What Is Print and Apply Labelling? How It Works

A print and apply labelling system prints a label on demand and immediately applies it to the product, carton or pallet as it passes, with no manual handling. The unit combines three parts in one machine: a printer, a label dispenser and an applicator. It is also called a print and apply labeller or a label printer applicator, and it is the standard way to put variable data such as barcodes, batch numbers and shipping information onto cartons and pallets in manufacturing and logistics.

How print and apply works

As each product or carton approaches, the printer prints the label with that item's data, the dispenser peels it from the backing, and the applicator places it onto the passing product. Because every label is printed at the moment of application, each one can carry unique data: a different batch number, serial number, weight or destination barcode per item. That is the key difference from pre-printed labels applied by a standard applicator.

Print and apply vs a standard label applicator

	Standard label applicator	Print and apply system
Labels	Pre-printed, identical	Printed on demand, can be unique per item
Best for	Product branding labels	Barcodes, batch data, logistics labels
Typical position	Primary packaging line	End of line: cartons and pallets

If the label is the same on every unit, a standard applicator is simpler and faster. The moment the label must change per item, print and apply is the right tool. Our guide to the difference between label applicators and labelling machines covers the applicator side in more detail, and the wider Nexus labelling system range covers both.

What it prints

Print and apply systems handle batch and lot numbers for traceability, expiry and manufacturing dates, barcodes and QR codes for inventory tracking, serial numbers, brand logos and graphics, safety and compliance text, pricing and product details, and data matrix codes for specific industry requirements.

Where it is used

• Carton and case labelling. A label applicator machine for boxes and cartons on packing lines, printing barcodes and product data as cases pass.
• Pallet labelling. A pallet label applicator prints and applies shipping labels for warehouse dispatch, so every pallet leaves with correct, scannable logistics data.
• Logistics and distribution. Labelling goods before shipping so they can be scanned and tracked through the supply chain.

The Markem Imaje print and apply system supplied by Nexus suits a range of applications including carton and pallet labelling, and integrates into high-volume production environments.

Consumables

Print and apply printers use thermal transfer ribbons with thermal transfer labels, or direct thermal labels that need no ribbon. Thermal transfer ribbons come in wax, wax-resin and resin formulations to suit the label stock and durability required. The printing engine is the same thermal transfer technology used in TTO coding; see our explainer on how thermal transfer printing works for how ribbons and printheads behave.

Frequently asked questions

What is a print and apply labelling machine?

It is a system that prints each label on demand and automatically applies it to a product, carton or pallet as it passes on the line. It combines a printer, label dispenser and applicator in one unit, removing manual labelling entirely.

What is the difference between print and apply and a normal label applicator?

A normal applicator applies pre-printed, identical labels. A print and apply system prints each label at the moment of application, so every label can carry unique data such as a batch number, serial number or destination barcode.

Can print and apply label pallets as well as cartons?

Yes. Pallet label application for warehouse dispatch is one of the most common uses, alongside carton and case labelling on packing lines. The applicator format is chosen to suit the surface and position being labelled.

What consumables does a print and apply system use?

Thermal transfer ribbons with thermal transfer label stock, or direct thermal labels that need no ribbon. Ribbons are available in wax, wax-resin and resin formulations to match the label material and the durability the application needs.

Automate your carton and pallet labelling

Nexus Australia supplies print and apply systems for carton, case and pallet labelling, integrated with the rest of your packaging line and supported Australia-wide. Contact our team to talk through your labelling requirements.