Secondary Labels: The Unsung Heroes of Your Supply Chain

What Exactly Are Secondary Labels?

At their core, secondary labels are plain, self-adhesive labels used for logistical and operational purposes. They typically don’t bear eye-catching designs or branding like primary labels, which are consumer-facing. Instead, they are the functional workhorses behind the scenes, applied to packages, products, or pallets to carry essential information like barcodes, batch numbers, instructions, or shipping details.

In short, secondary labels are what keep supply chains running smoothly.

Why Should Directors and Senior Managers Care?

While secondary labels may seem like a small detail, they play a pivotal role in streamlining operations and can offer surprising opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and cost savings. Here’s why they should be on your radar:

1. Operational Efficiency and Traceability

Secondary labels are integral to the seamless operation of supply chains. They help track goods through every stage of production, distribution, and sale. Whether it’s inventory management, quality control, or shipping, these labels ensure that your products are properly accounted for and traceable from start to finish.
As businesses grow and scale, inefficiencies in labelling processes can lead to errors, delays, and increased costs. Procurement and operational leaders who prioritise optimising their secondary labelling strategies can help mitigate these risks while improving overall operational efficiency.

2. Compliance and Regulation

Secondary labels often carry vital regulatory information, especially for industries like pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and chemicals. From safety instructions to batch numbers, these labels ensure that products comply with stringent industry regulations. Any misstep in labelling could lead to costly penalties, recalls, or damage to brand reputation.
For senior managers responsible for risk management and compliance, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of secondary labels is essential. Aligning with the right labelling partner can minimise these risks, ensuring regulatory standards are met without compromise.

3. Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility

Sustainability is now a boardroom priority, and secondary labels provide an easy, impactful way to make your operations greener. Opting for eco-friendly or thinner materials can significantly reduce your environmental footprint.
For stakeholders tasked with driving sustainability initiatives, even a simple component like secondary labels can make a measurable difference. Companies like Watermill Press, for example, offer a comprehensive label assessment called REGEN that identifies such opportunities.

4. Cost Savings and Efficiency

In a world where every line item affects the bottom line, secondary labels present a subtle yet effective opportunity to save on costs. Re-engineering your labelling requirements, standardising formats, or reducing material waste can achieve significant cost savings without sacrificing quality or functionality.
For senior managers focused on optimising budgets, rethinking secondary labels might not be an obvious first step but it’s one that can generate a real financial impact.

The Strategic Importance of Secondary Labels

To put it simply, secondary labels are the backbone of your supply chain and logistics operations. Their accuracy, reliability, and efficiency directly influence your company’s ability to meet customer demands, comply with regulations, and achieve operational excellence.
The takeaway is clear, secondary labels are more than just adhesive paper. They represent a strategic opportunity to improve your business’s efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.