Across manufacturing, food processing, logistics, and FMCG operations, the pallet stage is often where the pressure is highest. Products move through filling, wrapping, and packing lines at speed, but if the pallet label is incorrect, unreadable, or misplaced, the entire flow breaks down. Manual pallet labelling is still common, but it is also one of the biggest sources of end-of-line inefficiency.
At Etiquette, we regularly work with businesses who experience issues such as scanning failures and poor label placement. Operators vary in accuracy from shift to shift, and even a slight misalignment or crease can cause a barcode rejection in depot. In industries such as chilled and ambient food manufacturing, where major supermarkets enforce strict pallet labelling standards, inconsistent manual labelling can lead to fines, rework, and delays.
Why Companies move to Automated Pallet Labelling
Most enquiries come from manufacturers looking to increase speed, reduce labour, and improve process reliability. Automating the pallet stage removes a repetitive manual task, frees operator time, and ensures every pallet is labelled with consistent accuracy, regardless of shift pattern, staffing levels, or production demands.
For food producers in particular, automation isn’t just a productivity upgrade, it’s a compliance requirement. Retail customers expect perfectly readable, correctly positioned GS1-compliant labels on every pallet, every time. Automated print-and-apply systems make that achievable, even on fast-moving lines.
Trusted Print Quality – Why Etiquette chooses Sato® Print Engines
Our Print and Apply labelling systems are built around Sato® print engines, a partnership we’ve relied on for many years. We specify Sato® because of their exceptional reliability, precise print density, and long-term durability in industrial environments.
For the most part, applications run at 203 dpi, which delivers excellent barcode clarity and sharp text that is essential for SSCC labels, UCC-128 formats, and retailer-specific data. For customers requiring higher density or specialist formats, we can accommodate 300 dpi configurations too.
Performance in high-volume and harsh environments
Automated pallet labelling is often operating at the coldest, hottest, or harshest point of the production line. High volumes amplify every small inefficiency, and environmental conditions can compromise label performance.
Etiquette solves this by supplying labels engineered for the environment using the right face stock, adhesives, and liners to ensure reliable adhesion and flawless scan performance for:
- chilled or frozen pallets
- damp or condensation-prone conditions
- dusty or dry goods environments
- shrink-wrapped or uneven surfaces
Because we manufacture labels in-house, we can tailor material combinations that are perfectly matched to both the application and the labelling machine.
Why Automation becomes essential – not optional
Some industries simply cannot rely on manual pallet labelling. For many of our customers in food, dairy, bakery, beverage, and fresh produce, automation is no longer a choice due to the combination of strict retailer compliance, higher volume production, tighter scanning requirements and increasing traceability demands. This means automated systems are now the only viable method for keeping up with modern supply chain expectations.
What Etiquette does differently
Etiquette is a complete labelling solutions provider and this is where we differ from machinery-only suppliers
Experienced In-House Engineering Team
Our engineers don’t just install equipment . They consult, plan, and help customers choose the right specification for their production line. Every installation is treated as a bespoke integration project, meaning our solutions are the most reliable in the industry.
On-site installation & full operator training
We ensure every operator understands the equipment, configuration settings, safety features, and maintenance tasks. No machine leaves site without being fully bedded in.
Remote Support and Rapid Response
Our team provides ongoing remote support to resolve issues quickly. If a site visit is needed, we have the capacity to act fast.
Complete spares, repairs and maintenance service
We stock the right spares, service our own systems, and provide expert maintenance for long-term reliability.
Combined Label and Machinery Expertise
Unlike competitors who only supply equipment, Etiquette supplies labels and machinery together, meaning we ensure..
- perfect compatibility
- better print quality
- reliable adhesion
- fewer scanning issues
- a single point of accountability
Customers don’t need to coordinate multiple suppliers as we manage the entire solution end-to-end.
The result: accuracy, speed, and scan reliability at scale
Automating the pallet labelling stage creates a more predictable and efficient production environment with manufacturers gaining consistent, compliant label placement, flawless barcode readability, improved line speeds, fewer rejections and better traceability and audit performance.
For businesses operating under retailer pressure, high volumes, or strict compliance demands, automated pallet labelling is one of the most valuable upgrades they can make.
For more information regarding our Automated Pallet Labelling Machines and other Labelling solutions, please contact us today and speak to one of our experts