pill bottle labeling

How to Automate Your Pill Bottle Labeling

by Shane

The pharmaceutical industry has strict standards and regulations regarding the packaging and labeling of over-the-counter pill bottles for consumers. Different products have different requirements, and prescription pill bottles are no exception to those regulations.

The FDA  labels for all over-the-counter (OTC) medicines (available without a prescription) to have a Drug Facts label. The Drug Facts label was created to reduce confusion by standardizing usage and safety information to be more understandable for the average consumer.

Untitled design (6)

Drug Facts label must clearly show and state the following information in order:

Name of the product

  • Table of Drug Facts
  • Product’s active ingredients
  • Purpose of the product
  • Intended uses of the product
  • Specific warnings for products such as side effects and activities to avoid
  • Dosage instructions, including when, how, and how often to take
  • Products inactive ingredients (inactive ingredients may include allergens)

With so much mandatory information and branding to display on pill bottles, the labels are often very text heavy and with small font sizes. Some companies use extended content labels (ECLs) to keep their labels readable while still complying with health and safety information requirements. Extended content labels come in many different forms but the most common ECLs are Peel-back and Booklet labels.

Peel-back labels lay flat on the packaging and then peel away to reveal more information on the back. Booklet labels are much more extensive, both in size and the amount of information it can hold. The booklets provide several pages of information while using very little surface area with the pages laying flat as a booklet on the package until unsealed and unfolded.

Extended Content Label - Peel-back

ECL_booklet

Pharmaceutical companies must adhere to strict product labeling regulations, and with the abundance of vital information on pill bottle labels, the utmost care and precision is vital. The company’s credibility also lies in a successful labeling process. Skewed and improperly labeled pill bottles can make customers question the company’s professionalism and credibility.

There are many different ways to label pill bottles and the right method depends on the pill bottle’s size, type of label, and the labeling machine.

Wrap Labeling

Wrap labeling is the ideal labeling method for most pill bottle labeling. As the technique’s name implies, the label wraps around the pill bottle. One belt rolls the label off of the backing and holds it against the bottle. The other belt spins the bottle over the label. These two actions move the container forward while applying the pressure needed to create a tight bond with the label adhesive.

Another version of the technique uses rollers to move and secure the labels onto the bottles. The pill bottles travel on their side down a roller conveyor to the labeler which sits over the top of the conveyor. The labeler dispenses a label when it senses the bottle and the rolling motion of the bottle wraps the label around the bottle. A roller helps secure the label as it travels down the roller conveyor.

As long as the labels do not need to be placed on a certain part of the bottle, wrap labeling is one of the most effective and fast ways to label a large amount of bottles as the technique uses the motion and momentum of the bottle to label.

Hand holding Pill bottle in pharmacy

Automation Solutions for Pill Bottle Labeling

Booklet to Web

The Booklet to Web System is ideal for creating extended content labels as it is explicitly designed for booklets. Booklets can be difficult to label accurately as they commonly skew as they travel down the conveyor for labeling. The Booklet to Web System uses the proven and patent Lead Edge Registration technology to eliminate this problem.

Hard carcass belts pull the rigid folded edge of the booklet forward into lugs to quickly square the products with accuracy and precision that carries into the final placement onto the web. This avoids pushing against the open trailing edge of the ECL, which may not properly register the products. With the ability to be mounted directly onto a web printing system, the Booklet to Web system easily integrates into existing lines for more productivity.

The MFT Impresso Bottle Labeler

After the booklet is integrated into the label, the label can be applied to the bottle easily with a labeler. The MFT Impresso Bottle Labeler system is also recommended for peel-back labels and normal labels. The MFT Bottle Labeler aligns and applies labels with consistent pinpoint accuracy. The MFT Impresso Bottle Labeler’s adaptable design is configurable to label pill bottles of all sizes and even rectangular or irregularly shaped ones. The labeler handles labels of varying sizes up to eight inches, from large bottles to smaller bottles.

The robust labeler includes customizable computer controls, a 1000-watt brushless servo motor for unwind and rewind, and durable stainless steel shafts to provide maximum life expectancy. If larger production requirements are needed, the MFT Impresso Bottle Labeler is highly mobile and easily integrates with third-party components.

