In the fast-moving world of food and beverage packaging, labelling technology is evolving fast, and keeping up matters more than ever. From recyclable materials to intelligent automation, the next generation of labelling technologies for food and beverage producers is focused on precision, flexibility, and sustainability. As the certified UK partner for Makro Labelling, Packserve Limited helps manufacturers upgrade their lines with modular, future-ready systems that keep production efficient and compliant, without compromise on performance or presentation.
Why Labelling Technologies Matter in Food and Beverage
Labelling has always been the finishing touch on a production line, but today it’s a key contributor to brand identity, compliance, and uptime. Retailers are demanding more recyclable packaging, marketing teams want premium finishes, and engineers are under pressure to deliver shorter runs with faster changeovers. Modern labelling technologies for food and beverage are built to meet these needs, with advanced controls, energy-efficient components, and smarter adhesive management that collectively reduce waste, minimise downtime, and improve consistency shift after shift.
“Technology integration is viewed as the most positive driver of future growth, helping producers adapt with smarter, more intuitive equipment.” – PMMI (Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute).
Exploring Today’s Labelling Technologies for Food and Beverage
Flexible, clean, and highly precise, self-adhesive labelling is ideal for premium beverages and brands with multiple SKUs. It enables quick changeovers, minimal adhesive waste, and excellent placement accuracy.
Makro solutions: MAK Rotary (up to 5 or 10 removable modules), MAK Line, and Combined platforms.
Cold Glue Labelling for Food and Beverage
A cost-effective, reliable choice for paper labels on glass or PET. Best for high-speed beverage lines where performance and cost per label are critical.
Makro solutions: MAK Rotary (up to 3–4 removable modules), MAK Line, and Combined.
Roll-Fed Labelling for Food and Beverage
Applies continuous film directly from the roll, ideal for large-volume production with excellent label cost efficiency and uptime.
Makro solutions: MAK Rotary (up to 2 removable modules), MAK Line, and Combined.
Hot-Melt Labelling for Food and Beverage
Uses thermoplastic adhesive for wrap-around or spot applications, perfect for PET bottles, jars, and cans where secure bonds and high output are essential.
Makro solutions: MAK Rotary (up to 2 removable modules) and Combined.
Advanced Technologies: Signite® by ACTEGA and CLeap InLine
Signite® by ACTEGA transfers only the printed design to the container, eliminating traditional film waste and cutting material use.
CLeap InLine is an energy-efficient adhesive system that reduces waste and simplifies cleaning between runs.
Up to 3 fixed modules (Cold Glue)
Images courtesy of Makro Labelling Srl
Want to see the hardware in action? Explore Makro Labelling’s SELF-ADHESIVE, COLD GLUE, ROLL-FED and HOT-MELT ranges on the Makro website or download the full Makro catalogue.
Modular Machines for Multi-Format Production
One of the biggest trends in labelling technologies for food and beverage production is modularity. Instead of committing to one application type, producers can adapt machines to multiple formats. Makro Labelling’s rotary and linear systems offer interchangeable modules, allowing a single machine to apply different label types on the same frame. This flexibility lets producers switch from cold glue to self-adhesive or roll-fed without major downtime, a major advantage for seasonal products and contract packaging lines.
Advanced Automation and Digital Control
Automation and digitalisation are now central to modern packaging. Today’s labelling systems feature smart servo drives, automatic centring, and integrated inspection. Makro’s Follower optical centring system detects container positions and applies labels with micron-level accuracy. Intuitive touchscreens and recipe storage make format recalls simple. The net effect is faster changeovers, consistent output, and higher overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
Sustainability and Smarter Materials
Sustainability is shaping the future of packaging. Brands aim to reduce single-use plastics, use thinner label films, and adopt recyclable adhesives, without affecting quality. Makro’s designs support this through reduced adhesive consumption, energy-efficient heating/cooling, and modular construction that extends machine life. Paired with eco-conscious label materials, these innovations help cut emissions, save energy, and meet evolving environmental regulations.
Connectivity and Data-Driven Efficiency
Modern labelling systems are part of a connected ecosystem that captures performance data, from adhesive usage to downtime trends. Through integration with PLCs and factory networks, Makro Labelling machines enable OEE monitoring, predictive maintenance, and streamlined performance reporting. Packserve’s engineering team supports customers in linking these smart systems into wider packaging operations, helping build truly data-driven lines.
Preparing Your Line for the Future
The future of labelling technologies for food and beverage is flexible, digital, and sustainable. Modular machines, smart controls, and recyclable materials are becoming the standard. Producers who invest early benefit from shorter changeovers, reduced maintenance costs, and higher reliability, keeping lines competitive as customer demands evolve.
Partner with Packserve Limited
As the certified UK partner for Makro Labelling, Packserve supplies, installs, and supports advanced labelling systems that help producers reduce downtime, improve efficiency, and prepare for future challenges. Whether upgrading an existing line or installing a new system, our engineering team will help you select the right technology for your speed, format, and sustainability goals.
Not sure which labelling tech fits your line? Book a quick consultation →
📞 +44 (0)1254 760 123 📧 info@packserve.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions About Labelling Technologies for Food and Beverage
What’s the difference between self-adhesive and roll-fed labelling?
Self-adhesive (also known as pressure-sensitive) labels are pre-cut and applied using a backing liner, making them ideal for flexibility, shorter runs, and premium finishes.
Roll-fed labels are supplied as a continuous film roll and cut during application, perfect for high-speed production with low material costs. Both technologies have their place depending on the container, volume, and appearance you want to achieve.
Which labelling technology is best for PET bottles?
For PET containers, hot-melt and roll-fed systems are the most common choices. Hot-melt provides strong adhesion and secure wrap-around coverage, while roll-fed offers excellent efficiency and lower label material costs. Makro Labelling machines can handle both, allowing you to choose the best fit for each SKU or production speed.
Can one labelling machine handle multiple label types?
Yes, modern modular systems, such as Makro Labelling’s rotary and linear models, can be configured with multiple removable modules. This allows the same machine to run self-adhesive, cold glue, roll-fed, or hot-melt applications without major mechanical changeovers, keeping your production line adaptable and future-ready.
How do modern labelling machines improve sustainability?
New-generation labelling equipment focuses on reducing adhesive waste, lowering energy consumption, and supporting recyclable materials. Technologies like Signite® by ACTEGA and CLeap InLine reduce film waste and optimise energy use, helping food and beverage producers meet sustainability goals while maintaining high performance.
Where can I get support for Makro Labelling machines in the UK?
Packserve Limited is the official certified partner of Makro Labelling in the UK, offering full supply, installation, and after-sales engineering support. Whether you need spare parts, line integration, or ongoing service, our expert team ensures your labelling equipment performs at its best.