Strip Label Applicator Machine

Morrison Container Handling Solutions, an expert in automated packaging equipment, is excited to introduce the Strip Label Applicator Machine, an automated solution designed to streamline the application of strip labels onto liquor bottles and other rigid containers. Developed in response to the growing demand for premium, high-end bottle aesthetics, this automated continuous motion system simplifies a traditionally labor-intensive process, helping bottlers enhance product presentation while improving efficiency.

“The liquor industry is evolving, and brands are looking for ways to utilize premium labeling to enhance their products shelf appearance while maintaining production rates,” Nancy Wilson, CEO at Morrison Container Handling Solutions said. “With the Strip Label Applicator Machine, we’re giving bottlers the ability to automate this application while providing flexibility to change to different bottles without a major capital investment.”

Many liquor brands are incorporating strip labels [also referred to as tax stamps] for marketing and decorative purposes, applying them manually due to the lack of an easy-to-integrate automated solution. This manual process introduces challenges such as inconsistent placement, increased labor costs, and production inefficiencies which contribute to product and materials waste. Morrison Container Handling Solutions, in collaboration with Packaging and Engineered Solutions, has engineered a purpose-built system that eliminates these obstacles, offering a seamless way to apply strip labels with precision and reliability.

“Marketing teams want the premium look of strip labels but lack an understanding of how production lines will apply these labels, so companies used either non-premium, plastic shrink bands or hand applied labels to accomplish the on-shelf look,” Guy Taylor, CEO of Packaging and Engineered Solutions said. “For years we searched for equipment that could automate the hand application of the strip labels at a higher speed, and when we couldn’t find it, we decided to work with Morrison to create our own solution.”

A Flexible Solution for a Growing Market

The Strip Label Applicator Machine is designed with modularity and ease of use in mind, helping bottlers integrate automation without costly, permanent changes to their production lines. Key features of this innovative machine include:

• Models for Retrofitting or Expanding – There are two offerings of the machine depending on customer need and speed. Lower speed applications can be retrofitted to mount to existing conveyors. A stand alone machine is available for applications that need to run at faster speeds.
• Continuous Run Technology – Unlike other systems that require indexing, Morrison’s applicator operates continuously to maximize uptime and efficiency.
• Versatility for Multiple SKUs – With in / out and up / down adjustable label heads, brushes, timing screws, and guides, the machine accommodates various bottle shapes and sizes, and features quick, tool-less changeovers to support evolving product lines.
• Gentle, Precise Application – A soft brush system helps make sure labels are properly secured on the cap and neck while maintaining their visual integrity for strong shelf appeal.
• Positive Control of Containers – Utilizing Morrison’s industry-renowned timing screw technology, this system is able to maintain positive control with multiple points of contact on the bottle throughout the entire process. 
• Scalable Speeds – Available in standard models for speeds ranging from 30 CPM to 200 CPM, with custom solutions available for higher throughput needs. 

Enhancing Efficiency Without Disrupting Operations

This new system aligns with Morrison’s commitment to designing flexible, high-performance packaging solutions that help manufacturers increase efficiency, reduce labor dependency, and accommodate future changes with ease.

“With more liquor brands utilizing unique labeling to market their bottles and help them stand out on the shelf, we’re seeing a major increase in the use of strip labels or tax stamps,” Vice President of Sales Dustin Lee said. “We’re excited to offer an automated solution that will work for bottlers, big and small, and scale with them as they grow. This solution is going to impact the labor constraints at a plant and shelf appeal of a bottle in a positive way.”