Labelling Machine Suppliers & Manufacturers

Find verified labelling machine manufacturers and suppliers on Towobo. Compare pressure-sensitive self-adhesive labellers, sleeve label applicators (shrink sleeve and stretch sleeve), wrap-around labellers, front-and-back labellers, semi-automatic and fully automatic systems, and integration with bottling and packaging lines — from manufacturers in China.

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Labelling machine types and technology selection

A labelling machine applies labels to bottles, jars, cans, tubes, or other containers on a packaging line — one of the most visible operations affecting the finished product quality and retail presentation. The labelling technology must match the label type (pressure-sensitive self-adhesive, shrink sleeve, stretch sleeve, wet-glue, or in-mould) and the container format. Pressure-sensitive (self-adhesive) labellers are the most common and versatile format — they apply pre-printed self-adhesive labels from a roll to the container. Types of PSL labellers: spot labellers (apply a single label to one face of the container); front-and-back labellers (simultaneously apply labels to the front and back faces of a bottle); wrap-around labellers (apply a single label that wraps 360° around a cylindrical container); top labellers (apply labels to the flat top of lids or cartons). Shrink sleeve labellers apply a printed heat-shrink tube (typically PVC, PETG, or OPS film) over the container and then pass it through a steam or hot-air shrink tunnel — the sleeve shrinks tightly to the container shape, providing 360° print coverage and (for full-body sleeves) product decoration from shoulder to base. Shrink sleeves are used for premium beverage decoration, tamper evidence banding, and multi-pack bundling. Stretch sleeve labellers use an elastic sleeve that is mechanically stretched onto the container without heat — used for PET bottles and some rigid containers where shrink sleeve temperature is a concern. Wet-glue labellers (cold-glue or hot-glue) apply a glue-backed paper label from a magazine using a glue roller — the traditional glass bottle labelling method for beer, wine, and spirits; provides excellent label lay-flat on glass. In-mould labelling (IML) is a moulding process where the label is placed in the mould before blowing or injection — the label bonds to the container surface during moulding.

Labelling machine types and technology selection

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a front-and-back labeller and a wrap-around labeller?

A front-and-back labeller applies two separate labels — one to the front face and one to the back face of a container — simultaneously. This is the standard for rectangular or square bottles, square jars, and containers where distinct front and back designs are required (e.g., a main brand label on the front and a nutritional/ingredient information label on the back). A wrap-around labeller applies a single label that wraps continuously around a cylindrical container (360° coverage) — used for cylindrical bottles and jars where a single full-circumference label is required. For a round bottle with a single full-coverage label (as used for most cylindrical water, oil, and beverage bottles), a wrap-around labeller is the correct machine. For a square bottle with separate front/back labels, a front-and-back labeller is required.

Can I label bottles with a semi-automatic machine to start?

Yes — a semi-automatic labeller is a practical and affordable starting point for small-scale bottling operations. Semi-automatic wrap-around labellers for round bottles are available from Chinese manufacturers for $2,000–8,000 — the operator places the bottle against a guide, depresses a pedal or button, and the machine wraps and applies the label. Label placement accuracy on semi-automatic machines is adequate for most food and beverage applications. At production scales below 500 bottles per hour, a semi-automatic labeller is cost-effective. When production grows beyond 500–1,000 bottles per hour, upgrading to an automatic conveyorised labeller integrated into the filling line becomes a priority to eliminate the operator placement bottleneck.

Do shrink sleeve labellers require a separate shrink tunnel?

Yes — a shrink sleeve labelling system consists of two separate machines: the sleeve applicator (which cuts and applies the sleeve label over the container) and the shrink tunnel (which applies heat — steam or hot air — to shrink the sleeve tightly around the container). The two machines are typically purchased together as a system and are positioned consecutively on the line conveyor. Steam tunnels provide more uniform and controlled shrinkage than hot-air tunnels — preferred for PETG and OPS shrink sleeve materials. Hot-air tunnels are more economical and simpler to operate — adequate for PVC sleeves and lower-precision shrink applications. Confirm the sleeve material (PVC, PETG, OPS) with your label supplier and specify the matching tunnel type when ordering the shrink sleeve labelling system.

Labelling Machine Suppliers & Manufacturers

Labelling machine types and technology selection

Labelling Machine Suppliers & Manufacturers

Labelling machine types and technology selection

Automation levels, date coding, and ordering guidance

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a front-and-back labeller and a wrap-around labeller?

Can I label bottles with a semi-automatic machine to start?

Do shrink sleeve labellers require a separate shrink tunnel?

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