 

MFT Automation: Your Solutions Partner

MFT Automation has over 25 years of experience in the automation industry helping thousands of customers design, build, and integrate high-performance solutions. Our success is made possible by our engineering-oriented and customer-driven approach to finding the best automation solution for a customer’s application. With an expansive catalog of standard robust equipment that can easily be integrated into existing production lines or its own stand-alone solution. We focus on tailoring the solution to the application and not the other way around.

MFT Automation has an abundance of in-house resources that include Mechanical, Electrical, and Software engineers, and a machine shop with modern CNC and lathe machine tools. Our connections and partnerships allow for limitless opportunities and resources to create the perfect system. We work with customers from the first solution draft to integration to installation and training. Contact us with your latest labeling automation challenge, online or call us at 1-651-427-1255.

UPC Label barcode

How to Automate your UPC Labeling and Tracking Process

by Shane

Keeping track of inventory is one of the top priorities of internal operations for any business. A common way stores and companies track inventory is with barcodes which can be scanned to identify the product and its price. With barcode labels, products can be tracked from production to the point of sale, or even to contact a customer if there is a major recall on the product. There are two major types of barcodes used in the world.

Universal Product Codes (UPC)

Universal Product Code (UPC) is a unique 12-digit number assigned to a product or item by the Global Standards Organization (GS1). The GS1 manages global barcode standards, as companies cannot create their own UPC numbers. UPCs are widely known as the primary way businesses track inventory. The basis for UPCs was created by a group of trade associations from the grocery industry to increase efficiency while stocking shelves and decreasing check-out times at their grocery stores. Now, each industry dictates its own requirements for the UPCs. Though not legally required, UPCs are usually necessary to sell through traditional retailers and online marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, and more.

UPCs are made up of a country code number (the code for USA and Canada is zero (0)), a company number code, and a product number code. With these parameters, there are billions of UPCs in the world with each company having hundreds to thousands of UPCs in its inventory. Each product and its variations need its own unique UPC code. For example, for every t-shirt design, there are size variations from extra small to extra large, meaning a company needs five UPCs (one for each size) for just one t-shirt design.

International Article Numbers (EAN)

The rest of the world uses International Article Numbers (also known as European Article Numbers or EANs) to track their products. With the popularity of UPCs growing in other countries, EANs were created to increase the number of codes for the different European, Asian, and African countries. The GS1 organization also assigns the EANs to companies.  EANs have 13 digits and countries have specific codes while the USA and Canada’s country code is zero (0). Multinational companies can have both UPCs for their products sold in USA and Canada and EANs for products sold internationally.

Best UPC Practices

The main advantage of barcodes is their scannability, made for quick data capture and unobtrusiveness on the packaging. The barcode has to be readable otherwise it will not scan and important data tracking data can be lost. Let’s quickly cover some best practices and standards for your UPC labels:

 

To guarantee readability, UPCs must follow specific design standards. First, The area on the left and right side of the UPC barcode is required to be free of all printing. This area is known as the ”Quiet Zone”. Quiet zones are required on both ends to read the barcode from either direction to prepare the scanners for the barcode and tell the scanner when to stop.

 

The level of contrast between the background and barcode bars is important to maintain readability. In the same vein as contrast, the transparency of the package can cause problems. Transparent packaging, such as plastic bags or containers can be problematic as barcodes have trouble being read on the transparent material. It’s recommended that the background of the UPC on transparent packages be opaque white to increase the contrast with the dark bars.

 

The standard size of a UPC code is 1.469 inches wide by 1.02 inches high, including all the numbers on the bottom. The maximum recommended size, 200% of the standard size, is 2.938″ w x 2.04″ h. The minimum recommended size is 80% of the standard size or 1.175″ w x .816″ h.

 

The best location to place UPC barcodes on the product is anywhere that is easy to scan and find. Generally, UPCs are located on the bottom or backside of a product so the barcode doesn’t conflict with the packaging design. Though recent advancements in sensor and scanning technologies have boosted a new design trend of creatively incorporating the barcode into the packaging’s design. These vanity barcodes are still functional but they come in odd shapes and different colors and extraneous designs. But most companies stick to the standard design and many industries set their own specific standards for design and location.

