Author: Chad S

New Craft Beer Labels Need Approval By Government Before Getting Printed

New Craft Beer Labels Need Approval By Government Before Getting Printed

Chad S

According to “Craft Breweries and Distilleries: Machinery and Automation Trends,” a new white paper by PMMI Business Intelligence, labels for new varieties of craft beer and craft spirits must be pre-approved by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TBB) before they are printed.

Many craft producers rely on third party label printers, so issues with slow government approval or label inventory shortages can slow the process of getting a new product to market.

If the product is ready and labels are not, filling must take place without labeling and then run again for labeling at a later date. Or, product must remain in the tanks, holding up the production of other inventory while the tanks are in use. In either scenario, a craft producer is losing valuable production time.

Larger volume craft producers may consider bringing label printing capabilities in-house to avoid these logistical pitfalls. One of the biggest logistical challenges for craft beer and craft spirits producers is the distribution of their products, and distribution regulations vary drastically from state to state.

The vast majority of alcohol distribution operates on the three-tier system, whereby a producer sells to a distributor, who then sells to a purveyor. Regulations vary as some states allow self-distribution, some allow self-distribution up to a certain volume/capacity, and some states disallow it entirely.

There are also 18 states that currently operate under the control of some form of an Alcohol Board, which regulates the production, distribution, and on-site sale of alcohol. Craft producers must examine each state they wish to expand into, to ensure they are in compliance with all state level production and labeling requirements.

Another challenge involved with distribution for craft beer and craft spirits producers is to remain visible on the shelf in a crowded market. Craft producers are reporting that competition is increasing so quickly that simply getting the attention of a distributor to ask a question or to add a product has become a complicated and prolonged endeavor. Said one production manager of a distillery and brewery in MI, “The consolidation in distributors has changed the game; it’s getting harder to get a distributor’s attention with more competition from distillers and brewers.”

Colorful, eye-catching labels and novel packaging are used to attract attention in the crowded market. “We are seeing more custom embossing, silk screening, and stick-ons as companies strive to stand out to consumers,” says a beer industry expert. Vibrantly colored labels can differentiate an array of packages on a shelf, while novel packaging like pouches for mixed cocktails or odd-sized cans for beer may attract a consumer’s attention.

To learn more about craft beer and craft spirits markets, download the FREE white paper below.

Source: PMMI Business Intelligence, “Craft Breweries and Distilleries: Machinery and Automation Trends.”

4 Ways To Make Professional Food Labels

4 Ways To Make Professional Food Labels

Chad S

According to a study of 2,000 people by OnePoll that was commissioned by my company, 75% of respondents noted that if the term “organic” was used in product marketing, they were more likely to purchase it, and nearly 60% would be attracted to an item that was labeled “all natural.”

The survey also found that about 20% of respondents have full trust in organic food labels for products, with 57% having only partial trust.

Organic Food Is Getting Popular

Other studies reported by the Pew Research Center underscore these findings: Americans’ desire for organic food has grown steadily over the past few decades, and the majority of Americans buy food based on product labeling.

Non Gmo, Hormone Free, All Natural, What Are These Terms?

Today, I’ve observed consumers are bombarded with buzzwords — such as “organic,” “non-GMO,” “hormone-free” or “all natural” — as they stroll up and down the grocery store aisles.

It’s true that brands are under intense pressure to sell and move their products off the shelves. Trendy words and marketing catchphrases can help attract consumers, but these phrases that imply a product is healthy (when it really isn’t) can create confusion for the purchaser and blur the lines between what is accurate and what isn’t.

