Beer & Microbrew Labeling Equipment. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about how to choose the right labeling machine for your beer product and how to choose a labeling partner. Download it for free today!
