A label for beer!

The initial situation

Hohgant Brewery was labeling its beer bottles with A4 laser labels. The process of printing and applying sheet labels to beer bottles is time-consuming, especially when applying front and back labels by hand, as the back label has to be applied in exactly the right place - a very tedious job. Although laser printing as such achieves good printing results, you can tell that the labels were printed with a laser printer. Among other things, the opacity of the printing inks, which ensures a good impression, is weaker compared to a printed label.

Requirements for the labels

Based on the initial situation, the requirements were clear quite quickly: an impressive label had to be found that could be applied quickly and easily and that could be provided with a best-before date.

From idea to realization

In personal dialog with the owner couple, Mr. and Mrs. Kammer, the requirements were first defined and then the proposed solutions were worked out. In view of the different types and the requirement for high and convincing print quality, we decided on digital printing labels produced on our Durst TAU330 inkjet printing machine. The test labels were convincing. For the imprint of the expiration dates, we decided to use a TSC ME340 thermal printer. TSC label printers are simple and easy to operate, deliver good print results thanks to 300dpi resolution and also offer a LAN port for easy connection to the existing network. The included Bartender UltraLight Windows label printing software allows label design and printing. The ME340 model convinced us due to these factors and the fact that large rolls with a core of 76mmØ and an outer diameter of 200mm can be used here. A compact and powerful label rewinder with variable speed control is used to rewind the labels. For applying the front and back labels, we decided to use a PRIMERA AP 362e label dispenser. This semi-automatic label dispenser allows single labels to be applied to bottles and cylindrical containers as well as front and back labels to be applied in a single operation, which saves an enormous amount of time for the labels, according to the owner couple.

The result is impressive

Ms. Kammer is thrilled: "The Selfix beer labels meet our high requirements in terms of quality, functionality, deadline and advice. We save an enormous amount of time when applying the front and back labels. Without the relevant know-how of Selfix, we would not have been able to realize this project," continues Mr. Kammer. "Especially the close and good cooperation with Selfix enabled us to realize this demanding beer labeling task in a very short time."

Hohgant Brewery - more than just a beer idea

Heidi and Werner Kammer laid the foundation for their professional activity by taking over the old Waldkäserei Schangnau in Emmental on April 1, 2009 and transforming it into a brewery. The work of building up the business was hard and long, but those who set high goals stay at the foundation for a long time.

The reception as newcomers was warm. And our beer is drunk with pleasure. The start was successful. The guests, who also come to us from the surrounding communities, feel comfortable with us and love our beer, because we brew good beer with passion and serve our guests well.

In addition to various lagers, the Hohgant brewery also produces high-proof beer and beer vinegar.

The owner couple is involved in many events around the topic "art of brewing" and runs a catering service for hungry ski and hiking tourists.

www.brauerei-hohgant.ch