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Traditional label printing has long been the standard for labeling products. For decades, the technology has provided product information for businesses and consumers.
But, with the advent of direct-to-product (DTP) labeling, many companies are now turning to this newer innovation that offers better potential benefits.
The question is, does this newer technology really offer the most advantages compared to the traditional one?
Let’s break down the key differences between the two methods and find out which one is better for your business.
Traditional Label Printing
Traditional labeling refers to the conventional method of applying printed texts and images onto products’ surfaces.
The process involves designing labels, printing them using offset or flexographic, cutting the labels into desired form, and applying them onto surfaces either manually or using machines.
This method is actually suitable for high-volume production with various ranges of materials, like paper, plastic, or even foil. But, the process can be time-consuming, require wide storage space, and can generate a lot of waste.
As for the results, traditional labels can sometimes be inclined to fade and shift over time. However, it still remains the popular choice among businesses who need large quantities of printed labels.
Direct-to-Product Labeling
Unlike the traditional label printing, direct-to-product or DTP labeling is a modern method of labeling where essential information of products is directly printed onto the packaging surfaces.
In other words, this method doesn’t use adhesive labels and eliminates the process of applying labels manually by utilizing advanced technology like inkjet printing and laser marking.
This results in significant cost-efficiency and streamlines the production process, particularly for small production runs. By this function, DTP also allows for on-demand printing which makes it easier for businesses to customize labels for different products.
Using DTP labeling, the printed information of the products tends to be more long-lasting and durable. This ensures the product information doesn’t fade over time throughout the product’s lifecycle.
It offers businesses high-quality labeling with cost-efficient and flexible solutions throughout the production process.
Key Industries Benefiting from Direct-to-Product Labeling
Compared to traditional label printing, direct-to-product labeling is transforming the packaging industry with valuable benefits.
Many industries have quickly adopted the method because of those benefits, including pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, cosmetics, and electronics.
Let’s see how each of these industries benefit from DTP labeling.
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Pharmaceutical Industries
Using the DTP method becomes crucial in this industry as it can ensure high accuracy in labeling, particularly deals with sensitive and regulated pharmacy products.
Additionally, the direct-to-product approach that can directly print barcodes, batch numbers, and other essential information, helps companies to comply with stringent regulatory standards.
You can find its application in medical devices, medicine bottles, etc. where clear and readable labels are crucial for safety and batch number tracking.
Read About: Beyond the Label: The Hidden Benefits of Batch Number Tracking
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Food and Beverage
The use of DTP in food and beverage industries is significantly beneficial for providing fresh and high quality products.
DTP also allows for flexibility by enabling quick adjustments to certain product labels without the need to reprint the entire labels.
It makes DTP an especially great choice for meeting fast-paced demands, regulatory requirements, and seasonal variations while reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
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Cosmetics
The cosmetics industry benefits from DTP’s ability to print high-quality, long-lasting labels that won’t easily fade over time.
It also benefits from fast changes of seasonal products for bottles, tubes, skincare containers, hair care products, and many more.
Since DTP does not need separate adhesive labels, this method can reduce the risk of labels fading which is highly important for cosmetics products with frequent handling.
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Electronics
In electronics industries, DTP is applied to mark batch or lot numbers directly onto the products. This is essential for ensuring traceability without the need for additional sticker labels, resulting in more durable markings.
It is commonly applied in vehicle parts and electronic devices without impacting the products’ function.
Direct Printing or Traditional Labeling?
When deciding to choose between traditional label printing and direct printing, you need to consider the distinct advantages depending on your businesses specific needs.
Basically, direct-to-product labeling offers more flexibility and cost-efficiency with great results for long-lasting labels. However, it may require higher investments in the initial application.
By contrast, traditional labeling offers lower setup costs for a variety of materials. Despite being more affordable initially, this method is harder to update and less durable, which can lead to more waste.
So, which one is better?
If you want more sustainable yet faster options, choose direct printing as it is ideal for industries where products’ durability becomes your priority. But, traditional labeling is more suitable if you are dealing with long production runs since labeling costs are lower per unit.
Get the Best Labeling Technology with the Top Coding & Marking Specialist
Direct-to-product and traditional label printing both provide distinct advantages for packaging industries. Ultimately, choosing the best option depends on your production type, volume, and branding vision.
If you still find it hard to choose the right one, let Markcom Global help you! As the leading coding and marking specialists in Indonesia, we are always ready to support your labeling needs with the best technology in the industry. Get support now!
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