According to Kimtag, “NFC (near field communication) is a wireless technology which allows for the transfer of data such as text or numbers between two NFC enabled devices. NFC tags, for example stickers or wristbands, contain small microchips with little aerials which can store a small amount of information for transfer to another NFC device, such as a mobile phone.” This still begs the question, how are NFC tags competing with the already-established QR Codes?

As we have stated before, “… part of what makes them so effective is the ability to link the Web to your company’s product, while keeping your customers engaged. This engagement pays off in dividends because it will keep your customers interested in what your company has to offer.”

But NFC tags can do the same, and in many cases more. A Print Impressions article discusses the pros and cons of both NFC tags and QR Codes. The article states, “Before [they] ever became established in the United States, they fell from people’s favor. (Although, I believe this was due more to poor underlying marketing strategies, and not the technology.) Because of this and also due to Google’s support of it, NFC seems to be the fan favorite.”

And while it may seem that NFC has an advantage over QR Codes, it’s not much of one. First, it’s more expensive to make an NFC tag versus creating a QR Code, which can be made for little or no cost whatsoever. Also, they have a versatility that NFC tags do not. Quick Response codes can be printed on nearly any surface. This includes product and brand labels, the products themselves or the product packaging.

As it stands right now, NFC is the up-and-coming technology, but QR Codes still have the upper hand and their benefit cannot be understated. It is possible over time that NFC tags will begin to take control over QR Codes, but currently, they don’t stand a chance.

Whitlam Label Company believes in the importance of QR Codes and we have the ability to improve your business’ customer engagement by adding them to your products’ labels. Please contact us if you have any questions about the benefits of Quick Response Codes.

Before we explain how we designed the award-winning label, it’s crucial to understand what the goals of the Annual TLMI Awards Competition are. According to the TLMI website, the competition aims to “stimulate innovative printing and to recognize technical achievement in all areas of the narrow web industry, including tags and labels, cartons, flexible packaging, non-woven pressure-sensitives and more. The competition recognizes and honors the finest efforts of our converter members throughout the previous 12-month period.”

The coupon we designed is a culmination of several of our specialties. It’s both a Coupon Label and an Extended Content Label. It was this combination of label types that set us apart from the competition and a perfect, innovative example of why we’re the best in the business. One of the reasons this label was so successful isn’t just the fact that it’s a coupon that offers consumer a tangible return, but that it has more information than meets the eye. The beauty of an extended content label is that it offers consumers more than they think. Add that to the idea and philosophy of a successful coupon and it’s a label like none other.

Winning First Place is a great honor for Whitlam Label and we take immense pride in the labels we design and manufacture. Want to learn more about Whitlam? Head to our About Us page or give us a call today to learn how our products can help your business!

In a previous blog post, we explained the massive growth of QR codes (1,200 percent in 2010) and because of that, the use of mobile technology is challenging the dominance of eco-labels. Consumers are getting more technology-savvy by the week and demanding more information from the companies they support. The amount of information a consumer can gain from scanning a QR code on a product’s label is nearly endless. And according to a Label & Narrow Web article, it could force companies, especially food producers, to be more transparent about their sustainability practices.

The article states, “… some consumers are becoming disillusioned with eco-labels because of the shortcomings of many standards and lack of transparency.” This disillusionment could be huge for products sporting eco-labels because those products aren’t exactly what they say they are. For instance, the world’s largest eco-label for consumer products is “Organic” and it represents a $60 billion industry for foods, cosmetics, textiles and more. And while organic is the most sustainable form of agriculture, the organic certification does not account for other environmental issues like CO2 and energy footprints.

The article explains this by stating, “Thus, an organic apple from Latin America can have a higher environmental impact than a locally grown conventional one,” and goes on to state, “Similarly, a fair trade coffee can give a positive social contribution to the African grower but still have an adverse effect on the environment.”

The call for more transparency via smart barcodes is causing companies products containing organic and other eco-labels to consider the unmentioned environmental and social effects of sustainability. This is better for everyone involved because not only will companies hopefully start to be more transparent, but also practice better environmental and social policies. Whitlam Label Company can print nearly any label for any product and this includes eco-labels and QR codes. Adding a QR code that further explains your company’s sustainability will not only create more transparency, but help you gain consumer loyalty, which is one of the most important things for successful business growth.

