On-Demand Color Labeling Explained: How to Enhance Efficiency & Reduce Costs

On-Demand Color Labeling Explained: How to Enhance Efficiency & Reduce Costs

BY: NICK RECHT / DATE: 01/02/2025 / TOPICS: MANUFACTURING, CHEMICAL, HEALTHCARE, PHARMACEUTICAL, CANNABIS, FOOD & BEVERAGE, LABEL DESIGN, REGULATORY COMPLIANCE, COLOR LABELING

Color labeling is not a new phenomenon. Manufacturers have long understood the value of incorporating color onto their labels. From branding and marketing to product identification, the opportunities color can provide are limitless. On-demand color label printing provides a modern, flexible solution to address these challenges, giving businesses the ability to print high-quality, customized labels whenever and wherever they’re needed.

Learn more about on-demand color labeling

This blog explores the benefits of on-demand color labeling, the technology behind it, and how it drives operational efficiency while reducing costs. 

What is on-demand color labeling?

On-demand color labeling refers to the ability to print full-color labels instantly, using inkjet printers, allowing businesses to create custom labels with artwork, barcodes, variable data, and vibrant graphics as needed. On-demand color labeling enhances branding, compliance, and operational efficiency. 

How color can enhance your labels

Color can be essential in your labeling, offering benefits beyond aesthetics by enhancing communication and improving safety. 

Color labels play a critical role in highlighting bold safety warnings and drawing attention to key information. The growing focus on industry standards and regulations requiring color, such as the Global Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), cannabis labeling, and the US Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA), has made color labeling increasingly important for manufacturers. For example, GHS mandates colored pictograms for hazardous materials to help reduce workplace injuries and illnesses. 

Red diamonds on chemical labels serve as danger signs, warning people to use caution when handling the product due to its hazardous nature. 

Beyond compliance, color coding improves internal processes and customer satisfaction. It helps differentiate products like models or part sizes, streamlines material handling, and enhances retail appeal with vibrant designs. By using color systems and reducing excessive text, manufacturers can boost traceability, safety, and efficiency. 

Key benefits of on-demand color labeling

• Flexibility and reduced waste: By printing labels as needed, your business can respond to design or product changes immediately, avoiding excess label stock. This also eliminates the delays and complexities associated with replenishing pre-printed label inventory. 
• Streamlined design process: On-demand color labeling allows designers to create label files that incorporate both static and variable data, removing inefficiencies and errors introduced by multi-step processes. 
• Visual appeal: Enables you to design labels that grab customers' attention by using vibrant colors or designs, it also builds lasting brand recognition.
• Support for advanced labeling needs: On-demand color labeling solutions make it easier to incorporate color and complex layouts into label designs. This approach improves branding, enhances the visual appeal of labels, and supports regulatory compliance without the need for costly or inflexible processes.
• Enhanced accuracy: On-demand color labeling ensures your labels are always current, incorporating accurate and up-to-date data. This reduces the risk of errors, such as printing on outdated or mismatched label stock, which can occur with pre-printed labels.
• Faster response to market trends: By enabling quick adjustments to label designs, on-demand color labeling helps businesses stay flexible, whether responding to regulatory updates or consumer preferences.

With on-demand color labeling, businesses gain a powerful tool to cut costs, increase efficiency, and improve the accuracy and quality of their labeling processes.

Creating the ideal color labeling solution

Incorporating color into label designs can add complexity, making it essential to evaluate your business needs before selecting the right software, hardware, and materials to support your ideal labeling process.

First you must understand your production environment, warehousing setup, and labeling requirements. For example, a food manufacturer might need templates to quickly update ingredient labels with vibrant colors for allergen warnings, while a shipping company could require color-coded labels for easier sorting across warehouses. Then you must choose label design software; look for solutions that offer scalable options to meet your current needs and adapt as requirements grow. You should be able to select software with the functionality you need and the ability to easily upgrade to a more advanced solution as your needs change. For example, as your labeling grows more complex with an expanded product offering, you may need an enterprise label management solution to enhance automation, ensure version control, integrate with your business systems, and access advanced label management options.

When selecting a label printer, prioritize printers that balance quality and speed, ensuring they meet your label material and durability needs. You must also consider your requirements for label stock to ensure that the printer you choose will be able to print on that material using an ink type that will withstand the environment. For instance, pigment ink can create a durable image that can stand up to alcohol, acetone and other chemicals. Additionally, consider features that ensure compatibility with your label design software and include regular updates for printer drivers.

Epson’s ColorWorks label printers work seamlessly with TEKLYNX native printer drivers, delivering true WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) results.

Start your on-demand color labeling journey with TEKLYNX

Start on-demand color labeling with TEKLYNX and take your label printing to the next level. With on-demand color labeling, you can design smart label templates that include variable data and images, allowing you to print exactly what you need when you need it. Eliminate the risks of print misalignment and the waste associated with pre-printed stock by bringing labeling in-house. You can reduce label stock inventory, minimize waste, and lower total label costs.

Experience reliable and efficient on-demand color labeling with TEKLYNX. Get in touch with a labeling expert to learn how you can benefit from on-demand color labeling.

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