Do wonky labels impact consumer purchase?

Introduction

For cheese brands, the battle for premium perception extends beyond product quality - it hinges on presentation. A misaligned label, no matter how small the deviation, can diminish brand trust, create operational inefficiencies, and lead to costly reworks.

For consumers they generally perceive "wonky" labels on packaging negatively, often associating them with a lack of quality, unprofessionalism, or even distrust, potentially leading to reduced purchase intentions.

The Complexity of Cheese Packaging

Unlike rigid or standardised food products, cheese portions - particularly flow-wrapped and vacuum-packed varieties - pose a unique challenge. The fundamental issue stems from two unpredictable factors:

The Cheese is Not Always Centred in the Pack: Due to natural variations in production, the cheese inside the packaging may not be positioned consistently, leading to misalignment before labelling even begins.?

The “Ears” of the Pack are Unpredictable: The loose ends of the vacuum or flow wrap, commonly known as "ears," can fold in different directions—sometimes outwards, sometimes inwards. If they brush against guide rails or other machinery, they can shift the pack’s position on the conveyor, causing labels to be applied incorrectly.

Why Existing Labelling Systems Fail

Traditional labelling machines rely on guide rails and sensor-based detection to position packs before labels are applied. However, when dealing with cheese portions with irregular packaging, these systems often struggle because:

• The protruding “ears” push packs out of alignment, sometimes by as much as 10mm.
• When a pack is slightly twisted, each conveyor transfer can amplify the misalignment, resulting in increasingly inaccurate label placement.
• Sensor-based labellers assume the pack is in the correct position, meaning they unknowingly apply labels at incorrect angles or overhanging edges.

These inefficiencies create a domino effect, leading to rework, wasted labels, and manual intervention—driving up costs and reducing production efficiency.

The Costly Reality of Labelling Errors

Despite investing heavily in automatic labelling systems, many cheese producers still need to station manual operators post-labelling to inspect and reposition labels deemed "not good enough."

The scale of the problem is staggering:

• Up to 30% of packs can require relabelling.?
• On a production line running 90 packs per minute, this equates to 30 faulty packs per minute.?
• One operator alone cannot keep up, requiring entire teams to fix labels that were meant to be applied automatically.

The result? Wasted time, increased costs, and a brand/ product presentation that falls short of consumer expectations.

Why Could Innovation be a Game-Changer for Cheese Brands

Eliminating Manual Rework and Reducing Costs

By ensuring accurate label placement from the outset, cheese producers can eliminate the need for additional staff to manually correct misaligned labels. This reduces labour costs, minimises waste, and improves overall production speed.

Enhancing Brand Perception and Retail Compliance

Consistently well-labelled products:

o?? Enhance visual appeal, reinforcing premium branding.?

o?? Meet retailer quality standards, reducing the risk of rejected stock.?

o?? Improve consumer trust, as precise packaging conveys quality and professionalism.?

Recognising that no current labelling system could fully resolve these issues, Inspiron Systems took a step back and reimagined the solution. Their answer? A groundbreaking Cheese Centralizer designed to precisely position cheese packs before labelling.

World Debut at the International Cheese and Dairy Expo 2025

Inspiron Systems is set to unveil the Cheese Centralizer at the International Cheese and Dairy Expo 2025, taking place at Bingley Hall, Stafford, on the 25 - 26 June 2025.

Challenge Inspirion and the Cheese Centralizer

Producers attending the event can book an exclusive demonstration, where they can bring their own cheese packs and labels to see first-hand how the system ensures flawless label application.

Early Access and Contact Details

For cheese producers looking to stay ahead of the curve, Inspiron Systems is offering early consultations for those needing a solution before the official launch.

?? Contact Brett or Peter at Inspiron Systems +44 (0)845 0567900

Steve Moncrieff Strategy Director | International Cheese & Dairy EXPO & ICDA Awards

Shaping the future of the global cheese and dairy industry through strategic insights, innovative partnerships, and world-class events. Proud to lead the world’s premier cheese and dairy awards and Europe’s leading dairy EXPO.

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