PACKAGING & PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Packaging Labels, Printers & Barcode Scanners
Explore labelling and barcode equipment for product packaging, manufacturing, fulfilment and distribution. From colour product labels and shipping labels to industrial printers and barcode scanners, find the right equipment for your operation.
PACKAGING APPLICATIONS
Labelling and Scanning Across Your Packaging Operation
Different stages of packaging require different labels, printers and scanning equipment. Explore the most common applications below.
Product & Packaging Labels
Print product descriptions, barcodes, ingredients, batch information and branding for products, containers and packaging.
Explore colour label printers →Shipping & Dispatch Labels
Produce address labels, courier labels, tracking barcodes and order identification labels for dispatch operations.
Explore label printers →Carton & Outer Case Labels
Identify cartons, cases and packaged goods with durable, scannable labels for storage and distribution.
Find a suitable printer →Pallet & Logistics Labels
Print GS1 logistics labels, SSCC identifiers and pallet tracking barcodes for warehouse and supply chain operations.
Find a barcode scanner →Batch & Expiry Date Labelling
Print variable information such as lot numbers, manufacturing dates, expiry dates and traceability barcodes.
Explore ColorWorks printers →Barcode Scanning & Order Checking
Scan products, cartons and shipping labels to support picking accuracy, packing checks, stock movements and dispatch.
Choose a barcode scanner →PACKAGING LABEL PRINTERS
Choose the Right Label Printer for Your Packaging Operation
From compact printers for individual packing stations to industrial models for busy production environments, Tek Direkt supplies equipment for a wide range of packaging applications.
Desktop Thermal Label Printers
Ideal for smaller packaging operations, workstations and businesses printing shipping labels, product barcodes and carton identification labels.
Popular models: Zebra ZD421, Zebra ZD621 and TSC DA220.
Compact, straightforward to operate and suitable for regular daily label printing.
Find a desktop label printer →Industrial Thermal Label Printers
Designed for demanding packaging environments where large numbers of labels are printed throughout the working day.
Popular models: Zebra ZT231, Zebra ZT411 and TSC MH series.
Ideal for production lines, case labelling, pallet identification and busy packing stations.
Find an industrial printer →Full-Colour Packaging Label Printers
Produce professional colour product labels in-house without relying entirely on externally printed label rolls.
Popular models: Epson ColorWorks C4000e, C6000 and C6500 series.
Useful for short production runs, seasonal packaging, changing product ranges and variable label information.
Find a ColorWorks printer →Not Sure Which Label Printer You Need?
Our interactive printer selectors help narrow down suitable models based on printing requirements, operating environment and features.
Label Printer Selector → Colour Printer Selector →PACKAGING LABELS & CONSUMABLES
Labels and Ribbons for Packaging Applications
Choosing the correct label material is just as important as choosing the printer. Labels must remain readable and attached throughout handling, storage and transport.
Direct Thermal Labels
A practical option for shipping labels, courier labels and short-life identification where long-term durability is not required.
Direct thermal printing uses heat-sensitive media and does not require a separate ink ribbon.
Thermal Transfer Labels
Suitable for carton identification, stock labels and longer-lasting barcodes where greater resistance to fading and handling is needed.
Used with compatible wax, wax-resin or resin ribbons.
Full-Colour Inkjet Labels
Suitable for branded product packaging, ingredient labels, promotional packaging and products requiring variable colour designs.
Paper and synthetic media options are available for different applications.
Explore ColorWorks media →Water-Resistant Labels
For packaging exposed to condensation, moisture or frequent handling, suitable synthetic label materials and compatible printing systems can improve durability.
Explore waterproof label applications →Freezer & Cold Storage Labels
Specialist label materials and adhesives can support packaging identification in chilled and frozen environments.
Adhesive performance depends on application temperature, surface material and storage conditions.
Industrial & Durable Labels
For reusable containers, returnable packaging, warehouse assets and demanding environments where standard paper labels may not be suitable.
Explore durable labelling →LABEL MATERIAL BUYING ADVICE
Direct Thermal or Thermal Transfer?
Direct thermal: Commonly used for short-life shipping and dispatch labels. No ribbon required.
Thermal transfer: Generally more suitable when labels need to remain readable for longer or withstand more demanding conditions.
Colour inkjet: Ideal when packaging labels need branding, product imagery or full-colour variable information.
ColorWorks Media Selector → Epson Ink Finder →BARCODE SCANNING & TRACEABILITY
Barcode Scanners for Packaging and Dispatch
Barcode scanning helps packaging teams identify products, check orders, record stock movements and confirm goods before dispatch.
From handheld scanners at packing benches to rugged devices in warehouses, the correct scanner depends on barcode type, scanning distance and working conditions.
Handheld Barcode Scanners
Ideal for packing benches, product identification and order checking where operators scan individual products and cartons.
Suitable models: Zebra DS2208, Zebra DS4608 and Honeywell Xenon XP 1950g.
Find a handheld scanner →Industrial Barcode Scanners
Designed for demanding packaging, manufacturing and warehouse environments, including scanning damaged or difficult-to-read barcodes.
Suitable models: Zebra DS3678, Honeywell Granit 1991i and Datalogic PowerScan 9600.
Find an industrial scanner →Mobile Computers
Combine barcode scanning with mobile applications for stock control, picking, packing, goods movements and dispatch confirmation.
Suitable models: Zebra TC27, TC53 and MC3400 series.
Find a mobile computer →Which Barcode Scanner Is Right for Your Packaging Operation?
Use our barcode scanner selector to compare suitable scanners for everyday packing stations, warehouse environments and demanding industrial applications.
