Labels for reusable systems, reusable containers and stacking boxes

Efficient logistics processes with reusable containers start with the internal processes in production and logistics and also include the supply chain all the way to retail - and back again.

The transport containers used here, e.g. stacking boxes, system containers, trays, crates and boxes are used several times and must be re-labelled again and again.

System providers of reusable systems, e.g. for the safe and hygienic transport of fresh produce such as fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, baked goods, eggs, lend the plastic crates (also called Reusable Plastic Containers, RPC for short) to their customers (producers). These pool systems replace disposable transport containers with an efficient reusable system.

At the producer/manufacturer, the reusable containers are marked with labels when they are filled. These labels contain a barcode that is essential for the merchandise management processes in the supply chain and must not be lost. It is therefore important that the labels adhere particularly securely to the plastic surfaces.

Often these reusable containers are used in humid-cool environments, e.g. in fruit and vegetable logistics, at the producer's and later in the retailer's warehouse. Even under these conditions, the labels must adhere securely during transport.

After processing or delivery of the products, the reusable containers are returned to the system provider, where they are thoroughly cleaned in the washing facility in an industrial cleaning process.

Before the container is used again, the labels that are on the reusable containers must be removed so that the new contents of the transport container can be correctly labelled.

This should be done in the same cleaning process, without any additional handling effort.

To do this, the labels must be able to be removed from the reusable crates or reusable trays without leaving any residue, using water, high pressure and cleaning agents.

Reusable systems exist in different supply chains, e.g. for fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, spices, delicatessen, baked goods and beverages, but also for plants and cut flowers.

HERMA labels for reusable systems uniquely fulfil two properties that at first glance appear to be contradictory: they adhere firmly during transport and can be washed off without leaving any residue before the transport container is refilled.

They are characterised by reliable adhesion and high resistance to moisture, and yet can be completely removed during standard industrial cleaning processes, with a 100% wash-off rate, making them the perfect labels for reusable systems.

Labels for reusable containers are available in different materials, depending on which additional properties are required and with which printing systems the labels are printed at the producer.

• Paper labels for thermal transfer printing or laser printing
• Paper labels for direct thermal printing, in different qualities
• Wet-strength and alkali-resistant paper for thermal transfer or laser printing.

The washing time depends on the label material, the surface of the container and the washing conditions, such as water temperature, water pressure and the washing additives used. The labels can be applied from -10 °C. When stuck on, the temperature range is from -20 to +50 °C. This ensures reliable adhesion, even if the containers are in a damp, cool environment before or during transport.

We can best clarify which label material is the right one for your application in a personal consultation. Use the contact form - we will get back to you. 

By the way: HERMA wash-off labels are also used for recycling PET beverage bottles - for an optimal material cycle by recovering pure granulate.

Plastic packaging made of PE or PP (e.g. clamshells, blister packs and film packaging) can also be ideally labelled with HERMA wash-off labels - and fed into the granulate recovery process without labels.

Individual wash-off labels for reusable containers - talk to us!

HERMA produces your self-adhesive labels on rolls or sheets according to your individual specifications - with special wash-off pressure-sensitive adhesive, which ensures that the labels can be washed off in industrial cleaning processes without leaving any residue.

We will find the right label for you, with personal and individual advice. 
Label materials from our own production: suitable for the application, with an optimum price/performance ratio.

Use the form for an initial contact, we will clarify everything else with you in a conversation.