Find out why pressure sensitive labeling is a game-changer for bread packaging.
After all the time and energy you put into producing beautiful, fluffy loaves of bread and other baked goods, it would be disheartening to see your work crushed or crumpled by unforgiving labeling machines. Fortunately, there are modern pressure sensitive labelers available that can handle even your most delicate items with the proper degree of care.
The impact of your bread packaging label on purchasing decisions cannot be underestimated. According to a study on the Impact of Product Packaging on Consumers Buying Behavior, consumer trust in a product or brand declines steadily if the food packaging or label is damaged. Up to 55% of shoppers would not purchase a product that was noticeably damaged.
Beyond keeping your bread in good form with pressure sensitive labeling, there are other important considerations as well, including what to include on your label, how to maximize your productivity, and more. Here’s a look at six important areas of focus, specific to bread packaging.
1. FDA Labeling Regulations
Wondering if recent FDA guidelines apply to your bread packaging business? The revision that calls for new Nutrition Facts label requirements allows until January 1, 2020, for manufactures with more than $10 million in annual sales, while smaller manufacturers have a 2021 deadline.
Photo credit: FDA, Changes to the Nutrition Facts Label
According to foodpackaginglabels.net, if your bakery is part of a chain with 20 or more locations, doing business under the same name, and selling the same items, it is likely that you need to conform to FDA guidelines as well.
Even if you are not required by the FDA to label your bread packaging, it is still a good idea for many reasons:
1) It builds trust and brand recognition/loyalty with your customers.
2) It gives you the opportunity to inform and entice people regarding your product.
3) It will help you organize, price, and date your products quickly and attractively.
2. Key Info to Include on a Bread Packaging Label Design
In addition to any FDA-required nutrition information, you’ll want to design an attractive pressure sensitive labeling with clear lettering that describes, calls out benefits, and complements the appearance of your bread.
Be sure to include:
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Common name of product or bread type (muffins, bagels, etc.)
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Ingredients listed from heaviest to lightest
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Bakery address
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Nutrition Information Panel
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Net weight
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Date including a qualifying description (i.e., best before, baked on, etc.)
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Storage instructions
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Allergen Warnings
3. Employee Morale
One often-overlooked consideration of bread packaging is in regards to employee job satisfaction.
If you’re currently using a tedious hand-labeling process or an old labeling machine that poses a risk of crushing the product, it’s likely that employees might become frustrated by these situations. Essentially, they’re not set up to perform as well as they would like. Conversely, the operation of pressure sensitive labelers is simple and nearly fool-proof.
With more staff able to use the equipment effectively, you can utilize your team members more efficiently which often leads to better overall employee morale. The memory save features make it easy to move several different products through a single labeler. Plus, your team members will feel more confident that the products they are turning out will meet and exceed the expectations of your quality control team, and won’t have to redo their work.
4. Productivity, Quality & Operating Costs
When considering whether to purchase a pressure sensitive labeling machine for your bread packaging operation, you’ll want to look beyond the initial cost to determine your overall return on investment (ROI). Choosing the right food labeling equipment can make a positive impact on your business.
Fully automatic labeling machines work at impressive speeds and require less labor to operate which results in significant productivity gains — as much as 500%. Not only are they faster, but they also offer more consistent quality with proper adhesion and placement that’s spot-on every time. All of this means less waste and reduced operating costs for greater efficiency and a better bottom line.
5. Top & Bottom Pressure Sensitive Labeling Features
Most bread packaging is labeled using top and bottom labeling technology. Accomplishing this task without crushing your bread requires a precise balance of pressure as your bread rolls across both the top and bottom label heads. Using adjustable paddles and a simple interface, your team can fine-tune the machine to ensure that labels adhere to the bread wrapper consistently, without pressing too hard.
Pack Leader USA has several pressure sensitive labeling machines that are perfect for managing your bread packaging needs. For example, the PL-221 is designed for precision labeling at incredible speeds. With a color touch screen available to guide you through the setup process, you can easily layout the labels on your bread packaging.
An optional printer can help land your expiration dates on your labels in just the right spot. Adding a pack out table will give you room to work on packaging your bread for shipment without getting backed up. This pressure sensitive labeling machine is incredibly flexible and can easily be transported between packaging lines and switched over to new labels in minutes.
6. Choosing a Partner
No matter what kind of bread labeling needs you might have, Pack Leader USA's pressure sensitive labeling line is the solutions you've been seeking. When you partner with us, you get the best service in the industry and full-time support. This includes ongoing maintenance and training, as well as readily accessible parts kits to keep your machines in good condition. Call today to schedule your free consultation with a Pack Leader USA labeling expert.