  1. Focus on the long term – not fast sales – A label can sell your product, but it can also affect your reputation. Think carefully before you add the latest buzzwords to your labeling. Make sure it actually relates to your product and that the information is accurate. It’s more valuable to attract a loyal customer versus just a one-time buyer.
  2. Dont Lie or Make False Claims on Your Labels – There have been cases of brands making fraudulent claims that their food is “organic.” This is why accurately describing your products on labeling is critical.
  3. Make Your Labels Clear to read – It’s important to communicate messages about your product clearly and truthfully. For example, when buying something simple, such as a carton of eggs, the consumer is often faced with a variety of terms: “organic,” “cage-free,” “free-range,” “pasture-raised” and “certified humane.” If you aren’t familiar with what these terms mean, it’s challenging to understand the differences in these labels. I believe the current food market creates an environment that makes it difficult for consumers to understand the intricacies of the industry, which tends to keep things complicated.
  4. Work to Gain Consumers Trust, Not sales – If what you say today sells your product but results in losing the trust of your customers, they won’t be returning. While the trendy phrases found on labeling might initially attract new customers, repeat customers will not be guaranteed.

Read more..

FMCG Companies Says Sales Are Slowing in 2019

FMCG Companies Says Sales Are Slowing in 2019

Chad S

Billed as the worst sales in India in two years, chief executive officers (CEOs) of retail and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies say that the government In India will have to hit the ground running if it wishes to contain the damage.

“Rural incomes have to rise, so that the consumption slowdown in these markets is addressed,” says Kishore Biyani, founder and chief executive officer, Future Group. “A revival package for rural areas will help and with a stable government in power, I think, a lot can happen,” he says.

Suresh Narayanan, chairman and managing director, Nestle India, says, “India has consistently posted stable growth in the past few years with low inflation. However, with inflationary pressures now growing and the forecast of a below-normal monsoon, farm incomes will be affected. Giving an impetus to rural households is the need of the hour.”

American research firm Nielsen has already lowered its growth forecast for the 2019 calendar year by 200 basis points for the domestic consumer goods market, saying sentiment remains weak.

Source

The LinerLess Labels Market Is Growing Fast

The LinerLess Labels Market Is Growing Fast

Chad S

There is a new innovative method coming to the custom label industry. This new innovation is liner less labels.

These are the same Pressure sensitive labels, but without the liner. Linerless labels have 60% more labels per roll. Not only that but Linerless labels are more “green” and environmentally friendly.

Eliminating the liner also reduces on freight costs and shipping, material costs and storage costs.

Linerless labels, on the other hand, adhere to themselves. The silicone-coated labels are, essentially, their own liners. A special manufacturing process coats the back of the label with an adhesive that is easily peeled off the surface of the label beneath it yet securely grips the surface where it’s meant to go. Basically, linerless labels stick to themselves, at least until you put them in their final resting place.

You’ll cut shipping costs by 50 percent because there will be twice as many labels per box compared to standard labels.

Since it does not have a liner, more labels can be wound onto a roll: approximately 40% more per roll.

Not only are you getting more labels per roll, you’re decreasing the amount of time used for change overs, saving manufacturing cost and production time.

The disadvantages are that linerless labels are more expensive, and you will need a special printer that can smoothly print linerless labels over a silicone roller.

Another issue label converters have with linerless labels is that they have limited shapes. Like household tape, you only get either a square or a rectangle-shaped label. For some manufacturers, the lack of release liners is a downside as the label will not have something to hold it in place when die-cut.

The Global Linerless Labels Market is broken down by:

Size, Share, Growth, Analysis, Trends by Composition (facestock, Adhesives, and Topcoat), Printing Ink (Water-based Inks, UV-curable Inks, Solvent-based Inks, and Hot Melt-based Inks), Printing Technology, Application, and Region.

LinerLess Labels

These labels are hassle less, liner, and zero waste product and are available in a variety of adhesives.

The linerless label is pressure sensitive because it does not have backing paper. These labels have special release coating applied to the face of the label that allows to be wound on a roll without the adhesive sticking to the label below it.

The demand for linerless labels is growing rapidly and is projected to grow at the same pace over the forecast period owing to growing demand from the food & beverage sector.

Labels With Liners

The typical label, has a liner on it. This can produce extra waste and labor.