 

Labeling

Large companies with mass-marketed products often integrate UPCs into the packaging design but small businesses might not have the resources. Labeling is a fast and cost-effective way to apply UPCs to your products. MFT Automation has a wide range of high-performance labelers for automating your UPC and barcode labeling process. From high-speed labelers to print and apply labelers, MFT Automation has a barcode labeler to fit your labeling needs. Compact and modular, our labelers are built to seamlessly integrate into existing production lines.

Impresso Series

MFT Automation’s Impresso Labeler is small and compact for maximum flexibility and can be easily integrated into existing production lines or exist as a piece of standalone equipment. The state-of-the-art, high-performance labeler features a 1000-watt brushless servo motor for efficient unwinding and rewinding and durable stainless steel shafts provide maximum life expectancy.

High-Speed Modular Series

Most companies have a high volume of products to label with barcodes and UPC labels. A high-speed barcode label applicator will help you keep up with demand. With independently powered, synchronized servo drive motors for unwind, rewind, and drive, the High Speed Modular (HSM) series can function at high speeds while maintaining accuracy and precision while placing labels. Flexible and compact, the HSM series can be easily integrated into existing systems or be a standalone piece of equipment without sacrificing space in your production lines.

Print and Apply Labeler

The MFT Print and Apply Labeler system prints and adheres labels to most flat surfaces from packaging, and cartons to folders, pouches, and more.  Print and apply labeling is a good technique for barcode labeling as it can print UPC and barcode labels on demand. The system has a modular design with the ability to use different print engines for the customization of print quality. Customization gives the option to match the printing engine to a customer’s existing print engine so there is no learning curve in maintenance for a new print engine, making it perfect for labeling applications.

Track and Trace System

Integrate one of our high-performance labelers into our innovative Track and Trace system. The Track & Trace system offers turnkey product handling for serialization coding/printing, and an inspection and rejects system providing a trackable data file. A powerful infrared sensor allows for accurate count using double-detect and overlap detection. This integrated manufacturing system is equipped with a highly adaptable software package that ensures flexible and precise controls.

MFT Automation

MFT Automation has been helping customers design, build, and integrate high-performance automation solutions for over 25 years. MFT Automation’s equipment, systems, and services are known for their flexibility, accuracy, and performance. Our success is made possible by our engineering-oriented and customer-driven approach to finding the best possible automation solution for customers’ applications.

With an abundance of in-house resources including Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, and a machine shop with modern CNC and lathe machine tools, we work with customers from the first solution draft to installation and integration. Contact us with your latest automation challenge, online or call us at 1-651-427-1255.

MFT Automation's High speed labeling

The Best Automated Labeling Method for High Speed Labeling

by Shane

Manually labeling products works fine at a small production volume but once production increases even slightly, labeling becomes a monumental and tedious task. Automating a labeling system can seem like a daunting investment but the increase in productivity and savings on wages makes the return on investment worth it. Depending on the application, budget, and demand, high-speed labeling is a valuable option for companies to increase their productivity. High-speed labeling is an option for most applications, including labeling boxes, bottles, scratch-off games, Unique Device Identification (UDI) codes, Universal Product Codes (UPC), and more.

 

There are several automatic labeling methods, but which one is best for high-speed labeling?

Print and Apply Labeling

Comparatively to other labeling techniques, which use pre-printed labels on a roll, the Print and Apply technique has the labels printed on demand and then applied to the product. Depending on the application, Print and Apply labelers use the wipe-on or tamp-on techniques to apply the labels. But printing new labels for every product, in most cases no matter how fast the printer, slows the labeling process down compared to pre-printed labels on a roll. The Print and Apply method is not recommended for high-speed labeling applications. 

Tamp Labeling

The Tamp label application uses air and a tamp pad to apply labels. The Tamp technique uses vacuum suction to hold the label to the tamp pad until the product arrives underneath via a conveyor belt. The tamp pad presses the label onto the product as it passed on the conveyor belt. With the tamp technique, the smaller the label the faster the tamp pad can place the label. MFT Automation’s Smart Tamp technique accommodates for variation of heights of boxes with a spring-loaded tamp pad that adjusts to the needed height.

