Your food labels do a lot of heavy lifting. From catching a customer’s eye to providing nutritional information, labeling is a crucial, yet often overlooked part of food manufacturing. Getting the right labeling system is the key to improving production.

Quadrel offers a number of labeling systems for myriad packaging types. Whether your food is packaged in a clamshell, plastic container, tray packs or bottles, we offer the right tools for the job.

Here’s how to choose the right machines for your product type.

What to consider

• Container shape: The type of container you use is a major factor in choosing the right labeling system. Wraparound labels are great for bottles and cans, while containers and other packages may need top and bottom labels. If the container is irregularly shaped, such as poultry trays wrapped in plastic, you may need to purchase a labeling machine that can handle these specific challenges.
• Label placement: The label location also helps determine which kind of labeling machine you’ll need. Once you’ve settled on a packaging design, you’ll know whether you need top and bottom labels, wraparound or side labels.
• Printing considerations: Next, consider what kind of label printer you’ll use. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires food products to list their identity, net contents, a nutrition facts panel and the ingredients list. Determine whether you’ll add this information as you’re labeling, or if you plan to print over pre-existing labels. If you choose the latter, make sure that your labeling machine has a high-speed print engine. This allows the machine to print certain details on the label, such as weight, expiration date and more, just before printing. This allows you to print everything you need, without slowing down production.
• Label material compatibility: Find out whether the machine you’re considering can handle the type, size and label materials you’ve chosen. For instance, if you’re using clear labels, you may need to switch from using a light sensor to a capacitive sensor. Consider the adhesives, coatings and face stock as well: your machine needs to be able to handle these variables, especially if you’ve already invested in the label material.
• Safety: Finally, consider whether your labeling machine is safe for food packaging. The National Electrical Manufacturers’ Association (NEMA) lists standards for many machine types. Labeling machines with NEMA Type 4 enclosures are good for food products, since they prevent ice from forming on the machine. Furthermore, choose a system with stainless steel construction—this will prevent rust or paint flakes from getting into your food items. The best machines already meet NEMA and OSHA safety standards.

Quadrel offers 11 different food labeling machines. Whether you’re packaging in trays, clamshells, containers, bottles or boxes, each of our labeling systems is designed to precisely apply labels to hundreds of food items per minute.

If you have questions about our food labeling systems, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re eager to help you find the right machine for the job—no matter what the size or scope.