Case Labeler & Box Labeling Machines

Companies have to comply with a number of labeling requirements on the manufacturing floor. These rules are put in place to make sure cases and boxes can be processed, shipped, and tracked efficiently, but this only works if the labeling is done properly. 

Many manufacturers continue to rely on outdated labeling technology that print illegible labels or place them incorrectly, creating costly errors. Charge-backs and other problems with shipping and handling can quickly add up and hurt a company’s bottom line.

High-performance box labeling machines can be used to print and quickly apply crisp, clear labels to cases and boxes at a low cost, helping companies prevent errors and improve supply chain efficiencies.

Learn more about our customizable labeling machines here.

Benefits of Case Labelers and Box Labeling Machines

Paragon Labeling Systems prides itself on the reliability and modularity of our labeling machines, the low cost of ownership, and the strong return on investment they provide.

Each one of our labeling machines has a user-friendly interface and robust build to withstand the harsh conditions of the manufacturing floor. A full line of field interchangeable application modules allows you to configure your labels for a number of applications and customize your machine to your manufacturing processes.

Labels are applied quickly and accurately, helping you improve efficiencies and lower costs. 

Paragon Labeling Machines for Cases and Boxes

  • PLS 100 – The premier decorative labeling solution for applying pre-printed labels onto products, cartons, cases, totes, or pallets. 
  • PLS 400 Plus – A premier print and apply labeling solution with barcode and/or RFID capabilities that can grow and adjust with your business and industry.
  • PLS 500 – The ultimate label application solution, dedicated to maximizing organizations’ productivity with superior quality and integration.

Contact our labeling experts to learn more about our labeling machines or to request a personalized demo.

Case Labeling FAQs

What is a case label?

Cases are considered an individual logistics unit, so they will need a Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) that “acts as a license plate to track a shipment of logistics units through the supply chain.”

Case labeling best practices

Similar to pallet labels, case labels should be made of a hardy material that can withstand the harsh environments a case may experience as it moves through the supply chain. Labels should also be crisp with clear printing so employees and scanners can easily read the information and process it accurately.

Labels should be applied smoothly onto the case or box, without wrinkles, so that scanners can easily read the information printed. According to gs1us.org, each case should have at least one barcode, but it is recommended to add another on the adjacent side so it can be easily scanned if turned sideways in a truck or warehouse rack.

3 Reasons We Use SATO Print Engines in Our Automatic Labeling Machines

SATO print engines are designed for high-volume, 24/7 printing for high-performance print and apply labelers.

At Paragon Labeling, we use SATO print engines because we know they can handle the varied demands of the different industries we serve, including manufacturing, food and beverage, and healthcare. 

We combine these print engines with our modular automatic labeling machines and field interchangeable applicator modules so users can label in almost any orientation, faster and more efficiently. 

Here are some of our favorite features of SATO print engines:

1. Easy to use and maintain

SATO print engines are easy to operate and simple to maintain. Operators have convenient access to the backside of the print engine, and replacement of key parts — the sensor cover, printhead, and roller — is straightforward. These features help reduce downtime and keep production moving smoothly.

2. Can handle the demands of the toughest print and apply jobs

SATO print engines have best-in-class speed and throughput so they can meet the demands of even the most challenging print jobs. This makes them well-suited for some of our clients’ most in-demand labeling applications, including pallet labeling, product nutritional information, logistic tracking, case/carton shipping, and more. 

3. Creates accurate, high-quality labels

These print engines can use NiceLabel design software, which allows users across industries to easily and quickly design barcode labels, even if they don’t have prior experience. An all-in-one printing form simplifies data-entry and helps keep labels free of the costly errors that can disrupt your supply chain. 

For those interested in RFID capabilities, the S84-ex print engine model can read, write, and verify RFID tags inside the printer and will mark the tag in the event of tag failure. This ensures your labels won’t have bad tags that interfere with processing, shipping, and tracking.

Of course, it’s not enough for the information on the label to be accurate, the label itself must also be high-quality. 

SATO print engines use the following print methods:

  • direct/thermal transfer
  • direct thermal only
  • ribbon saver (S84-ex model)

Our labeling experts prefer these methods because they are faster, less expensive, and create tougher labels that can hold up in harsh environments during the shipping process, including extreme temperatures.

Sato and Paragon Labeling

At Paragon Labeling, we take pride in the reliability and modularity of our labeling machines and the strong return on investment they provide. We equip our products with print engines from top brands like Sato and Zebra to make sure our clients can easily use our automatic labeling machines to print faster and more efficiently. 

Explore our labeling machines here.

Labeling Machines for Bottles

Paragon Labeling’s labeling machines can be configured to automatically label a wide variety of bottles, including cosmetics containers, pharmaceutical packages, and beverages. 