Contact Whitlam Label today to discuss how we can help you improve your company with QR codes and eco-labels.

These labels are used in a variety of capacities as well as a wide range of industries. They’re designed to be weather-resistant, tear-resistant, puncture-resistant or suitable for other harsh environments, like extreme weather conditions in hot and cold climates. These labels can also be applied to an array of materials, ranging from painted metal (like automobile engine components) and plastics as well as PP, PE, Regrind and Mold Release Agents.

Automotive Harsh Environment Labels

We can create harsh environment labels for many different kinds of conditions ranging from high-temperature and UV exposure to chemical exposure. One of the industries that benefits most from these labels is the automotive industry. The reason being is that labels on many automobile parts are often exposed to intense elements like heat; chemicals like brake fluid, gasoline, water, grease; and natural wear and tear from repeated use.

These labels are very effective for labeling engine parts because the labels can resist the conditions an operating automobile engine creates. One of the most redeeming qualities of these labels is that they’re long-lasting. Being designed for harsh conditions would be pointless if they wore out in a short period of time. But Whitlam’s harsh environment labels have stood the test of both time and wear-and-tear and will make your investment a worthwhile one. These labels are especially important in this industry since they can prevent maintenance mistakes by having engine components clearly and effectively labeled, preventing the use of the wrong part. That alone makes these automotive labels worth their weight in gold.

The automotive industry isn’t the only industry that Whitlam’s harsh environment labels are used, though. They’re also utilized on aerospace, motorsports and lawn & garden equipment as well as power tools and other heavy-duty equipment. An additional advantage of these labels is that they can be combined with many of our other services, such as barcode and variable  labeling, warning and permit labels, extended text and booklet labels, and direct thermal transfer labels. This variety of uses makes our harsh environment labels extremely useful in a wide range of industries.

Does your company require labels that will not only stand the test of time, but also withstand harsh conditions? Contact Whitlam Label Company to learn how the use of harsh environment labels can help your business today!

A prime example of this is Alex being made the chairman of the Tag & Label Manufacturers Institute’s (TLMI) Young Leaders Organization (YLO) during the beginning of 2011, a position he’s continued to flourish in since. The YLO is an organization set up for young professionals in the label and label-making industries with an objective “to exchange ideas, pursue learning and share strategies that will aid” young professionals in advancing their careers.

Currently, the YLO is turning its focus to college students who are studying graphic design and packaging design. When asked how the YLO is attracting students, Alex said, “We feel it’s important that we communicate the benefits and opportunities of being a young professional in the label industry.”

This organization is just one example of how Whitlam has taken a step forward in 2011 through its employee outreach. Another example is the selection of Michelle to be a co-chair of the 2013 TMLI Technical Conference. The conference, which is held biannually in Chicago, is one of the most illustrious and informative events in the label industry. Being nominated as a co-chair is an honor in itself, and Michelle is very excited about the event and what she feels she brings to the table in terms of ideas and experience. Assuming the role of a conference co-chair is a new opportunity to network within the industry as well as develop new friendships and continue to improve the industry as a whole.

With the end of 2011 nearing, everyone at Whitlam Label is looking forward to another successful and productive year in 2012. Our goal is to continue to produce the best product in the industry while also providing the best service available.

To learn more about what Whitlam’s capabilities, products and markets are as well as how we can help you, don’t hesitate to call us toll-free at 1-800-755-2235  or e-mail us through our contact us page. We look forward to hearing from you.

Happy New Year from the Whitlam Label Company family!

Whitlam Label Company offers a wide variety of labeling and packaging options, but one of our most diverse types of labels are our prime labels.

Simply put, prime labels are the labels that consumers see first on a product. These labels are extremely important for you and your company because if you don’t have a label that catches their eye, they might go on to the next product. They’re identification labels. Whitlam offers these labels for many different industries including automotive, food and beverage, health and beauty, and other consumer goods.

