Talbot Chemicals manufactures detergents, disinfectants and cleaning chemicals for industry. In the past the company outsourced production of their labels, which generally tend to be large, robust labels that fit on to products such as 5L containers.
It has switched to in-house label printing to deal with various problems of outsourcing.
Major issues highlighted included long lead-times on label orders, high cost per label and overstocking, due to minimum order requirements from external companies.
Moreover, ongoing chemical regulation CLP changes can result in a large stock of labels in warehouse to become redundant, increasing waste costs; and short runs could not be purchased cost-effectively, in order to satisfy customer demands.
Talbot Chemicals has moved its entire label production in-house and has implemented digital label printing and finishing. This includes receiving raw materials, printing and cutting to size.
The company listed the key benefits:
- Cost per label reduction of nearly 40%
- Total control over labelling from design through to robustness of chemical label
- Ability to respond quickly to customer orders, no matter how small
- Reduced stock-holding offering large cost savings and less waste
- Ease of use of technology, total empowerment from printing through to maintenance.
Stephen Greenwood, Production Manager, said:
"Requirements vary and often we'll get asked to produce 20 bottles of one kind, or full pallets of 20 of one kind of label and 20 another kind.”
“We realised this was inefficient in terms of ordering minimum quantities of labels and having to store these, not to mention waiting for delivery and having to pass that extra time on to the customer.”
“We began to think outside of the box, and purchased a four colour ribbon printer 10 years ago. This was step one for us and gave us the confidence to take more control in-house.”
However, the ribbons were expensive and the company contacted Impression Technology Europe (ITE), global provider of digital self-adhesive label printers and manufacturer of label finishing machines. ITE recommended the Rapid X1 printer, which Talbot used for four years.
As technology progressed, Talbot moved onto a Compress LP4 digital label printer. The new toner printer reduced the cost of ink to half the price, said Talbot. The company state that they have saved 40% on costs per each label produced.
ITE also suggested Talbot cut its own labels to size, allowing them to order only one roll of material and cut every single label on one unit. The unit simply bolts on to the digital printer.
Talbot then invested in an Eclipse LF3 label finishing machine.
“It was a fairly bold move and significant investment, but one we definitely do not regret.”
"I think some companies might not be quite sure about how easy it is to manage your own printer and cutter. We have no issues whatsoever using the machines.”
“Convenience is a major factor for us, in addition to cost,” said Greenwood.
"We were cutting some labels out with scissors in the past! We can respond quickly now, even if it's just for one label.”