 

Dispense and Wrap Labeling

The dispense and wrap labeling technique is used when wrapping labels around a product. It is most commonly used for labeling cylindrical products such as bottles of varying sizes, vials, and straight-sided buckets. The product is initially captured in a wrap belt with a stationary backup pad or 3-roller configuration and begins to rotate. While rotating, the label is dispensed off the peel plate in-between the rotating device and the product.  The label is fully adhered to during the rotation of the product.  While the dispense and wrap technique is the most efficient and accurate way to label cylindrical products, it is not the most efficient or effective way to label non-cylindrical products.

Wipe On Labeling

Wipe-on is a commonly used pressure-sensitive labeling technique. The label is applied while the product is moving and the label applicator itself often matches the speed of the product as it travels down the conveyor. As the product reaches the labeler, it dispenses the label off the peel plate and the label is wiped onto the product. This labeling technique is often used for oval, square, rectangular, and some irregularly shaped products. Wipe-on is the preferred method for high-speed applications due to its simplicity.

Challenges with High-Speed Labeling

 

Accurate placement of labels is often a top priority in labeling applications. While wipe-on labeling has the most accurate placement rate of the methods, the high speeds still affect it. Accuracy is dependent on many factors including, maintaining constant tension on the roll of labels as it unwinds to dispense the labels. The tension comes from the dancer arms that maintain tension during unwinding/rewinding of the label roll. High-Speed labelers utilize strong motors to respond quickly to rapid changes in dancer arm position, maintaining tension at high speeds for accurate placement at the peel plate. Accuracy is also dependent on the labeler’s ability to adjust speeds quickly to match the variable speed of the conveyor belt. Adjusting speed can put a lot of strain on the motors as they have to react quickly to match the speed of the conveyor and products. 

 

At high speeds, label rolls tend to be finished faster than when labeling at normal speeds. To keep up with the rate the rolls are used up, companies try to solve the problem by buying rolls with more labels. But just finding the largest roll of labels possible can be dangerous. If the roll of labels exceeds the labeler’s capacity it can have major consequences. Overworking the drive motors can shorten the lifespan of the motor as well as the other parts of the machine. There is also a high risk of damaging the labeler structure with an overweight label roll. 

103 HSM+ Labeler

The 103 High-Speed Modular (HSM) Labeler is a high-performance labeler built for high-speed labeling applications. Equipped with three independently powered synchronized servo drive motors for unwinding, label placement, and rewind, the 103 HSM quickly adjusts labeling speed to match the speed of the product as it travels down the conveyor. Speed matching is vital for accurate label placement. Three motors also distribute the load and increase the labeler’s load capacity. Designed for flexibility, this small, compact labeler works as a stand-alone piece of equipment or can easily be integrated into existing production lines.

 

With over 25 years of experience innovating high-performance automation solutions, MFT Automation is your solution partner for your next automation challenge. Equipped with a diverse team of mechanical, electrical, and software engineers and a modern machine shop, MFT Automation works with you every step of the way from design concept to integration, to create the best solution for your application. Contact us for your next labeling project.

Know Your Limits: What is an Automatic Labeler’s Load Capacity?

by Shane

In factories across the world, billions of products are being labeled before they go to customers. From warning labels on medical packaging to nutrition labels on food labeling, or Unique Device Identification codes on pharmaceutical drug packaging, labels are used for aesthetics but also to convey vital information to the customer. In any industry, customers look to labels to be applied in a neat and orderly fashion otherwise the product could come across as unprofessional or untrustworthy.

Where to Use Hygienic vs Washdown for Better Food Safety

by Shane

In the food and beverage industry, food safety is a top priority. Keeping a sanitary environment at all stages of the food packaging process is vital for the safety of customers and the bottom line of the business. A joint study by the Food Marketing Institute and Grocery Manufacturers Association found that on average food recalls cost food companies $10 million in direct costs, this number doesn’t even include the damage to the brand’s reputation and the loss in sales while the company works to regain public trust. Investing in food safety as a business could save millions of dollars in legal damages in the long run.