LinerLess Food Labels

On the basis of the printing technology, the market has been segmented into the digital printing, flexographic printing, lithography printing, offset printing, and others. Digital printing accounted for the largest market share in 2016. This printing technology offers several benefits like high quality, cost-effective solution for manufacturing well-designed linerless labels with recycling options. It uses inkjet printing to print images.

On the basis of the application, the market is further segmented into food & beverage, consumer durables, personal care, pharmaceuticals, retail, and others. The food & beverage is dominating the application segment of the global the linerless label market. Linerless labels have wide applications in the F&B industry.

The global linerless labels market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% during the estimated period, 2017-2023

Linerless Label Manufacturers

Some of the prominent players in the Linerless Labels Market are 3M company (U.S.), Coveris Holdings S.A. (U.S.), Avery Dennison Corporation (U.S.), CCL Industries Inc. (Canada), Constantia Flexible Group GMBH (Austria), RR Donnelley & Sons Company (U.S.), Gipako (Europe), Hub Labels (U.S.), Cenveo Corporation (U.S.), Reflex Labels (U.K.), General Data Company Inc. (U.S.), Skanem AS (Norway), NAStar, Inc. (U.S.), NSD Labelling Group (U.K), and Raveenwood Packaging (U.K.)

Source

Source

The FDA Wants To Make Date Labels On Food Labels Easier To Understand

The FDA Wants To Make Date Labels On Food Labels Easier To Understand

Chad S

About 1/3 of Americas Food ends up in the trash. Totaling a whopping $161 billion a year in food waste.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently sent a letter to food industry leaders urging them to standardize the phrase “best if used by” on packaged food labels.

“Imagine this: You go to your favorite supermarket and come out with three bags full of groceries,” Frank Yiannas, the FDA’s deputy commissioner for Food Policy and Response, said in a prepared statement. “Before you get in your car, you toss one of those bags in the garbage. Sound ridiculous? Of course it does, but that’s in essence what food waste looks like every day across our country.”

Further complicating the decision of whether a consumer should throw out expired food is the inconsistent language used on date labels, whether it’s “use before,” “sell by” or “expires on.”

This confusion contributes to about 20 percent of household food waste, according to the FDA.

“Best if used by” is the preferred language, since determining a food’s peak freshness isn’t an exact science. However, the idea is that the food can still be eaten after that date, even if it’s a little bit past its prime.

“Reducing food waste is a shared responsibility, and consumers have an especially important role to play,” Yiannas said. “The FDA is committed to providing the information they need to make safe and sound decisions for their family. Food is too important to waste.”

Source

Louisiana Will Eliminate Car Inspections Stickers

Louisiana Will Eliminate Car Inspections Stickers

Chad S

The House Transportation Committee approved a bill Monday, May 13 that would eliminate inspection stickers in Louisiana.

Photo Source: WAFB

Under current law, Louisiana drivers are required to get an inspection every other year. Those drivers can pay for a one-year inspection sticker for $10, or a two-year tag for $20. The custom labels are not working says city residents. They would prefer to give the money to fund the State Troopers.

Currently, Louisiana State Police collects 40 percent of the revenue each tag brings in, the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) collects another 12.5 percent, and the local inspectors collect the remaining 47.5 percent.

Stonewall Republican Rep. Larry Bagley’s bill would eliminate the inspection requirement, but essentially retain the $10 fee by increasing the registration renewal cost. The money that would go to the local inspector under the current system would instead be earmarked for LSP, allowing the agency to hire an additional 150 troopers to patrol Louisiana highways.

“When you add troopers, there are fewer crashes and deaths,” Bagley said. “Inspection stickers are not working. Adding troopers will work.”

Bagley says those additional troopers could help identify unsafe vehicles and encourage drivers to fix their issues immediately.

“If you get your car inspected today, drive out on the road, and have your windshield broken, you got two years to fix it. How is that safety?” Bagley asked the committee, which approved his bill 8 to 6. “Walk out in this parking lot and find problems with cars out there and they’ve got current inspection stickers on.”

