Variable Data Labels

Variable data labels are used for a wide range of applications, whether you’re looking to support marketing efforts or streamline operations, here are some key uses:

• • Personalized Promotional Messages: We can print unique promotional messages, making your products more engaging for consumers.
  • Barcodes and QR Codes: Variable data labels allow us to print individualized barcodes and QR codes on each product, making inventory management and product scanning faster and more accurate.
  • Matrix Codes for Supply Chains: Using matrix codes in supply chains improves traceability and ensures efficient product tracking from production to delivery.
  • Product Serialization: With variable imaging, we can print unique serial numbers for each product, which can be used for both consumer safety and regulatory compliance, especially in industries like pharmaceuticals.
  • Custom Ingredients or Product Info: Whether you need to print different ingredients, batch numbers, or expiration dates, variable data labels help keep your packaging compliant and accurate across production runs.
  • Codes in Supply Chains: Variable data can allow your products to be tracked from the warehouse to the customer’s doorstep with unique codes.
  • Consumer Safety Information: Provide unique health warnings or allergen information for each product label, keeping consumers informed and safe.
  • Event or Limited-Edition Designs: If you’re running a limited-edition promotion or a geographically targeted campaign, variable imaging lets us easily customize labels for different markets or occasions.

We can print the most common 1D barcodes and 2D codes used for retail, inventory, logistics, and traceability, including: 

• 1D (linear) barcodes

  • UPC-A (common for retail packaging) 

  • EAN-13 (retail, especially outside the U.S.) 

  • Code 128 and GS1-128 (great for supply chain data like lot, serial, expiry) 

  • ITF-14 (often used for cases and cartons) 

• 2D codes

  • QR Code (common for consumer engagement and dynamic links) 

  • Data Matrix and GS1 DataMatrix (high-density codes for traceability and constrained spaces) 

If you’re using a different symbology or a specific GS1 format, send us your requirements (or a sample label) and we’ll confirm the best setup before we print. 

Absolutely—variable data labels are a game-changer when it comes to inventory control and management. Here’s how they can help:

• • Barcodes and QR Codes: Unique barcodes or QR codes allow for easy scanning and tracking of products, which makes inventory control faster and more accurate.
  • Matrix Codes in the Supply Chain: By using matrix codes, each product becomes easily traceable throughout the entire supply chain, helping you keep tabs on stock levels.
  • Product Identification: With variable data printing, you can assign unique identification to every product, making it easy to monitor stock levels, track specific batches, and identify products in your system.

We offer shipping through several vendors like UPS, Fedex, and USPS. Ground, Next-Day, 2-Day, 3-Day, and custom freight options. 

Our preferred file formats are Adobe Illustrator or High-Resolution PDF.  You can view our complete artwork file standards checklist here.

Before printing your custom variable data labels, we will provide a digital proof via email for your approval. This allows you to review your label, confirming details like positioning, color accuracy, text legibility, and more, prior to full production. We are committed to ensuring your complete satisfaction through this streamlined proofing process.

While Blue Label Packaging does not directly offer label design services, we do have resources to help with your custom label design needs. We maintain a directory of Blue Label Approved designers who specialize in label design and understand the unique requirements and technical details involved. We also showcase a gallery of label designs for inspiration.

Our printers are capable of matching up to 97% of the full color spectrum, allowing us to achieve precise color reproduction for your beer labels. We use advanced CMYK printing to produce an extensive gamut of colors. For designs requiring an expanded range, we also print using WOVG ink sets which add white, orange, violet and green.

Our top-of-the-line color management program and processes ensure we hit the correct hues, tints and shades. We color calibrate and profile all of our presses so your unique color palettes and gradations print true to your vision.