I Need Labels... Now What?

About the Book

I Need Labels....Now What? helps those who purchase, design, engineer, or use labels navigate the process of determining which type of label or label converter is best, by providing a better understanding of the label industry. The book contains sixteen chapters, several worksheets, an index, list of resources, and dozens of useful TIPS.

Differences between pressure sensitive and non pressure sensitive labels, label usage, terminology, how to handle labels, and how to buy smart, are explained. The significance label construction and converting have on the cost, performance, and application of labels, and considerations that need to be made in order to successfully design or apply them, are discussed in detail. Materials and other components, such as adhesives, liners, inks, and protective coatings are covered. The importance proper storage and handling has on shelf life and label performance, as well as advantages and disadvantages of producing labels in-house, are discussed.

The book guides the end user through the decision making process of determining which label converter is best for them; what to look for and what to avoid. Price isn't the only factor to consider! It suggests ways to prevent costly mistakes, resolve problems, and prepare for arbitration if necessary.

Several worksheets combine to provide end users with tools they can use to request label quotes, monitor a label converter's response and/or performance, analyze and compare label quotes, monitor testing (research and development), and determine which label converter is right for them.

The Index helps locate many key terms used throughout the label industry. The List of Resources contains contact information for various organizations, such as Underwriter Laboratories and the Uniform Code Council, a number of trade organizations or associations that might be helpful (or necessary), and several publications that might serve as useful resources.

About the Author

LEE LaCHANCE has worked in the label industry since 1986. He co-founded Northeast Tape and Label, which specialized in foil stamped pressure sensitive and fabric labels and decorative ribbon. He developed Finder's Keepers?, a life saving label identification system for use by fire and rescue personnel in establishing probable sleeping quarters for children, adults, handicapped, and the elderly. He also helped to develop a method to facilitate sequentially numbered fabric (garment) labels, useful in identifying children as well as individuals suffering from medical conditions or dementia.

In 1991, he established the foil stamping division of Southern Atlantic Label Company in Chesapeake, Virginia, where the primary emphasis was on value added labels produced flexographically, primarily for the food industry. These included gourmet coffee, specialty food and beverage, and wine labels. His responsibilities also included thermal transfer and direct thermal imprinting of industrial and government (GPO) labels.

In 1994, Lee accepted the position of Operations Manager at Advance Label and Tag in McKinney, Texas, which specialized in the production of nameplates for the cellular phone, pager, and two-way radio industry, as well as labels for other industrial applications.

From 1996 through 2006, Lee worked in various capacities at Creative Labels of Vermont, Inc. which included purchasing, research and development, sales and service of thermal printing systems, and managing the foil stamping and thermal imprinting department. There, he coordinated the development of a label system suitable for use on plastic containers when hot-filled, and actively participated in a national study relating to potential migratory issues involving plastic food barriers and label components. As Quality Control Manager, he helped to establish protocol to improve efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction. He was actively involved in problem resolution and arbitration issues, including preparation for and presentation of several key litigating issues.