Craft Beer Labeling: Switch to Automatic Labeling

It’s no secret that microbrewers and taprooms have popped up everywhere in the last 15 years or more. There are over 8700 across the country. In fact, craft beer accounts for nearly 24% of the current retail beer market. Retail dollar sales in the US alone top the $22 billion mark. So, to say that the craft beer industry has exploded over the past few decades is a bit of an understatement.

Much like the booming cannabis industry, it’s likely you’ve experienced some common industry growing pains that center on labeling and production. But don’t let those growing pains deter your operations. It’s incredibly important to make sure that your labels and labeling applicators fit production needs. After all, your goal is to showcase your brand and meet demand while also maintaining compliance with alcohol regulations.

That’s why many brewers eventually make the switch from hand labeling to automatic labeling. Automatic labeling is versatile. It’s efficient. And best of all, it increases production capabilities.

Depending on the type of automatic labeling machine you choose, production can increase 200% to 300%.

And while there is certainly an upfront cost to add labeling automation to your production line, that cost is often significantly less than hiring multiple employees to adhere labels by hand.

Related: Need To Automate And Not Sure How?

Faster & Better Labels = More Beer

Many brewers are making the switch from hand labeling to automatic labeling. Automatic labeling is versatile. It’s efficient. And best of all, it increases production capabilities!

Common hurdles in the brewing industry include:

• keeping up with demand
• creating a better bottling environment
• introducing higher quality labels that elevate the brand
• increasing labeling speed and efficiency
• finding options that allow for flexibility when labeling various bottle or can sizes

Since craft brewing is increasing exponentially, bottling capabilities and labeling technologies offer an important opportunity to stay ahead of
the competition and increase brand recognition and trust.

• Do you need to label multiple products or product sizes with one machine?
• Do you need to drastically increase output?
• Are you equipped with fillers and cappers that can keep up with an automatic labeling machine?

Keep in mind that the labeling equipment you choose should complement your production setup while also allowing for further expansion down the line!

Brewery Labeling Equipment Options

Manual or Semi-Automatic Labeling Machines

When it comes to can and bottle labeling, many craft brew operations start out with manual or semi-automatic labeling machines. (The initial investment for these options is minimal, but the machines are limited when it comes to speed and consistency.)

Manual labeling machines, also referred to as tabletop hand labeling machines, require workers to apply one label at a time, which increases both the margin for error and the time it takes to label an individual product.

Semi-automatic machines, by comparison, are operated by an employee but machine-apply the labels to the cans or bottles and offer the ability to slightly decrease production times. But eventually, there comes a point when production reaches its cap and hand labeling is no longer a viable, efficient or profitable process. That point is when most craft beer makers switch to automatic labeling equipment (which can be fully customized based on the production needs of the client).

Related: Label Applicators

Getting Started

Before you dive head-first into purchasing automatic labeling equipment, be sure to spend time reviewing container considerations
and production goals. Choosing a Trusted Labeling Partner is really important. PaladinID is more than just a labeling equipment manufacturer—we partner with our customers and are ready to be there for the long haul!

We work diligently to maintain unparalleled quality standards and employ state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment along with true craftsmen. you will get the highest quality support to our customers before, during, and after the sale. We understand how to convert your needs into successful production.

If you have a labeling automation challenge that you would like solved, send us an Email or give us a call at 888.972.5234.  We love to think outside the box and welcome difficult label applications.