Labeling on the Production Line: 5 Successful Ways to Print

by Shane

When identifying which print and label options to use on your production line, there are a few factors you should keep in mind before making your decision. The first is your business model; you’ll want to be sure the printer and label application you choose supports your company’s processes and offers an opportunity for profit. You’ll also want to take into consideration the type of product or products the label will be printed on. The needs of your product(s) should directly influence which print/labeling method is right for you.

In this blog, we dive into the top five print and label methods to consider adding to your production line. Integrating equipment into your automation process that supports these efficient labeling and printing techniques is an excellent way to increase efficiency, output, and quality on your production line.

3 Techniques for Successful Automatic Label Application

by Shane

If you’re looking to learn more about proven labeling techniques for automatic labeling and what’s needed for your label applicators, this blog is a great place to start. While there are many techniques in the industry, wipe-on labeling, tamp label applicators, and blow-on labels are three techniques we recommend for successful automatic labeling. Let’s dive into each technique with a bit more detail.

1. Wipe-on Label Applicator
Sometimes referred to as “merge” labeling; wipe-on labeling is where a label is dispensed in the same direction of flow as a product when a label is being applied. This is an automatic labeling technique that is widely used in the industry but requires precise set-up for optimal production speeds and quality output. It is also used for products with irregular shapes and surfaces that are not flat (source).

Wipe-on label applicators typically require the base product to be moving and consistently presented to the labeler. While the product moves towards the labeler, a free rotating roller or brush is used to aid the transfer of the label onto the moving product. From there an encoder can be used to track the speed of the product the label will be applied to so the labeler can apply accurately if the product speed might vary.

For this technique to be successful, your automatic labeler should have either a single axis or multiple axis motor. A single motor will assist with unwind, rewind, and drive; however, it will likely require clutching mechanisms for the unwind and rewind functionality. Whereas a multiple axis motor separately powers the unwind, rewind, and drive.

High-Speed Applications
For wipe-on labeling applications requiring higher speeds, a vacuum box or powered unwind may be implemented. (See the third technique to learn more about vacuum/blow boxes and blow-on labeling.) To meet these high-speed and tight accuracy requirements, a second stage may be added to the labeler such as:

Vacuum belt with motor drive: this option allows the label to be dispensed with the adhesive open (non-adhesive side facing the vacuum belt). The vacuum belt can then adjust position or speed to accurately apply the label such as using Multifeeder’s Accutipping controls.
Driven rotary vacuum wheel: this can transfer the label from the labeler to the product in a second stage for added speed or accuracy, similarly using servo controls such as Multifeeder’s Accutipping controls.
2. Tamp Label Applicator
A tamp applicator is a contactless technique for applying smaller labels on products. It is most commonly used on print and apply labelers; however, this technique can also be used on wipe-on label applicators for 3D products or hard-to-reach label placements (i.e. recessed areas). MFT 150pa Print and Apply Automatic Label Applicator

Tamp labelers place the label onto an air cylinder tamp pad or vacuum tamp pad before placing the label onto the product. As the product moves down the conveyor, a pressure sensor (such as Multifeeder design) can be used to indicate if the tamp pad comes into contact with the product. This is especially valuable for variable height products or more intricate products. Such products may also benefit from a complex tamp pad that can place a corner label on more than one surface.

To support a complex tamp pad, a second air cylinder or a hinge (spring-loaded or gas shock) may be required for the second side. A pneumatic style smart tamp or heavy-duty smart tamp could also be used to prevent any tweaking or sensitivity to dirt; learn more about the smart tamp we use in the MFT 150pa Print and Apply Automatic Label Applicator. Additionally, a tamp pad may feature vacuum to hold the label while an airblast is used to release the label onto the product.

3. Blow-on Label Applicator
This sophisticated technique is sometimes used to replace the industry-favorite wipe-on labeling; although it is slightly less precise. Blow-on label applicators use a controlled blast of compressed air to place labels at high application rates. (source 1, source 2). This technique is commonly used for blow labels on coupons and other high-speed applications that require a contactless application (i.e. glass or other fragile products).

