5 Unique Ways To Use A Labelling Machine For Your Products

Labelling machines are typically known for their speed, accuracy, and ability to streamline packaging processes. But beyond simply applying a standard label, modern labelling machinery offers a range of innovative and creative applications that can enhance your product offering, improve operational efficiency, and increase customer engagement.

Whether you’re in food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, electronics, or cosmetics, there are plenty of ways to think beyond the basics. Here are five unique and valuable ways you can use your labelling machine to elevate your product packaging and gain a competitive edge.

Add Personalised Information for Customised Products

One of the most exciting advancements in labelling technology is the ability to print individualised content directly onto each label. Using a print and apply labelling machine, you can integrate unique data such as customer names, product variants, flavour descriptions, or personalised messages — all in real time during production.

This is ideal for brands offering custom or limited-edition items. For example, personalised drinks, cosmetics with tailored skin-type details, or event merchandise can all benefit from labels that are specific to each item. Personalised labelling enhances consumer experience, creates memorable packaging, and encourages social sharing — a powerful tool for brand awareness.

Apply Multi-Layered Labels for Complex Product Info

If your product requires a lot of regulatory, instructional, or multilingual information, multi-layered labels — also known as piggyback labels or booklet labels — are an ideal solution. These peelable labels allow you to stack several layers of printed material without increasing the footprint of your primary label.

Labelling machines can be adapted to apply these advanced labels seamlessly, giving your customers access to detailed product content, recipes, user guides, or promotional offers, all while maintaining a clean and compact exterior design. This is especially useful for food packaging, nutritional supplements, cleaning products, or any item where space is limited but compliance is critical.

Integrate QR Codes to Connect Offline with Online

A QR code turns a simple label into an interactive customer touchpoint. With a labelling machine capable of printing variable data — such as a print and apply system — you can include dynamic QR codes that link to websites, how-to videos, loyalty schemes, or exclusive discounts.

This is a powerful tool for customer engagement, as it bridges the gap between the physical product and digital experience. For example, a QR code on a food product might direct customers to a recipe library, while a skincare product might lead to application tutorials or subscription services. The best part? QR codes can be unique to individual products, allowing for traceable analytics and more personalised campaigns.

Enhance Product Security with Tamper-Evident Labelling

In industries where product integrity and consumer safety are paramount, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or electronics, labelling machines can be used to apply security labels that visibly show signs of tampering.

Tamper-evident labelling can include destructible films, holographic seals, void patterns, or adhesive features that break when peeled. Some labelling systems can also print intricate security patterns or integrate barcodes for anti-counterfeit tracking. Applying these security elements during production not only builds customer trust but also supports compliance with safety regulations in sensitive markets.

Enable Batch Coding and Product Traceability

Batch coding and serialisation are vital for product traceability, especially in industries such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and food production. Labelling machines equipped with coding capabilities can print serial numbers, batch IDs, manufacturing dates, and expiration dates directly onto the label — either inline or just prior to application.

This real-time printing helps streamline the tracking of each item through the supply chain and supports effective recall procedures if needed. Not only does it reduce errors and improve inventory control, but it also ensures compliance with increasingly strict industry regulations.

Unlock the Full Potential of Your Labelling Equipment

Labelling machines are no longer just about applying stickers to packaging — they are intelligent, multi-functional tools that can transform your production line, enhance your branding, and improve operational efficiency.

Whether you’re looking to personalise your products, improve compliance, or integrate your labels with digital marketing strategies, investing in the right labelling machine can open up new opportunities for innovation and customer connection.

At Atwell Labellers, we offer a wide range of automatic and semi-automatic labelling solutions to suit businesses of all sizes. Our expert team can help you explore the full capabilities of your equipment and tailor a system that works for your unique product range.

By exploring these unique applications, you can maximize the value of your labelling machinery for your products. Whether it’s adding a personal touch, providing in-depth information with piggyback labels, or ensuring security with tamper-evident labels, a labelling machine can do so much more than simply label your products. For more information on how labelling machines can help your products shine, or for advice on the right equipment for your business, contact our expert team today