Read more..

Stickers On Pharmacy Bags Bring Awareness

Stickers On Pharmacy Bags Bring Awareness

Chad S

Liz Tennent, project director, and Teresa Casmus, owner/pharmacist of The Medicine Shoppe, agreed that May was a great time to start a sticker campaign. Custom labels and stickers for pharmacy bags is really helping bring attention to the cause.

All the store bags distributed to customers include the YSUP logo, website and phone number. They hope to reach parents, youth and a larger audience who will be informed and engaged with YSUP Rowan.

May 12-18 was National Substance Use Awareness Week, which helped in jump-starting the sticker campaign into the summer months.“Research clearly shows that summer is a risky time for youth substance use,” Tennent said in a press release. “An average of 5,000 youth will smoke cigarettes for the first time; more than 11,000 teens ages 12 to 17 will use alcohol for the first time; and over 4,500 youth start using marijuana for the first time in June and July.”

Those statistics are from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s “Monthly Variation in Substance Use Initiation Among Adolescents.”

“Youth really need to grasp and understand the impact of substance abuse,” Casmus said. “It can preclude you from many professions and opportunities. You will be required to complete a background check and, in many cases, random drug testing. If you have a record of substance use, it will greatly limit your choices for the present and for your future.”

Read more…

Ohio Voted For A New ‘I Voted’ Sticker. See The Winner.

Ohio Voted For A New ‘I Voted’ Sticker. See The Winner.

Chad S

COLUMBUS – Ohio voters will have a new “I voted” sticker to affix to their shirts, hats and laptops and more after voting this fall.

The sticker has the words “Ohio Voted” inside a red and blue outline of the state. The letter “i” in Ohio and “voted” are in red, so the sticker says “I voted” and “Ohio voted.”

New Ohio Election Stickers

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose said the stickers will be available as early as this fall in some polling places. Stickers are bought by his office and distributed to Ohio’s 88 county boards of elections. Local elections officials will use the rest of their old stickers before transitioning to the new sticker design, so you might not get a new sticker next time you vote.

Frank LaRose called on Ohio students to submit designs for the new sticker in early 2019. More than 2,000 designs were submitted. LaRose staffers chose the three they thought were the best.

The sticker was designed by Emily Legg, a senior at Teays Valley High School in Pickaway County.

“Go out there and use your voice to vote and now you have fresh new art to wear after you vote,” Legg said at a Tuesday news conference unveiling the sticker.

More than 15,500 votes were cast online for the designs. Voters were asked to provide an email address and zip code. LaRose said it’s possible non-Ohioans falsified that information but he hoped not.

“This wasn’t just about a sticker – it was about getting young Ohioans excited about voting,” LaRose said.

Emily Legg of Pickaway County stands next to her winning design in Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s contest seeking a new “I voted” sticker. (Photo: Jackie Borchardt).

Read More..

The Term GMO shouldn’t scare you, Here’s Why:

The Term GMO shouldn’t scare you, Here’s Why:

Chad S

The term GMO shouldn’t scare you. These technologies are helping our nation’s farmers contribute to a safe and responsible food system. GM technologies also help reduce food costs at the grocery store.

If you purchase food with labels on them, you’re likely aware of genetically modified crops – also known as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), GE crops or biotech crops.

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about GMOs.  I know because I’m a farmer. 

GMO’s Are Proven Safe

Despite the fact that GMOs are proven safe, more and more grocery products are carrying labels indicating that foods are “GMO free.” These labels have a tendency to scare consumers rather than educate them on the importance and safety of this technology.

Currently only 10 GMO crops are commercially available: corn (field and sweet), soybeans, cotton, canola, alfalfa, sugar beets, papaya, squash, potatoes and apples.

Yet food manufacturers mislead consumers and spread misinformation by adding “GMO free” labels on everything from salt to bottled water — items that wouldn’t ever include GMO technology (salt doesn’t have genes!).

