Aclara Meters Case Study – Solving the 15-Year Outdoor Labeling Challenge

Client: Aclara Meters (formerly GE Meters)
Industry: Utilities / Meter Manufacturing
Challenge: Develop a long-lasting outdoor color label solution with on-demand printing
Solution Partner: PaladinID

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The Challenge

Back in 2008, GE Meters (now Aclara Meters) approached PaladinID with what seemed like a simple request: help implement an on-demand labeling system. But there was a catch.

The real challenge? They needed color labels that could last outdoors for at least 15 years, enduring extreme environmental conditions like direct sunlight, humidity, snow, and high heat. At the time, no existing label technology could meet those requirements—and PaladinID was the seventh label vendor they approached.

Rather than walk away, we leaned in.

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The PaladinID Approach

At PaladinID, we pride ourselves on tackling the most difficult labeling problems. We assembled a dedicated team—including a chemist—to take on the challenge. Over the next 18 months, we worked tirelessly through a rigorous cycle of trial and error, testing, and formulation.

Ultimately, we engineered a proprietary fade-resistant ink system capable of standing up to global weather extremes. Our breakthrough became the first flexographic outdoor ink for labels designed to last 15 years or more.

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The Solution

With the ink challenge solved, we helped Aclara implement a complete on-demand labeling system:

• Printers: Zebra industrial thermal transfer printers
• Software: BarTender for Windows by Seagull Scientific
• Labels: Over 50 custom sizes, materials, and color combinations
• Ink: PaladinID’s proprietary outdoor-grade preprinted inks

This solution allowed Aclara to print high-quality, variable-data labels in-house, on demand, without compromising durability or color integrity.

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The Result

Today, Aclara operates over 150 Zebra printers across their facilities, printing labels in dozens of formats for products installed outdoors across the globe. Their labels remain vibrant and legible—year after year, in any climate.

What began as an impossible request became a market-first innovation. Thanks to this collaboration, Aclara continues to lead with efficiency, reliability, and confidence in every label they apply.

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Why PaladinID?

At PaladinID, we specialize in solving complex labeling challenges—from custom materials and adhesives to high-performance inks and labeling systems. If you’re facing a labeling problem no one else can solve, we’re ready to step in and deliver.

📞 Let’s talk. Call us at 888.972.5234 or visit PaladinID.com to schedule a discovery call.