Flexibly Labeling Best-By Dates and Batches for Small Batches

Whether it’s deli items, baked goods, confectionery, beverages, or artisanal specialties: Small food businesses often produce a variety of items in manageable quantities. As a result, the best-by date, batch number, variety, or recipe changes regularly. Mobile direct-printing devices make it possible to apply this variable information directly to suitable packaging made of paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, or glass.

Efficiently Labeling Frequently Changing Products

For small-batch and custom production runs, it is often difficult to plan actual demand in advance. As a result, pre-printed labels do not always match the quantity produced or the current product variant.

Typical Challenges in Small-Volume Production:

• The best-by date and lot number change with each production run
• Remaining stock of obsolete labels can no longer be used
• Small quantities make special label runs uneconomical
• Last-minute changes must be implemented directly on the production floor

Why Use Direct Printing for Small Batches?

Preprinted Labeling	REINER Mobile Direct Printing
Order quantities often do not match actual production needs	Variable data is generated only when it is needed
Unused labels become useless after a product or batch change	Current content is selected anew for each production run
Each variety and packaging option requires its own inventory	Various product templates are available digitally on the device
Label scraps, backing paper, and rejects are generated as waste	The variable information is applied without the need for additional label material

Why It's Worth Making the Switch

Professional Labeling

Apply the best-by date and lot number so that they are clearly legible on various materials

Cost-effective solution

Suitable for small and varying quantities

More Flexibility

Best-by date, lot number, variety, or additional notes can be adjusted immediately before labeling.

Optimize Processes

Quick labeling during production or warehousing.

Flexibly Incorporating Seasonal Products

Special promotions, limited-edition products, and seasonal assortments do not require long-term label inventory planning.

Is direct printing right for your small-batch production?

This solution is particularly well-suited if you:

• produce small or varying quantities on a regular basis
• Offer seasonal products
• Update the best-by date and batch number for each production run
• Assign packaging to a product at the last minute
• do not want to keep large stocks of pre-printed labels on hand
• Apply variable data outside of an automated production line

Review Your Labeling Process

Would you like to know if direct printing is suitable for your product?

Just send us a brief description of your application—we'll determine which labeling solution is right for you.