Having top-of-the-line packaging and label designs are crucial to attracting new customers and keeping them informed. That is what we do at Whitlam Label. Our prime labels are the best in the industry and because of their versatility, it makes them an indispensable asset for your company. Here are some examples of the types of prime labels we manufacture.

Most people don’t purchase a new car based on the sun visor label, but this label–and others like it–are crucial for customers. These labels are designed to be simple and informative so car owners understand their purpose. Air bag labels are one of the many automotive labels we design and they are essential to the safety of drivers. The information contained on these labels display how an airbag is deployed and that drivers should never have a young child in the front seat, especially in a car seat. We also manufacture the gas cap label, which gives specific warnings about how to use it properly.

Food and beverage, health and beauty, and consumer goods labels, on the other hand, are specifically designed to not only attract the attention of consumers, but to inform them as well. These labels often display a variety of information such as ingredients, product directions/instructions, nutritional information, etc. But the most important kind of prime label for these industries is the identification label because it’s the products’ primary label. This label, often found on the front of a product, is responsible for portraying a large amount of information in a fixed-amount of space. Our company prides itself on creating the best identification labels in the business.

If you want your company’s product to stand out from its competitors, choosing Whitlam Label Company’s prime labels is the right choice for you. We would love to discuss how we can help improve your products’ design and eye-catching ability, so please contact us for more information.

In the previous blog, “How do Security Labels Enhance a Product’s Protection?,” we introduced you to the different kinds of security labels we provide, but it’s also important to know the reasons why to protect yourself from illegal counterfeiting.
Billions of dollars are lost annually to product counterfeiters. They recreate products and sell them as if they are the real thing and while it’s illegal it’s also very dangerous. The products they’re selling are sold at a lower price than the real ones, but are not made to the same standards, which can have devastating results. According to the International AntiCounterfeiting Coalition, the trade of counterfeited goods has increased from $5.5 billion in 1982 to $600 billion annually in 2007, and it’s even higher today. This is why it’s crucial to take advantage of Whitlam’s security labels.

It’s also very important to know that your company isn’t the only entity that can be harmed by counterfeiting. Consumers, retailers, and manufacturers are all at risk.

For consumers, the risks aren’t as simple as losing money, but more about the safety of the product itself. Some of the goods that are counterfeited the most include electrical products, pharmaceuticals, car parts, airplane parts, baby formula, and over-the-counter medicines. Using these products can expose consumers to health and safety risks. If someone purchases illegitimately-produced baby formula, there’s a strong chance that his or her baby could get sick. Similar risks pertain to auto parts as well. If someone has a counterfeited product installed in his or her car, it could result in a mechanical malfunction, thus possibly resulting in dire consequences.

Another worry for consumers is the amount of jobs lost due to counterfeiting; it’s estimated that by 2007 more than 750,000 will be lost, with even more being lost today. This not only hurts the economy by putting people out of work, but also means that fewer products are being produced and further damaging the economy in the long run.

Speaking of the economy, retailers are also at risk. They’re responsible for the products they sell and if they sell illegitimate goods, whether they are aware of it or not, they must be held accountable. The sale of counterfeited products is illegal and can often lead to product recalls, which costs retailers millions of dollars annually.

The risks facing manufacturers are very similar to those of retailers, but one that stands apart is the damage that can be done to their brand’s reputation. If a counterfeited product is sold as if it was made by a company and turns out to be faulty, it can hurt the manufacturer’s reputation. If a company loses its positive reputation, it becomes very hard to repair that damage. This makes protecting your company’s image is crucial in today’s fast-paced, digital world.

We want to help protect your company. Contact Us and we will discuss how we can make your company, brand, or product safer against counterfeiting. It’s never too late to protect yourself!

One of the ways companies are using QR Codes is to direct customers to the Web since these types of labels can contain an abundant source of information. For example, they can contain product information, user manuals, or even be used for contests. This helps make online marketing as important as ever and the use of Whitlam’s QR Codes can help your company reach the next level. Using these labels will not only give you the edge over your competition, but also help bridge the gap between your  company’s online community and its physical product.