Food companies are hoping the labels provide them with a marketing advantage and they’ll be able to sell these products at a premium, adding to the cost for consumers.

GMOs pose no risk to human health. They’ve been commercially available for well over 20 years, and in that time have not been linked to a single illness or death.

In 2016, the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NAS) had found “no substantial evidence of a difference in risks to human health between current commercially available genetically engineered crops and conventionally bred crops.” The researchers examined hundreds of scientific papers on the subject, listened to hours of live testimony from activists and experts before coming to their conclusion.

GM crops have been tested more than any other crops and have been proven safe to consume by both people and livestock. Also, GMOs have never been found in milk, meat or eggs originating from animals that consumed GMO grains.

The World Health Organization, American Medical Association, U.S. National Academy of Sciences, British Royal Society and others have all agreed that GMO crops are safe to consume. The great thing about this research is that it was conducted by a variety of industry experts and independent organizations.

Source

Eco-Friendly Private Label Printing Grows As Businesses Go Green

Eco-Friendly Private Label Printing Grows As Businesses Go Green

Chad S

Sustainable products have a reputation for coming with a high price tag. Not only are the materials used to build sustainable packaging seen as more expensive than their nonbiodegradable alternatives, but businesses also worry that the quality and strength of the packaging itself suffers when made from eco-friendly material.

However, many companies are switching to biodegradable packaging despite its perceived challenges. Sustainable packaging has advanced to the point where biodegradable products perform just as well — if not better — than non biodegradable alternatives, and consumers are willing to reward a business that does its part to protect the environment. Not to mention, switching to sustainable packaging plays an invaluable role in reducing a business’s carbon footprint. 

As a result, businesses are increasingly embracing green packaging practices — especially retailers who want to set their private label products apart from the brands they stock. To start implementing these packaging practices, businesses must find a high-quality, durable, eco-friendly label for the product.

What Makes a Label Eco-Friendly?

Not all labels efficiently break down when discarded by consumers; labels must satisfy some important criteria before they’re certified as eco-friendly. To ensure your product labels are as green as possible, make sure to:Use recycled materials. Whether the labels are constructed from post-consumer materials or composed of byproducts from other manufacturing processes, labels made from recycled material help divert the amount of waste heading to landfills. Using recycled materials also reduces the amount of energy that it takes to construct labels and other products.

Employ green manufacturing processes. Many label manufacturing companies use specialized processes that render plastic and other materials more efficiently biodegradable. Some businesses also use specialized adhesives to make labels more easily separable from their packaging in an effort to enhance recycling process efficiency.

Incorporate renewable materials. Many companies use renewable resources like wheat, corn, and other starchy materials to make polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable adhesive that can act as an alternative to fossil fuel-based compounds. Other businesses replace tree-based papers with those made from bamboo, cotton, or sugarcane, which grow much more quickly than trees while producing the same level of quality in the end product. 

Leading Brands Are Switching to Eco-Friendly Labeling

Growing consumer interest in reducing our collective carbon footprint has inspired many high-profile, recognizable brands to switch to green labeling practices.

Walmart and Sam’s Club are making a big move toward recyclable packaging. These big-box stores have pledged to use environmentally friendly labels on all their private-label products by 2025. This will result in more sustainable packaging for more than 30,000 products, and the company hopes that its actions will set the standard for its industry peers.

Colgate–Palmolive has committed to using 100% biodegradable packaging for all its products by 2025. The brand also aims to use 25% recycled material when developing its plastic packaging. In doing so, Colgate–Palmolive seeks to reduce the amount of plastic packaging that regularly ends up in landfills and waterways.

Another corporation that’s boldly shifting to recyclable packaging is Aldi. The grocery chain recently announced a plan to switch all packaging to recyclable, reusable, or compostable material by 2025.

By next year, Aldi-brand packages will have How2Recycle labels, which instruct customers on how to properly recycle their products. Because over 90% of the products Aldi carries are privately labeled, this practice will hugely impact the amount of waste the chain produces.

Source