Barcode labelling and linerless labelling are becoming more important to a wide range of industries, and TSC Auto ID is at the forefront of this, providing innovative solutions for its global customers.
With businesses in a range of sectors looking for better labelling for products, there is an emphasis, like never before, on the devices used. Manufacturers such as TSC Auto ID are responding to this need with a range of innovative devices.
TSC offers a range of innovative thermal label printing solutions. Its barcode label printing solutions include mobile, desktop, industrial, and enterprise-grade barcode label printers, RFID printers, integrated barcode label inspection systems, print engines, advanced printer software, standard and custom labels, and ribbons.
The company specialises in providing reliable, high quality label printing solutions to move products efficiently through the supply chain.
Accurate and durable
Two sectors that particularly demand accurate and durable labels are healthcare and logistics. “In healthcare, incorrect labels can lead to serious medical errors, compromising patient safety,” says Michelle Hu, director of product management at TSC Auto ID. “When hospital staff check patients at their bedside or collect samples from patients at the point of care, mobility and timely label printing are also essential.
“In addition, mobile printers align with the “on-the-go” nature of logistics operations, specific requirements may vary based on the working scenarios or environments.
“Misprinted labels can cause delivery delays, lost shipments and operational inefficiencies. Maintaining label integrity ensures compliance, traceability and the smooth flow of operations.”
TSC ensures label integrity with thermal printing by using high-quality durable label materials and strong adhesives that can withstand moisture, chemicals and temperature changes.
Its printers also use advanced technology to generate long-lasting labels and ensure high-resolution printing for clear barcodes and text.
“These help to ensure that thermal-printed labels in healthcare and logistics remain accurate, durable and reliable throughout their journey,” claims Michelle.
Mobile label printing
Demand for mobile label printing is growing, in not just the logistics and healthcare sectors, but also in others such as retail. “This is due to its flexibility, efficiency and support for real-time operations,” says Michelle. “It enables on-the-go labelling, reducing errors and increasing productivity.”
TSC offers a range of lightweight, durable mobile printers with long battery life for extended field use, with labels made from durable materials and adhesives suited to various surfaces and conditions.
Also, its mobile printers have reliable wireless connectivity (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) and integrate seamlessly with mobile devices and enterprise device management systems. TSC’s mobile printers have been designed with intuitive interfaces and comprehensive development kits, while the company offers training and support for easy implementation.
Changing trends
“While we can already meet the growing demand for mobile label printing, we’re also alive to changing trends and customer needs. We know, for instance, that customers want greater integration with mobile devices, to deliver more flexibility and cost-effectiveness,” says Michelle.
“Customers also want cloud-based solutions for real-time data access and scalability, and AI integration for improved decoding accuracy.
“There is also greater demand for advanced imaging technology with enhanced accuracy and 2D barcode adoption.
“Rugged designs for devices suitable for harsh environments are also increasingly desired by customers.”
TSC has plenty of developments in the pipeline too, such as the increasing adoption of augmented reality (AR), which can enhance user experience and training.
There is also a greater focus on sustainability. “There is a push towards eco-friendly materials and energy efficiency,” as well as extending mobile device life cycles to meet eco-design and eco-friendly practices,” says Michelle.
Enhanced connectivity will also be a priority going forward, including enhanced WIFI security and IoT integration for better performance, adds Michelle.
Linerless labelling
Linerless labelling is becoming increasingly important for many businesses, especially those that prioritise sustainability and cost efficiency.
It offers a range of benefits. “For instance, it eliminates the need for backing liners, not only reducing waste and lowering carbon footprints but also making for cleaner and safer workspaces,” notes Michelle. “It offers greater flexibility too in that the variable length labels allow for different label sizes from the same roll, reducing waste.
“There are also cost savings as there are more labels per roll, which means fewer roll changes and reduced shipping and storage costs.
“This translates to less downtime. Fewer roll changes and faster label application increase productivity.”
Demand for linerless labelling is growing in a range of sectors. “In retail, linerless labels are used for price tags, shelf labels, and promotional stickers,” says Michelle. “Being able to print labels of variable lengths without waste is particularly appealing in high-volume labelling.