A blow box or vacuum box can be used in a similar way when paired with a wipe-on labeler. Oftentimes the vacuum/blow box uses a muffin fan to create a vacuum effect by holding the label to the bottom surface of the transfer device. The wipe-on labeler will index the label onto the bottom surface of the vacuum/blow box, which is then held in place by vacuum. When a product traveling below the box gets to the location the label is to be applied, an air blast releases the label onto the product below. This feature allows the labeler to be placed either in-line or perpendicular to the base product flow depending on label orientation requirements.

Defining which automatic labeling technique is best for your product or application can depend on a series of variables. If you’re interested in learning more about these techniques and other labeling solutions for your product, we’re happy to help. Get in touch with one of our automation and labeling experts by contacting us here or check out some of our labelers here.

Send samples of your labels and base product to us for a complimentary evaluation and test video. Click the button below to get started.

Tags: Labelers, Integrated Systems

Integrated Systems and Components Image

5 Types of Equipment That Will Improve Your Automation Process

by Peter Nordling

The success of your production line dependent on the technology and equipment you invest in to support it. And with the right automation process and equipment, your company could see increased production efficiency and substantial return on investment. 

This probably isn’t new information to you. Surely, if you invest in packaging automation, your packaging process and production rates should increase. But the question here isn’t why should you invest in automation equipment, it’s what equipment is worth the investment? To learn more about the top five pieces of automation equipment that support increased product output, keep reading. 

1. Friction Feeders

Friction Feeders are our bread and butter when it comes to automation solutions. These machines consistently feed products with speed and accuracy down your production line. When paired with other automation equipment, we’ve seen friction feeders increase product per minute output tenfold. That’s an automation process production rate you can’t beat. A friction feeder should be a core component of your production line if you’re aiming to increase output and production rates.

 

AUTOMATIC DROP TABLE (ADT)

2. Automatic Drop Table

The Automation Drop Table or drop feeder batch, accumulate, square, and drop accurate counts of a variety of products. This user-friendly accessory integrates with MFT Friction Feeders like the MFT IP 250 XED, MFT IP 350 XED and MFT IP 550 XED. Its sophisticated algorithms ensure consistent and precise operation, even in the most demanding applications. Companies in the pharmaceutical industry, contract packaging, or print industry have found this accessory essential to their increased product output. 

HIGH SPEED COLLATOR (HSC)

 

3. High Speed Collator

If you’re looking for a packaging efficiency solution, the High Speed Collator (HSC) is an accessory you’ll want to incorporate into your automation process. When paired with MFT friction feeders or labelers and an Automatic Drop Table, the HSC quickly becomes a powerful automated packaging system. The seamless design of this lug conveyor allows it to integrate with barcode scanners, wrappers, cartoners, vision systems, and more! 

 

4. Labelers Machine

Another efficient piece of equipment that adds value and speed to your production line is a labeler machine. Some labeler machines, such as the Impresso Labeler, fit into small production areas and yet still require the same durability and life expectancy as other labelers on the market. Today’s production environment demands speed and accuracy unlike we’ve ever experienced. But, investing in a labeler machine for your automation process can be the solution you’ve been looking for to help meet those demands.

 

SHINGLING CONVEYOR (SC)

5. Shingling Conveyor

When looking for packaging efficiency solutions, the shingling conveyor is an accessory that can help with your production line flow. This piece of automation equipment adds extra production capacity and allows for increased up-times, improving production line efficiency. The shingling conveyor is often integrated with MFT Friction Feeders, High Speed Collators, and Vacuum Track Conveyors to increase product output. 

 

The best place to start before evaluating your automation equipment is to start with your automation process. First, identify the problems and challenges your process faces that would improve product output and ROI if addressed. Next, find a piece of equipment or an accessory that can reduce the impact of your problems and/or eliminate them completely. 

As you continue to improve your automation process with new equipment, we hope you keep our team in mind. They’re standing by to help you get started on your evaluation and unleash the packaging and processing potential your production line holds. 

