Label replacement through mobile direct printing
Mark products, packaging and materials directly - without labels, backing material or additional process steps.
Labels cause costs, storage costs and process interruptions. With mobile REINER direct printing, you can apply texts, expiry dates, batches, barcodes or logos directly to the material - flexibly, depending on the material and without separate consumables.
Hurdles in label replacement
Overview of Requirements
Companies that want to replace labels are looking for a more flexible, cost-efficient and sustainable solution. The label should be applied directly to the product or packaging - without additional materials or a separate workstation.
Typical requirements
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Labeling directly on the product or packaging
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Variable content (BBD, batch, QR code, logo)
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Flexible adaptation for product changes
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Reduction of storage and procurement costs
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Clean integration into existing processes
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Can be used mobile or outside the production line
Typical challenges
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Labels come loose or slip
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High stock of different labels
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Repeat orders and delivery dependency
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Additional material and disposal costs
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Labels are visually distracting
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Manual re-marking for small batches
Examples of imprints for label replacement
Use cases from practice
Barcode on cardboard
Digital linking of product and database
Batch number on spice packaging
Direct printing on smooth surfaces
LOT number on soap packaging
Clear identification of individual products
Barcode on plastic lid
Labeling without label
Why direct printing instead of labels?
A Comparison of Direct Printing Methods
Direct printing eliminates the entire labeling process - from purchasing to storage and disposal. The label is printed directly on the material - smudge-proof or removable, depending on the ink.
Label solution
REINER direct printing
Additional consumables
no carrier, no roll material
Storage necessary
Device and ink only
separate application
Labeling directly at the touch of a button
Optically visible
Minimalist, direct marking
Long reorders required
Ready for immediate use, fast delivery times
Special technical features for label replacement
For reliable print results
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Pressure without movement (no throughput necessary)
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Variable data can be integrated directly
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Suitable for different surfaces
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Water- or alcohol-based inks depending on the material
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Mobile use outside the production line
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Pressure range up to 1 inch, optional 2 inch
Important: No general „durability“ - depends on the material and ink.
Practical example
From the field
BMW operates its own test laboratories for quality assurance and new development. There, laboratory samples made of different materials such as plastic, foam, textile, metal and glass are tested, documented and clearly labeled on a daily basis. The laboratory samples were previously marked manually. BMW decided to use the REINER jetStamp® 1025 sense in combination with a barcode scanner add-on and MP3 and MP6 inks.
Result:
- No more spelling mistakes
- Uniformly legible labeling on all materials
- Seamless integration in SAP
- Time saving due to elimination of manual entries
- High flexibility with changing materials and locations
Labeling in practice
Success in the Field
December 10, 2025 |
Standard-compliant product labeling on wooden ladders
Case Study
February 12, 2026 |
Printing on Honey Jars
Case Study
January 8, 2026 |
Printing on Steel Beams for Traceability
Case Study
July 8, 2025 |
Direct Printing Instead of Labels: Printing on Foam
Case Study
February 6, 2026 |
Printing on Closures and Lids
Case Study
June 12, 2026 |
Labeling Confectionery—Without Any Labels at All
Case Study
Frequently asked questions
FAQ
Is direct printing cheaper than labels?
In many applications, storage, material and disposal costs are eliminated.
Is the pressure permanent?
The durability of the imprint depends on several factors - in particular the ink used, the material, the surface finish and mechanical and environmental influences such as abrasion or UV radiation. Individual testing of the application is recommended.
Can I use my existing layout?
Yes, texts, codes, logos and variable data are possible.
Does it work on all materials?
Suitability depends on the surface and ink - we will check your application.
Is direct printing more sustainable than labeling?
Direct printing can be more sustainable as no additional label material, backing paper or adhesive is used.
Whether this brings ecological advantages in your case depends on the packaging, material and production process.
Is direct printing suitable as a replacement for printed labels?
In many applications, direct printing can replace or supplement labels - especially for variable markings or small batches.
Can direct printing replace labels?
Yes, in many applications. With direct printing, the information is applied directly to the product or packaging.
This eliminates the need for label rolls, backing materials and additional work steps. Whether a complete replacement is possible depends on the material and process requirements.
Is direct printing cheaper than labels?
In many applications, storage, material and disposal costs are eliminated.
Is the pressure permanent?
The durability of the imprint depends on several factors - in particular the ink used, the material, the surface finish and mechanical and environmental influences such as abrasion or UV radiation. Individual testing of the application is recommended.
Can I use my existing layout?
Yes, texts, codes, logos and variable data are possible.
Does it work on all materials?
Suitability depends on the surface and ink - we will check your application.
Is direct printing more sustainable than labeling?
Direct printing can be more sustainable as no additional label material, backing paper or adhesive is used.
Whether this brings ecological advantages in your case depends on the packaging, material and production process.
Is direct printing suitable as a replacement for printed labels?
In many applications, direct printing can replace or supplement labels - especially for variable markings or small batches.
Can direct printing replace labels?
Yes, in many applications. With direct printing, the information is applied directly to the product or packaging.
This eliminates the need for label rolls, backing materials and additional work steps. Whether a complete replacement is possible depends on the material and process requirements.
Suitable materials for this application
Suitable Surfaces
German 
English 
French 
Spanish