Our team has the depth and experience to build labeling equipment for even the most complex applications, freeing up your employees to focus on other, more productive tasks. Each of our machines is compatible with a number of applicator modules that can be configured to meet the unique needs of different industries. 

These feature-rich and robust systems provide end-users with the benefits of a customized solution for the price of a standard solution, giving you an unparalleled value proposition and strong return on investment.

Benefits of using a bottle labeler

  • Improves efficiency. Labeling machines reduce human error and can work faster than manual processes. 
  • Streamlines production, processing, and delivery. Clear labels that are applied neatly and without wrinkles ensures barcodes are easy to read. 
  • Offers flexibility. Our high-performance labeling machines can be configured to label nearly any shape or style of product.
  • Low cost of ownership. Streamline production and improve efficiency with a custom solution that comes at a standard price.
  • Highly reliable. These sturdy machines are built to last.
  • Helps your brand stand out. Eye-catching labels help differentiate your bottles from all the others on the shelf and make a great first impression to consumers.

Labeling machines for bottles

All of our labeling machines are compatible with multiple applicator modules and can be configured for RFID.  

PLS 500

The PLS 500 is the ultimate label application solution for maximizing an organization’s productivity. Whether you need to apply pre-printed labels, utilize print and apply labeling, or need a RFID solution, the PLS-500 series of products can meet your most demanding needs. 

This feature-rich labeling solution is built from durable plate aluminum with a fully enclosed chassis and pressurized cabinet that protects the engine and keeps out debris. The PLS 500 is based on an Allen Bradley PLC and boasts a remote mount interface, color touch screen display, and swing-away applicator mounts for easy cleaning and loading. 

This model can label in virtually any orientation and can be upgraded over time to scale up with your business. 

PLS 400

The PLS 400 is a print and apply labeler that can both print and apply labels in a variety of configurations. This streamlines the labeling process significantly and reduces labor cost for a strong return on investment.

This labeling machine has a modular design that can grow and adjust with your business. A sturdy plate aluminum build is outfitted with your choice of industry leading print engine to create a powerful labeling solution capable of gap sensing and operator product delays for the most accurate label placement.  

PLS 100

The PLS 100 is the premier decorative labeling solution for applying pre-printed labels. It is compatible with a number of applicator modules — including wipe (merge), tamp, dual panel tamp, and more — to quickly and efficiently label bottles or bulk order packaging. 

This robust system has a plate aluminum chassis, PLC controller, and remote mount interface. A peel-tip label gap sensor and highly accurate stepper drive ensures precise label placement every time.

Contact us for questions or to request a personalized demo of our bottle labeling machines.

Healthcare Labels

In healthcare, labels can be used to convey everything from dosages to patient information. Hard to read or inaccurately applied labels can cause communication errors, increase the risk of mistakes during treatment, and make it harder to properly identify patients. 

Because of their importance to patient safety, healthcare labels are heavily regulated with unique requirements for material and label size. This can pose a challenge for healthcare companies that need to improve efficiencies without sacrificing quality; fortunately, there are solutions that help users produce high-quality labels at a low cost.

Here’s what you need to know about healthcare labels:

What are healthcare labels?

Healthcare labels cover a wide range of labels in the healthcare industry, including labels for pharmaceuticals, medical devices, lab equipment, and medical forms. 

Healthcare label applications

The healthcare field requires a high level of communication to ensure patients are kept safe and receive proper treatment. Labels are a popular choice for conveying important information and are frequently used on products and paperwork. Common healthcare label applications include:

  • Patient admission labels
  • Patient identification labels
  • Pharmacy labels
  • Lab labels
  • Medical device labels 

Healthcare label best practices

Best practices for healthcare labels will depend on the specific application. However, all healthcare labels should have some common features, like easy-to-read printing that won’t smudge from frequent handling and a strong adhesive. This will help the label withstand the harsh demands of healthcare environments and make sure information remains eligible. 

On the label itself, companies may want to incorporate barcodes to increase traceability and clear instructions in plain language (if patient facing). Other details will depend on what the label is being used for. 

Benefits of high-quality healthcare labels

High-quality labels clearly display information that healthcare staff and patients need for good care. This can improve transparency, reduce errors, and help streamline processes. 

Companies struggling with quality may want to consider investing in an automatic labeling solution, which can apply a broad assortment of preprinted labels that are customizable to fit your needs, including your unique supply chain process. These machines provide reliability and modularity at a low ownership cost for a strong return on investment.

Learn about automatic labeling machines for healthcare and pharmacy here.  

