Spear reports PS success among craft beers

Pressure sensitive label converting group Spear is seeing increasing numbers of craft and regional beers transition to the same pressure sensitive labeling technology already embraced by leading global beer manufacturers.

‘Pressure sensitive is the largest labeling technology in North America and Europe. Thanks to its graphic, performance and cost benefits, it is quickly becoming a leading alternative to cut stack/wet glue (CS/WG) labels in the global beverage industry,’ said a spokesperson for the company.

Cold Spring Brewing Company began brewing beverages in 1854. Its products were solely decorated with CS/WG labels until 2001 when it introduced pressure sensitive labeling into its operation. After several years of side-by-side comparison, Cold Spring converted all production to pressure sensitive labeling due to improved line efficiency and flexibility; minimal change part requirements; elimination of glue preparation and clean-up; and additional material options, including white or metalized paper substrates and white, clear and metalized film.

Lift Bridge Brewing Company also recognized the benefits of pressure sensitive labeling and converted its brands from CS/WG labels to paper pressure sensitive to take advantage of its flexibility.

Since converting to pressure sensitive labels, Lift Bridge has changed its label sizes twice without any change part implications. In addition, they have received the functional advantage of pressure sensitive labels maintaining their appearance on the bottles regardless of how long they have been in an ice chest.

Brau Brothers also launched brands with CS/WG labels, but made the decision in 2011 to fully convert to pressure sensitive labels.

The functionality and flexibility of Spear’s labels allowed Brau Brothers to invest in a new pressure sensitive labeler to better manage the line changeover demands being driven by its growing SKU portfolio.