Get In Touch Multifeeder Technology
Cannabis Labeling Blog

5 Things You Need For Successful Cannabis Labeling in 2021

by Shane

The cannabis industry is a multi-billion dollar industry that has no intention of slowing down. It’s estimated that by 2022, the legal-marijuana industry could impact the economy by $77 billion (source). If you’re in the business of cannabis production, you’ll inherently need to think about the role packaging plays in your process. With packaging comes the need for cannabis labeling and safety protocols. This blog shares a few of the steps, products, and equipment worth trying for cannabis labeling. Above all, we hope one of these steps helps you to have a blooming business in 2021. 

1. Identify a Concentrate Container

Cannabis ConcentrateFirst, you’ll need something to contain your cannabis. For concentrated versions of the plant, cartridges and containers are common options. Versions of these concentrate packaging may include glass concentrate containers, vape cartridges, oil cartridges, AVD cartridges, and Ccell cartridges. However, there are many options for this step. 

2. Choose a Packaging Method

Secondly, you’ll want a way to transport and seal the container. To do this, you’ll need to figure out a plan for your packaging. A few commonly used products for packaging include flattened cartons, product free pouches (like a mylar bag), and round containers (similar to a pill bottle), or cartridge blister packaging.

3. Invest in Tamper Evident Labels or Stickers

Thirdly, you’ll want to seal your concentrate containers and packaging properly. You can do this by applying a tamper evidence dispensary label or a paper sticker label to the product and/or package. These small labels help protect the integrity of your product. By utilizing tamper evident labels or stickers, you’ll ensure your customers, product, and company are safe from anything harmful.

4. Select a Packaging Labeler

Impresso Labeler and Feeder System

Finding a label machine that can properly place your dispensary labels is key to producing more products, selling more products, and keeping your brand standards in place. When searching for a cannabis label applicator it’s important to know if you can feed your packaging through the labeler with ease and precision. Doing a FAT or Factory Acceptance Test will help you confirm this and ensure the performance is up to par. This also ensures you’re investing in a packaging labeler that actually works for your product. 

Oftentimes the label applicator will place the tamper evident labels or stickers on the product for you automatically — saving you time and money. When pairing the labeler with a feeder system, you’ll ensure your cannabis production is fully automated and secure. There are even hygienic labelers and hygienic feeders if you’re looking to keep your space clean and sterile. 

5. Know your State’s Cannabis Labeling Laws

Finally, if you haven’t already educated yourself on the labeling laws in your state now is the time. Below are a few labeling laws for states that have legalized cannabis — more cannabis state laws can be found here (Note: Always refer to your state’s government website for updated cannabis laws).

Cannabis Industry Legality in the US

    1. Alaska Cannabis Labeling Laws
    2. California Cannabis Labeling Laws
    3. Colorado Cannabis Labeling Laws
    4. Illinois Cannabis Labeling Laws
    5. Michigan Cannabis Labeling Laws
    6. Maine Cannabis Labeling Laws
    7. Massachusetts Cannabis Labeling Laws
    8. Nevada Cannabis Labeling Laws
    9. Oregon Cannabis Labeling Laws 
    10. Vermont Cannabis Labeling Laws
    11. Washington Cannabis Labeling Laws

In conclusion, as the cannabis industry continues to flourish, so will the equipment and packaging options. If you’re wanting to increase output, improve your packaging standards, or update your cannabis production line — we have a solution that can help. Check out some of our labelers, friction feeders, and integrated systems or get in touch with us below and someone from our team will be in touch.

DISCLAIMER: The contents of the Multifeeder Technology website regulatory pages are for general information only. The information herein should not be relied upon for legal advice on state marijuana laws. We provide links to state cannabis regulatory sites; we do not vouch for or assume any responsibility for the content, accuracy or completeness of material presented in linked sites. The information presented on these pages may not reflect the most current legal developments in the marijuana industry. We disclaim all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this site to the fullest extent permitted by law.

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How To Expedite Your PPE & Medical Packaging

by Micah Collins

The coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed our way of life in 2020 — both personally and professionally. Employees are adapting to work from home policies. People are adding facemasks to their wardrobe. Companies are changing the way they do business. There’s a lot that’s changed.

