How to Reduce Label Waste and Save Money on Printing Supplies
Every label matters! Yet many businesses unknowingly throw away money through wasted labels, from misprints and jams to rolls that expire before they’re used (yes, they can expire). Reducing label waste isn’t just good for sustainability, it can significantly cut supply costs and improve overall efficiency.
Why Labels Get Wasted (and What It Costs You)
Label waste happens more often than most teams realize. A few common culprits:
Printer misalignment or poor calibration → leads to crooked or unreadable labels.
Frequent jams and errors → slow workflows and force unnecessary reprints (see why labels jam).
Improper storage → adhesives dry out, labels curl, or print fades before they’re even used.
Cheap, incompatible supplies → cause more misprints and even damage printers (hidden costs explained).
💡 Even a 5% reduction in wasted labels can save a medium-size warehouse thousands of dollars per year!
Smarter Label Management
Here are some easy tips you can use right now to cut down on label waste:
Store labels in a cool, dry place away from sunlight
Train staff on proper printer loading and calibration
Run a test print before starting large batches
Track usage to find where waste is happening most
Schedule regular printer cleaning and maintenance
Technology That Cuts Waste and Saves Money
Modern labeling tools can dramatically reduce waste:
Printers like the Honeywell PX940v come equipped with a barcode verifier!
Linerless labels → no backing paper, more labels per roll, less storage needed (read about biodegradable options).
High-quality printers with verification features → catch design or print errors before the label hits the roll.
Label management software → reduces duplicate jobs and ensures you’re always using the right version.
Tips to Prevent Wasted Labels
Match the right supplies to the job. Outdoor labels need UV-resistant stock to prevent fading (see how to prevent fading).
Avoid over-ordering. Labels have a shelf life… buying too much upfront can backfire!
Use design tools wisely. Building templates in Word or Canva prevents misprints (how to create a label template).
Test barcodes before scaling. A single scan confirms readability before printing a full run!
Real-World Savings
Label waste may sound small, but the numbers add up fast… REAL FAST!
A company printing 10,000 labels a week that wastes even 2% due to misprints is throwing away 200 labels weekly. Over the course of a year, that’s more than 10,000 wasted labels, equal to multiple rolls of supplies, plus the labor time lost to reprinting. Tightening up workflows can easily recover those costs.
Compliance and Sustainability Benefits
Reprinting entire batches to fix mistakes can destroy your budget. Even worse, mislabeling can cause fines or rejected shipments. Staying up to date with requirements prevents both waste and regulatory trouble (see labeling compliance for 2025).
And beyond cost savings, there’s a green advantage: less waste means fewer materials in landfills and a smaller carbon footprint. Customers increasingly value sustainable practices, so improving efficiency strengthens your brand image too!
It is truly a win-win situation! You help the planet, you save money, and your brand image improves!
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