They are also growing in popularity. According to Mobio Identity Systems, QR Code scanning grew by 1,200 percent in 2010 alone, which is why they are appearing in even more places in 2011. They can be seen on posters, sports game programs, music packaging, and even on fast food packaging.

Quick Response Codes are still relatively new technology, but as Mobio Identity Systems’ statistic shows, it hasn’t stopped them from becoming increasingly popular. And part of what makes them so effective is the ability to link the Web to your company’s product, while keeping your customers engaged. This engagement pays off in dividends because it will keep your customers interested in what your company has to offer.

Another reason QR Codes are so important is due to their versatility. They can be printed on nearly any label and surface without distracting from the product’s label design. This versatility is part of what spawned their popularity’s meteoric rise, and is why they have started to appear across all product platforms.

QR Codes also offer a great way to track the success of a specific promotion or marketing program. Your company can track how many times a specific code has been scanned in real time, offering up-to-the-minute results. They also give your company the ability to track other results, such as how many people are looking for information on a specific product. This can lead to new and interesting data your company may not have had otherwise.

We would love to help your company grow its business through the use of our QR Codes. Please contact us to further discuss the importance of them and how they will not only enhance your business, but help keep your customers engaged and excited!

In a recent report, the Institute of Medicine suggests a simple solution: to print a label on the front of all foods and beverages that displays two things; the calorie count per serving and how healthy the product is. This type of label would simplify a consumer’s shopping experience by explicitly showing how healthy the product really is. The report also suggests that these types of labels will help consumers make healthier choices when shopping by being able to compare products right from the shelf.

Whitlam's label for Greenfield Village Steam Station Beer

It’s important that your product’s labels are both eye-catching and informative when marketing to that specific industry. Consumers are becoming more health-conscious and keeping up with their latest wants and needs are just as important as keeping up with any new regulations.

Some of the services Whitlam offers for food and beverages include creating labels for glass bottles, like Greenfield Village Steam Station Beer (pictured at right). This label is a prime example of our capabilities because we constructed an all-in-one neck wrap and tamper evident seal, made with foil material, to give it a metallic effect. We designed the Greenfield Village Steam Station Beer label this way because we wanted it to encompass both the tamper evident seal and the neck wrap, but this is only one example of what Whitlam can do for your product.

Whitlam has many different ways of producing food and beverage labels such as using flexible packaging & printing and prime labels & tags. We can meet any and all of your printing needs which makes us the best choice for your company.

Contact us if you have any questions regarding how Whitlam Label Company can design the best labels in the industry for your company!

Barcode labels are everywhere and on almost every product. Whether it’s for pricing, tracking, or identification–they are one of the most common types of labels. And Whitlam knows there are several ways you can use barcodes to enhance your business’s productivity.

First and foremost, one of the best ways to keep your business productive and efficient is by keeping track of your business’s inventory. Keeping track of inventory is essential to both the short-term and long-term success of your company, and Whitlam has the solution for you. Adding barcode labels to your inventory and using an inventory-tracking system can greatly increase productivity. All you will have to do is scan a product in and out of the inventory to keep everything in place. This not only makes the process of inventory tracking a lot easier, but it’s also more efficient, which will save your company time and money.

Similar to inventory tracking, another way to increase productivity is to track all your company’s assets. Items like computers, monitors, fax machines, etc. are crucial to your business’s success and it’s important to know where those are at all times. Assets can sometimes get lost or misplaced in an office move or relocation, but if you use a system that monitors their whereabouts, it will keep internal asset organization all the more easy.

But tracking isn’t the only way to utilize barcode labels for your company. Another great way to use barcodes is to print them on coupons. Printing barcode labels on coupons can ensure that each coupon is only being used as it’s supposed to be. Once scanned, the coupon will not be able to be used again, making it less likely that someone will copy or counterfeit a coupon.

Also, barcodes can be used to manage the pricing and identification of your company’s products. These labels not only ensure the correct price of your product, but also that the product is properly identified at the point of sale.

Barcode labels are very simple labels, but their importance should not go unnoticed. We would love to discuss how barcodes can help your business take another step toward ultimate efficiency. Contact Us to learn more about how using barcode labels can benefit your company!