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What You Need to Know About a Bottle Labeling Machine

Wine bottles on a bench

If you currently package your products in a bottled container, you probably already know how difficult it is to apply your labels accurately. Without the correct equipment, this difficulty worsens and slows your production rate, which is not great for your business.

If this happens to you, you’re probably looking for a solution so your production can get back on track. Fortunately, the perfect solution that can completely turn your business back around is quite simple — a bottle labeling machine. These labelers are designed to solve all the above problems, making your business more efficient and productive. 

With so many available options on the market, making the best decision for your products can be difficult. This is why we’re here to outline everything you need to know when choosing a bottle labeling machine for your business. 

What Should I Know About a Bottle Labeler?

A bottle labeler is specifically designed to label bottled products efficiently and accurately. A labeling machine is essential for any business that labels large quantities of bottles. Hand labeling bottles is extremely difficult due to the natural shape of the bottle, meaning that a bottle labeling machine can help improve the overall production speed and efficiency of any business that uses one.

The labeling machine takes in the bottles, places label on them, and releases them quickly. There are different types of bottle labelers, including automatic and semi-automatic models. Automatic bottle labelers are fully automated and require minimal human intervention, while semi-automatic models need a human operator to feed bottles into the machine and remove them after labeling. Additionally, several different labeling machines exist for different bottle label types, such as wrap-around, inline, and front and back. 

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One of the most significant benefits of using a bottle labeler is increased efficiency. With a bottle labeler, your production rate can increase by over 500% due to the number of bottles they can label per hour. This increased speed and accuracy can lead to significant cost savings for your business, as you can produce and label more products in less time. 

Switching from hand labeling to using a bottle labeling machine eliminates any mistakes commonly made with labeling bottles by hand. This means reducing wasted product costs, and saving your business money.

Considering Your Labeling Needs

There is no denying that every product label is unique. Between the types of products, label design, FDA regulations, and bottle shape, there are many things to consider when deciding on the bottle labeling machine that matches your specific needs. 

The first thing to consider is the design of your label. Do you have a simple design or want to include unique artwork that you would want to cover the front of the bottle? Do you need to include detailed information to follow FDA regulations made for your industry? Additionally, remember to consider the size and shape of your bottle. If you have a more uniquely shaped product, you’ll need to find a labeling machine that can accompany this.

Next, think about the materials you want to use for your label. There are several options available, including paper, plastic, and vinyl. Each material has advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the one that best meets your needs is important. Several options are available regarding applying your labels, including pressure-sensitive labels and regular glue-like adhesives. 

It's important to know that your bottle labeling machine is flexible and can accommodate your label design and application needs. If you ever want to change your product line, you can know that your labeling machine will accommodate these changes. 

Different Types of Bottle Labelers

Several bottle labelers are available on the market, each designed to meet specific labeling needs. Understanding the different types of labelers can help you choose the right machine for your business.

Wrap-Around

Wrap-around labeling machines are very common when it comes to labeling products. As the name suggests, these machines apply a label that wraps around the entire bottle's circumference. Wrap-around labelers are ideal for products that require a lot of information on the label or have an intricate label design. They can also accommodate a wide range of label sizes and shapes, making them a versatile option for many businesses. Additionally, if you are labeling products such as beer bottles that may need a neck label, these machines can easily be customized to adapt this. 

In addition to the wrap-around labels on the bottom of the bottle, you can also add a module to add labels to the neck of the bottle. Check out the PL-501 NL. This machine was designed specifically for the craft beer industry to overcome one problem. The problem was needing one machine to label both the body and neck for a price that creates the best value in the industry. An industry that is growing by leaps and bounds each year.

Front and Back

Front and back labelers are designed to apply labels to a bottle's front and back simultaneously. These machines are often used for products that require different information on the front and back of the bottle, such as health and beauty products. Front and back labelers can also apply promotional information, such as coupons or special offers.

Establish Your Needs Before You Label Your Bottles

Now that you know the different bottle labeling machines and their functions, it’s almost time to narrow down your options. By identifying your labeling needs before shopping for a new machine, you can find the right machine to meet your desires and make the buying process much easier. You'll quickly be able to find a machine that meets your specific requirements and delivers accurate, high-quality labeling for your products. 

Step Up Your Labeling Game

Understanding the full scope of bottle labeling is difficult, as there are many moving parts. If you’re still not feeling confident about being able to make the best-informed decision for your future bottle labeling machine, we have the perfect solution. We created our Practical Guide to Choosing Labeling Equipment to help businesses like yours fully understand labeling equipment and to help make the purchasing process a breeze. 

Choosing the Right Labeling Equipment