Print and Apply vs. Pre-Print Which Labeling System Fits Your Packing Line?

If you’re running a fresh produce packing-house, you’re likely always looking for ways to improve costs, food traceability, efficiency, and overall PLU labeling operation.

Choosing the right labeling system plays a huge role in all of that. For many packinghouses, it comes down to two main options: Print and Apply or Pre-Print (apply only) label applicators.

These two labeling options offer very different benefits depending on your production setup, product range, and long-term goals. If you’re managing packinghouses or fresh produce operations making purchasing decisions, here’s a breakdown of each system so you can decide which one fits your packing line better.

1. What Is Pre-Print (Apply Only)?

Pre-Print labeling systems print labels that have been fully pre-printed in our factory, then automatically apply them to your fruits or vegetables as they pass through the line. These systems are typically used in high-volume operations where products and labels stay consistent.

The workflow is simple. We pre-print all your PLU label information on your labels, you then load the labels onto the label applicator, and then apply on your produce automatically at high-speed. This method is efficient for produce the stays consistent, doesn’t require much stock and does not need any real-time or traceability information printed during the labeling process.

2. What Is Print and Apply on Demand?

LABELPAC Print and Apply on demand systems offers a highly adaptable labeling solution. This configuration utilizes generic labels that are either blank or feature a pre-printed logo, leaving space for you on the sticker to print variable information such as bar codes, lot codes, variety names, traceability details, or sequential data in real-time. Each label’s variable information is printed at the time of application using an on-board printer that is directly attached to each label applicator on your production line. These labels can be tailored on-site during your labeling process and can store an unlimited number of images, ready to be used whenever you need to label a variety name, bar code, lot code, or traceability information. The user-friendly LABELPAC Print and Apply Software enables you to access live data from the label information stored in your database, which is automatically uploaded to your label applicators. This option is perfect for operations that manage a diverse range of PLU labels and want to drastically reduce their label inventory stock as well as react to their buyers quickly. In addition, these systems allow growers to include real-time traceability information, as well as sequential trace-back data for each fruit or vegetable. The MOTOHEAD® Print and Apply system, is also extremely beneficial for tracking and managing multiple grower codes under a single label brand.

3. Speed vs. Flexibility

One of the biggest decision points is whether your line prioritizes volume or adaptability

Pre-Print (Apply Only) labeling systems are optimized for speed. Since labels are pre-printed  in full this system will apply them quickly as produce passes by. That setup works best for consistent labeling of the same PLU’s with low label stock requirements.

Print and Apply on Demand is designed for flexibility. If your operation handles multiple PLU’s, seasonal varieties, or custom packaging, real-time label generation lets you switch labels with just a click on your touch screen tablet provided by LABELPAC, or on your smart phone.

And you’re not alone in weighing this choice. A recent industry survey found that 48% of all capital spending in food and beverage manufacturing is focused on automation projects, a figure that underscores how crucial fresh produce labeling automation has become.

4. When to Use Each System

Use a Pre-Print (Apply Only) labeling system when:

• You label the same produce consistently throughout the day, and you don’t waste or stock an excessive amount of stickers or labels.
• You handle long, uninterrupted runs of a single product
• You want to prioritize high-speed output
• You use standardized or fixed PLU labels

Use a Print and Apply system when:

• You frequently change label varieties or PLU throughout the day (i.e. apple growers).
• Want to minimize massive label inventory, reduce label waste, and reduce sticker costs.
• You need variable information for traceability such as lot codes, sequential numeric information, or any trace back information for various growers in your group.
• You simply want to react quicker to any buyer’s needs without waiting for fully printed labels.

Think of it this way: MOTOHEAD® Pre-Print (apply only) label applicators are built for simplicity and consistent products with no to little changes in the label information, while Print and Apply On- Demand offers maximum flexibility of creating your own labels when you need them, reducing inventory costs and label waste, while adding traceability information as an added value to your buyers and customers.

5. Integration With Your Existing Line

How your labeling system integrates with your current equipment matters. All MOTOHEAD® labels applicators integrate seamlessly with your Grader or Sizer software allowing for Selective labeling (labeling only the fruit you need labeled) or Hit-On-Sight technology (labeling all fruit passing through the applicators.

Final Thoughts: Choose Based on What You Value Most

Your labeling needs aren’t identical to the next operation. What works for a citrus packing facility might not work for a farm selling seasonal mixed produce.

If your operation is focused on volume, repeatability, and simplicity and your label volumes used annually are low, Pre-Print (Apply Only) is a strong fit. If you’re juggling multiple fruit or vegetable sticker PLU varieties, changing labels often, or supporting customer-specific packaging, Print and Apply on Demand will serve you better in the long run.

Whichever direction you go, make sure your system aligns with your requirements, product diversity, and future plans. The right labeling workflow can streamline your entire produce packing line and give your team the efficiency it needs to grow.