Best Practices and Solutions for Pallet Labels

Manufacturers are under enormous pressure to improve efficiencies while still complying with manufacturing requirements that keep processing and delivery running smoothly. High-quality labeling is a crucial part of that process because it communicates handling instructions and improves traceability in the supply chain. 

Unfortunately, many manufacturers still rely on outdated technology that lead to illegible or poorly placed pallet labels. These issues can prevent pallets from being processed efficiently or lead to errors during shipment, creating costly mistakes, and charge-backs.

High-performance labeling solutions and crisp, clear pallet labels can be used to create license plates for pallets and totes at a low cost, helping these companies improve supply chain efficiencies.

What are pallet labels?

Pallet license plate labels are used to group products for faster, more efficient processing. They typically contain information like quantities, dates, and locations to easily manage inventory and streamline tracking. 

Pallet label best practices

Pallet labels should be made of a hardy material that can withstand the harsh environments a pallet may experience as it moves through the supply chain. Labels should also be crisp with clear printing so employees and scanners can easily read the information and process it accurately. This information should include basic details like item name and quantity, as well as location data and any relevant dates.

The placement of the label is also important for efficiency. Labels that are placed in the wrong spot or not applied smoothly can make them inaccessible or difficult to read, leading to slow downs or errors in the supply chain.

This is where print and apply labeling solutions can be useful. They quickly and accurately apply preprinted labels and can be configured for a number of label applications. The labeling machine can be customized to meet the unique needs of your manufacturing process so it makes sense for your organization.

Learn more about labeling solutions for manufacturing here. 

Pallet Label Frequently Asked Questions

How do you label a pallet?

Pallets can be labeled manually or with an automatic labeling machine. A dual action tamp, swing tamp, or corner wrap label application can quickly and smoothly apply labels to moving pallets. 

Where do you put pallet labels?

According to gs1us.org, “Each pallet should have at least one barcode. It is recommended, however, that a pallet should contain an additional barcode on the adjacent side. This is especially helpful when the pallet is turned sideways in the truck or on the rack in the warehouse.”

For additional guidance on pallet labeling and compliance, visit GS1 US: Home of the GTIN and U.P.C. Barcode.

What is a LPN tag?

A LPN tag, or license plate number, are barcodes used to track a group of items. LPN tags are typically applied to pallets or totes in the warehouse for internal track and trace requirements.

Beverage Labels Guide

Creating a high-quality beverage label requires an understanding of beverage label requirements, branding, and labeling processes. 

Learn about food and beverage labeling here.

What is a beverage label?

A beverage label is used to label beverage containers such as juices, beers, wines, waters, and more. 

Labels for the food and beverage industry have unique labeling requirements, which can include specifications for label size, prominence of the label, and information printed onto the label itself.  

What needs to be on a beverage label?

The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) food labeling guide notes that the principal display panel (PDP) must contain the statement of identity (name of the food) and the net quantity statement (amount of product).

To the right of the PDP is the information panel, which includes: 

  • the name and address of the manufacturer, packer, or distributor
  • the ingredient list
  • nutrition labeling 
  • any required allergy labeling

What is required on a beverage label also depends on the type of beverage you are labeling. Wine labels, for example, must include the appellation of origin, brand name, class or type designation, and the percentage of foreign wine, if applicable. Beverages that claim to contain juice, meanwhile, must declare the percentage of juice. 

Learn more about food labeling requirements here.

Types of beverage labels

Types of beverage labels include pressure-sensitive labels, shrink sleeves, and labels that can be stuck on with adhesive. The beverage label that works best for your business will depend on your beverage and the type of container you’re using to bottle it.

Beverage label best practices

Beverage labels should be crisp, clear, and easy to read. The design should reflect the product brand and help differentiate it from others in the market. Labels should be aligned with the beverage container and applied neatly to provide the best user experience and prevent supply chain issues when scanning barcodes.

Benefits of using high-quality beverage labels

High-quality beverage labels will help your product stand out on crowded marketplace shelves and convey your differentiators. 

Unfortunately, printing and applying these beverage labels can be expensive and time-consuming when done by hand. Companies struggling to create high-quality labels may want to consider investing in a print and apply labeling machine, which can print eye-catching labels and apply them automatically to your beverage containers. This is a quick, repetitive process that reduces human error and is much more efficient than manual application. 

Labelers for food and beverage applications are designed to print a broad assortment of clear, crisp labels with all relevant information. Although these types of machines require an initial investment, print and apply labelers provide a strong ROI by working faster and more accurately than traditional methods, resulting in fewer costly errors that slow down production. Certain brands of labelers, like the ones through Paragon Labeling, can also be configured to label a variety of products, from the beverage containers themselves to the cartons used to deliver bulk orders.