Packaging & Labels - CBusted Print Industry News

Variable Data Labels: Serialization, Barcodes, and Unique Graphics

October 16, 2026 by Nico Estes

Industrial label-production line feeding a web of individually designed labels with QR-style codes and changing colored graphics past an illuminated inspection unit, while an operator works at a computer in the background beside stacked printed materials.

Variable data labels combine a fixed design with changing text, codes, images or identifiers. The difficult part is controlling the data, inspection and reprints.

Laser Finishing for Labels: Why Converters Are Interested

October 6, 2026 by Nico Estes

Industrial label-finishing machine feeding a web of blue and green printed labels through rollers beneath an amber safety guard, with an operator at control screens in a bright factory.

Laser finishing removes physical cutting dies from label changeovers, but it does not eliminate matrix, material, throughput, or web-handling constraints.