New On Demand Color Labeling Technology From Epson Enhances Image Quality, Speed For Decreased Total Labeling Costs

From the chemical market to the food and beverage sector, manufacturers rely on labeling solutions to enhance brand image, support product safety, comply with regulations and manage supply chain logistics.

To help manufacturers that produce a high number of SKU’s manage the chaos associated with different label varieties and meet new regulatory labeling standards, Epson America, Inc. is introducing new ColorWorks Label Printer technology at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2013 (Sept. 23-25; Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV), Booth 5963.

Epson’s latest innovation offers improved image quality and production speeds. The new technology helps reduce total labeling costs by up to 50% for a wide range of packaging and manufacturing applications.

Epson will also showcase its ColorWorks C831 Wide Label Printer at PACK EXPO Las Vegas to help chemical manufacturers and transporters comply with Globally Harmonized System (GHS) labeling standards. GHS provides a universal system for communicating physical, environmental and health hazard information. The first critical deadline is Dec.1, 2013, when the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires all employees be trained on new GHS labeling elements and Safety Data Sheet formats.

“With the first major GHS deadline less than six months away, it is not only important for companies to understand these changes but also to have the right tools on hand to manage an efficient transition,” says Andy Scherz, senior product manager at Epson. “Epson’s on demand color labeling solutions are a cost effective way to print high quality, GHS-compliant color labels and reduce overall label costs by eliminating preprinted inventory and minimizing labeling and shipping errors.”

Under the new requirements, manufacturers across several industries will need to print labels in vibrant colors to highlight potential hazards. Pre-printed color labels can also pose a challenge since the new guidelines prohibit the use of labels with empty or incomplete pictograms.

OSHA estimates that more than five million workplaces and 43 million employees will be impacted by GHS adoption at a cost of about $201 million annually. Approximately $24 million of these expenses are directly related to printing, packaging and labels for hazardous chemicals in color. For companies to overcome potential challenges, having an on demand color labeling system in place is critical.