Barcode Scanner Selector → Mobile Computer Selector →PACKAGING INDUSTRIES
Packaging and Labelling Solutions for Different Industries
From branded retail products to industrial shipping cartons, packaging requirements vary depending on the product, production process and distribution environment.
Food & Drink Packaging
Print product labels, ingredient information, batch numbers, date information and scannable retail barcodes.
Suitable applications include jars, bottles, pouches, boxes and other packaged products.
Explore food and drink labelling →Cosmetics & Personal Care
Create professional product labels for skincare, soaps, candles and personal care packaging, including smaller product ranges and seasonal designs.
Explore colour label printing →E-commerce & Fulfilment
Print shipping labels, scan order barcodes, identify cartons and support accurate picking, packing and dispatch.
Explore packing scanners →Manufacturing & Production
Support production traceability with product identification, batch labels, work-in-progress labels and finished goods barcodes.
Explore manufacturing printers →Breweries & Distilleries
Print colour labels for bottles, cans and packaged products, with flexibility for limited editions, seasonal ranges and changing designs.
Explore bottle label printing →Warehousing & Distribution
Identify pallets, cartons and storage locations with barcode labels, supported by scanners and mobile computers for stock movements.
Explore mobile computers →ON-DEMAND COLOUR LABEL PRINTING
Print Packaging Labels When You Need Them
Businesses using pre-printed packaging labels can find themselves holding unused stock when product details, ingredients, designs or packaging requirements change.
Printing labels in-house offers greater flexibility, particularly for businesses producing smaller batches, seasonal ranges or multiple product variations.
Change Designs Quickly
Update product labels when packaging designs, ingredients or product information change without ordering a new batch of pre-printed labels.
Reduce Unused Label Stock
Print the quantities required for each production run rather than holding large stocks of labels that may become obsolete.
Support Short Production Runs
Produce smaller batches of branded labels for limited editions, seasonal products, test ranges and changing packaging requirements.
EPSON COLORWORKS LABEL WASTE CALCULATOR
How Much Label Waste Could You Avoid?
Our Epson ColorWorks Label Waste Savings Calculator helps estimate potential savings from reducing unused pre-printed labels.
Enter your current label quantities, costs and estimated waste to explore how on-demand printing could affect your operation.
Calculate Your Label Waste Savings → Find a ColorWorks Printer →PACKAGING EQUIPMENT BUYING ADVICE
What to Consider When Choosing Packaging Labelling Equipment
Before selecting printers, labels or scanners, it helps to establish how the equipment will be used and what the finished labels need to withstand.
Printing Volume
Consider how many labels you print per day, whether printing is continuous or occasional, and how many workstations need a printer.
Label Size & Material
Check the required label dimensions, surface material, adhesive and whether labels will encounter moisture, cold storage or frequent handling.
Barcode Requirements
Consider whether you need 1D or 2D barcodes, GS1 identification, small barcode printing or longer-distance scanning.
Colour or Monochrome
Thermal printing is commonly used for identification and shipping. Full-colour inkjet printing is useful for branded product packaging.
Software & Connectivity
Check compatibility with your existing label design software, warehouse systems, computers and required USB, Ethernet or wireless connections.
Running Costs
Compare label media, ribbons, ink, printhead maintenance and expected volumes rather than looking at printer purchase price alone.
Make Equipment Selection Easier
Our interactive product selectors help narrow down suitable printers and scanners for your application.
Label Printer Selector → Barcode Scanner Selector → Mobile Computer Selector →FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Packaging Labels, Printers & Scanners FAQs
Answers to common questions about packaging labels, label printing and barcode scanning equipment.
What type of printer is best for packaging labels?
It depends on the application. Desktop thermal printers are suitable for many shipping and product identification tasks. Industrial thermal printers are better suited to demanding, high-volume operations. Colour inkjet label printers are useful for branded product packaging.
Can I print my own product packaging labels?
Yes. Suitable label printers allow businesses to print product labels in-house, including barcodes, product information, batch details and full-colour designs. The printer and media must be selected for the packaging material and intended use.
What is the difference between direct thermal and thermal transfer labels?
Direct thermal printing uses heat-sensitive labels without a separate ribbon and is commonly used for short-life shipping labels. Thermal transfer uses a ribbon and can provide greater durability when paired with suitable label materials.
Can barcode scanners read codes printed on packaging?
Yes, provided the scanner supports the barcode type and the printed code meets appropriate quality and sizing requirements. Barcode contrast, print quality, packaging curvature and reflective surfaces can all affect scanning performance.
Can I print GS1 barcodes and pallet labels?
Yes. Suitable thermal label printers can produce GS1 barcode formats and logistics labels when configured with the correct software, label layout and identification data. Barcode quality should be checked against the relevant requirements.
Are waterproof packaging labels available?
Water-resistant and waterproof label solutions are available for certain applications. Performance depends on the label material, adhesive, ink or ribbon, and the conditions the finished label will encounter.
Which scanner is best for a packing station?
A handheld 2D barcode scanner is often a practical choice for packing benches and order verification. Industrial scanners may be preferable for more demanding environments or difficult-to-read barcodes.
FIND THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT
Packaging Labelling & Barcode Equipment from Tek Direkt
Whether you're setting up a new packaging workstation, replacing an existing printer or improving barcode scanning across your operation, Tek Direkt can help you compare suitable equipment.
Explore our interactive product selectors or contact us with your printing volumes, label requirements and application details.
Need Help Choosing?
Tell us what you're labelling, how many labels you need to print and where the equipment will be used. We'll help you identify suitable options.
Email: sales@tekdirekt.uk