“In logistics and transportation, linerless labels are used extensively for shipping, inventory tracking, and barcode labelling, as they can be easily adapted to different sizes and requirements.
“Meanwhile in food and beverage, they are used widely for labelling products in grocery stores, delis, and bakeries, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. The flexibility to print labels of varying lengths is hugely beneficial for packaging different sizes, especially fresh produce and ready-to-eat meals.
“In healthcare, linerless labels are used for labelling medications, patient records, laboratory samples and medical devices, enhancing accuracy and traceability. The absence of a liner reduces the risk of contamination and waste, which is crucial in medical settings.”
Future of linerless
Michelle claims the future of linerless label printing looks promising, driven by several key trends.
One is the growing demand for sustainability: “As eco-friendly solutions become a top priority for businesses across industries, the demand for linerless label printers will continue to grow,” she says. “Companies are increasingly seeking ways to reduce waste and their environmental impact, making linerless labels an attractive option.
“Governments and organisations are also likely to impose stricter environmental regulations, further driving the adoption of sustainable labelling solutions like linerless printing.”
Sustainability
Reduced environmental impact is something that many companies are looking for in their label printing solutions. Part of this involves printers that can print labels in a range of sizes, suggests Michelle. “Such flexibility allows them to optimise label usage, reduce waste, and improve efficiency, all of which align with sustainable practices,” she says.
“By adopting these versatile printing solutions, companies can advance their sustainability goals while maintaining operational efficiency.
“Our products help businesses meet their sustainability goals in several ways, such as energy efficiency. Our thermal printers are designed to consume less power compared to traditional printers. Features like standby mode and power-saving settings help reduce energy consumption.
“Our thermal printers also enable companies to minimise waste by using fewer consumables, like our ribbon saving feature on print and apply solutions, or offering linerless label options, which eliminates the need for backing paper. Precision cutting technology also ensures optimal use of label materials, reducing offcuts.
“Thermal printers produce durable labels that can withstand various environmental conditions, reducing the need for reprinting and thus conserving resources,” offers Michelle.
TSC becoming more sustainable
But it isn’t just about helping its customers reduce their environmental impact, TSC Auto ID is also committed to becoming more sustainable in its own processes.
“We have established concrete sustainability strategies and goals for our products and business operation,” says Michelle. “We strive to achieve environmental sustainability and are moving forward towards green manufacturing, green supply chains and green products.
“As an example, we use renewable, recycled materials in product design to reduce environmental impact. By 2026, we aim to incorporate an additional 10% recycled material in printer components.
“We also use recyclable packaging materials such as FSC-certified paper cartons to reduce waste and environmental impact. `Our aim is that, by 2026, 100% of our packaging will made from recycled or recyclable materials.”
Michelle also highlighted that several TSC printers are designed to consume less energy during use, such as a power saving mode feature or ‘Entergy Star’ certification compliance.
Sustainable design
TSC products are designed with durability and longevity in mind, so they last longer in the field, which helps reduce waste. Likewise, its printers have modular and repairable designs, making them easy to repair, upgrade or recycle, which can extend their lifecycles and reduce the need for replacement.
TSC uses sustainable manufacturing practices, having invested in energy-efficient machinery and processes. It implements processes to reduce, reuse and recycle waste generated during manufacturing and works with suppliers that prioritise sustainability, ensuring raw materials are sourced ethically and sustainably.
This is reinforced by its corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies, which are dedicated to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace to achieve its ‘Better Me, Better TSC’ objective. “Specific initiatives in this area include employee communication, employee care and human rights policy establishment,” says Michelle.
Sustainability is becoming increasingly crucial for organisations. Companies are recognising that sustainable practices are not only important for environmental stewardship but also for long-term business success.
“We set sustainability goals and transparently communicate progress to stakeholders, and regularly measure and report on our sustainability status,” she concludes.For more information about TSC Auto ID and its range of products, go to: www.emea.tscprinters.com