For companies who manufacture and package medical supplies — we applaud you. These last six months have pushed you to adapt and accelerate production, helping millions of Americans stay safe.  But the pandemic isn’t over yet. Hospitals across the U.S. are still struggling to keep people on the front lines safe. And, the need for PPE and COVID-19 medical supplies still remains a necessity.

Together, manufacturers and equipment providers can create more of these products. One of the first steps to doing this is to automate the packaging of PPE and medical products.

Boxes and Cartons for Automated PPE Packaging

  • Facemasks
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Gloves
  • Eye Protection/Gloves

COVID-19 Products for Automated Medical Packaging & PPE

  • Test Strips (Automate packaging & batch counts)
  • Test Kit Boxes and Cartons (Automate serialization & place UDIs)
  • Disposable Thermometers (Automate packaging & batch counts)
  • Manuals & Instructions

This blog is for those who already manufacture COVID-19 supplies, and those who want to start. If this sounds like something you’re interested, we’ve identified a few ways to help you jump in head first. If you’re already producing COVID PPE or supplies but need increased output, these apply to you as well.

Test your COVID-19 Product

Have a COVID-19 product that you'd like us to test on our machines?

Get a Video Demo of Your Product

How to expedite PPE & Medical Packaging Output

1. Use accurate serialization and UDI placement

“Serialization” and “unique device identification” aren’t foreign words to medical and pharmaceutical companies. These tools help safeguard products and track them throughout the entire supply chain. This is especially important for high demand products — like COVID PPE and medical supplies — that move fast. Automation equipment that supports serialization and UDI placement can help output acceleration. In turn, it could help provide medical facilities with more of the products they need during the pandemic.

2. Automate your batch counting and banding

During the pandemic, production line employees are (hopefully) following social distancing recommendations. Meaning, manual counting and preparation of products can take longer. This can cause some serious pains when your main goal is acceleration of product output.  Automated equipment that batch counts and bands your products is a great solution. It offers limited human interaction and could offer some serious ROI right now.

3. Implement verification technologies into production

This step works hand-in-hand with step #1. Verification can be combined with serialization/UDI placement devices to create an airtight process for product traceability. Together they ensure the right product is being assigned the right code at the right time. Specific verification technologies that will help you accelerate your production include:

  • Vision systems
  • Barcode readers
  • Rejection systems

Watch the video below to see some of these in action!

4. Invest in extra labeling machines and friction feeders

For obvious reasons, you’re likely experiencing high product demand. Hiring more employees, buying equipment, or upgrading existing equipment can help. But, we recommend focusing on options two and three.

Not sure if you need new equipment or can upgrade what you have? Talk with your automation equipment manufacturer or contact our team here.

A great place to start when evaluating equipment options is to start with what you have. Next, check your equipment’s cleaning and sanitizing options. With the pandemic still in full swing, there are regulations set by the CDC and FDA that must be upheld. To help meet these, we recommend looking into CIP automation equipment — also known as hygienic equipment. Below are a couple of hygienic options that could keep your company, products, and team safer.

Our PPE & Medical Packaging Equipment

Track and Trace System

Track & Trace System
for PPE & Medical Packaging

This system offers turnkey product handling for serialization coding, printing, inspection, and rejection. It also provides a trackable data file. Learn more about the Track & Trace system here or request a quote below.

Get a Track & Trace Quick Quote

Automatic Product Loader

Automatic Product Loader
for PPE & Medical Packaging

This machine multiples the product capacity of our MFT friction feeder systems by maximizing runtime and minimizing operators. Learn more about the Automatic Product Loader here or request a quote below.

Get an APL Quick Quote

Food Labeling Machine

Hygienic Labeler
for PPE & Medical Packaging

The Hygienic Labeler 300 meets IP69K requirements and meets and exceeds IP66/NEMA4X standards. Its Clean-in-Place design also provides minimal contamination points. Learn more about the Hygienic Labeler here or request a quote below.

Get a Hygienic Labeler Quick Quote

Hygienic Washdown Feeder 600

Hygienic Friction Feeder
for PPE & Medical Packaging

This feeder is available in the 300 and 600. Both meet sanitary requirements and comply with IP66 or higher standards and NEMA4X standards.

Get a Hygienic Feeder Quick Quote