WHAT ARE: Crate and Tote Labels

Within the food processing industry, fresh produce and consumable goods are often collected, transported, stored, and distributed in plastic or wooden crates. To ensure accurate tracking and seamless distribution, these crates must be labeled with variable information that identifies the contents and directs them to the correct destination.

Benefits

• Compatible with a wide range of label materials
• Resistant to aggressive handling conditions
• Crate and Tote Labels for Food

To maintain efficient operations, crate and tote labels must remain fully legible—both to the human eye and to barcode scanning systems. A single unreadable barcode or faded batch number can interrupt the entire logistics process and may even result in a shipment being refused by the customer.

These labels provide essential information to farmers, processing plants, retailers, and consumers, such as:

• Country of origin
• Delivery location
• Quantity
• Weight
• Product type
• And additional traceability data

Common Challenges for Food Crate Labels

Throughout harvesting, production, storage, handling, and transportation, crates and their labels are often exposed to demanding conditions that can cause abrasion or fading. To protect your printed information, labels must be able to withstand:

• Humidity
• Exposure to high or low temperatures
• Cleaning agents
• UV light

Reusable crates and totes present another challenge. In many food-processing environments, containers are cleaned and sanitized between uses to prevent cross-contamination from residues such as wax, pesticides, or soil. This makes it especially important to use durable, high-performance print solutions that can endure repeated handling and washing.

Why Use Thermal Transfer Technology for This Application?

Thermal Transfer Solutions for Food Crate Labeling

Thermal transfer printing—using wax, wax/resin, or resin ribbons—provides the durability required for reliable identification throughout the product lifecycle. When combined with the appropriate label material, this technology delivers long-lasting print that resists scratching, smudging, and fading, even under the most challenging conditions.

Recommended Ribbons for Crate & Tote Labels, AWR1, AWR8, AWX FH, AXR7+, APR400