Lit-Off Desarrollo

Industrial sector

Labels for logistics and warehousing

Labels for logistics and warehousing: pallets, picking and high-reliability shipping

We supply self-adhesive labels for logistics and warehousing with reliable reading on high-speed scanners: verified GS1/SSCC and Code 128 codes, correct material and roll configured for your printer at point of use. A label that fails at the scanner is a held pallet, an exception in the system and lost time. Since 1994 we have supplied shipping labels to operators and warehouses in Spain and Europe.

Printing

At point of use

Standard

GS1 · SSCC

Reading

Verified

Surfaces

Cardboard · Plastic · Recycled

Main applications

  • Pallet and master case labels with GS1/SSCC code for distribution.
  • Printing at point of use with thermal printer in warehouse or production line.
  • Labels for cold rooms and high-humidity environments.
  • Labelling for maritime shipping and international transport.
  • Picking, delivery note and internal warehouse management with direct thermal.
Industrial labels for logistics and warehousing

Common materials in logistics

  • Polypropylene: resistance to moisture, cold and water contact. Essential in cold rooms, maritime shipping and humid environments.
  • Direct thermal: ribbon-free printing, economical, ideal for short-life labels in picking, shipping and delivery notes.
  • Outdoor polyester: long-lasting in outdoor transit and asset identification; high resistance to abrasion, UV and weathering. With resin ribbon for maximum contrast.

Do you need to calibrate the material to your printer?

We supply labels on rolls calibrated for your thermal printer model. Tell us the model, core, width and roll diameter.

Consult for logistics →

Environment and technical requirements

Operating conditions in logistics and warehousing

In modern logistics, labels pass through fixed and handheld scanners, conveyor belts, tunnel readers and automatic reading portals. A failed read is an exception that generates cost. Print quality, code contrast and adhesion to the substrate are the factors that determine whether the system runs reliably or generates errors.

  • Automatic high-speed reading on fixed scanners, tunnel portals and conveyor belts: the code must be reliable from the first pass.
  • Cold rooms and freezing chambers: the label and adhesive must work at temperatures below 0 °C without peeling or losing contrast.
  • Adhesion to recycled cardboard, plastic boxes and shrink film: rough and irregular surfaces with variable surface energy.
  • Maritime and international transport with humidity, temperature changes and aggressive handling for days or weeks of transit.
  • GS1/SSCC standard for unique identification of shipping units: required in distribution chains with large retailers and 3PL operators.
  • Barcode verification according to ISO/IEC 15416 (1D) and ISO/IEC 15415 (2D): minimum contrast, distortion and density to validate read rate.
  • Roll format calibrated for Zebra, Honeywell, SATO and TSC thermal printers: core, diameter, width and spacing between labels.
  • Management of batches, expiry dates and serial numbers in the GS1 label data field, compatible with EDI and WMS systems.
In automated logistics, each failed read is an exception that generates operational cost. Material, printing and roll calibration are the three factors that determine whether the system runs stably or accumulates errors.
Labelling applications in logistics and warehousing

Where our labels are used

From picking in the warehouse to the SSCC label on the pallet leaving for distribution, every point in the logistics flow has its own requirements for printing, adhesion and reading.

Specific applications

Labels for pallets: GS1/SSCC format and shipping

GS1 / SSCC pallet label

The SSCC pallet label is the identity document for the shipping unit. It includes the 18-digit SSCC code, batch number, expiry date, reference and supplier code. Printed at point of use with thermal printer on material calibrated for your equipment.

Shipping and distribution

Labels for cold storage

Cold surfaces condense moisture. A standard label peels off, the code loses contrast and the reader fails. Polypropylene with cold-chain stable adhesive maintains adhesion from −20 °C and resists handling in the chamber. Printing with resin ribbon for lasting contrast.

Cold and frozen

Picking and location management

For picking, delivery notes, location labelling and internal stock management, direct thermal offers the most economical solution: no ribbon, direct printing on heat-sensitive material, calibrated for the printer you already have in your warehouse.

Internal warehouse management

Sector needs and environments

Common applications in logistics and warehousing

In logistics, the data can't fail: an unreadable code stops the chain. Label choice depends on the environment, the substrate, the reading equipment and the customer's GS1 standards. These are the most common needs.

Application

GS1 labels and pallet traceability

Identification of logistics units with SSCC code, batch, date and variable data to the GS1 standard. A requirement for exchange with distributors, large retailers and logistics operators that demand GS1 conformity.

  • SSCC, GS1-128 and DataMatrix formats with variable data.
  • High read rate at tunnel portals and fixed scanners.

Application

RFID labels for warehouse management

Line-of-sight-free reading for automated inventory, stock control and shipping. Especially useful in warehouses with a high density of references, where bulk reading cuts processing time.

  • Simultaneous reading of multiple labels with no visual contact required.
  • Integration with WMS and warehouse management systems.

Application

Labels for outdoor and weather exposure

Pallets, cages and containers stored or transiting outdoors, exposed to rain, sun, cold and temperature swings. The label must keep the code readable throughout the journey.

  • Resistant to UV, rain and temperatures between −30 °C and +80 °C.
  • Adhesion to recycled cardboard, wood and plastic.

Standards and technical requirements

Standards applicable in logistics and the supply chain

Major distributors, supermarket chains and 3PL operators require compliance with GS1 standards for the exchange of goods. Non-compliance can lead to penalties or rejections on receipt.

GS1 / SSCC

Global standard for logistics identification

GS1 is the worldwide organisation that defines the identification standards for products, logistics units and locations. The SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) uniquely identifies each shipping unit globally. Code 128 and ITF-14 are the most common barcode symbologies. DataMatrix and QR are used for smaller units or those carrying more data.

ISO/IEC 15416 · 15415

Barcode quality verification

Stable scanner reading requires the code to meet the quality parameters set out in ISO/IEC 15416 (1D codes) and ISO/IEC 15415 (2D codes). The key parameters are symbol contrast, minimum reflectance, modulation and distortion. The base material and the print ribbon directly affect these values.

Printing at point of use

Roll calibration for thermal printers

Printing at point of use is the standard system in logistics. The label roll must be calibrated for the thermal printer model: core (25 or 76 mm), maximum outer diameter, width, label length and material type (direct thermal or thermal transfer). A poorly calibrated roll causes print failures and failed reads.

Variable data · EDI · WMS

Integration with management systems

Logistics labels include variable data: batch number, expiry date, serial number, internal reference and supplier code. They must be compatible with the customer's WMS (Warehouse Management System) and EDI systems. The label template design and data fields are configured to the end customer's requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about logistics labelling

What is the GS1/SSCC label and when is it mandatory?+

The GS1/SSCC label is the standard logistics label for the supply chain. It contains an 18-digit code that uniquely identifies each shipping unit worldwide. It is mandatory when exchanging goods with major distributors, supermarket chains and logistics operators working to GS1 standards. It also includes fields such as batch, expiry date, reference and supplier code.

What affects reliable reading of a logistics label?+

In automated logistics, every failed read creates an exception: the parcel is diverted or requires manual intervention. Print quality — code density, contrast and bar width — the material, and adhesion to the substrate are the key factors. Verifying the code to ISO/IEC 15416 (1D) or 15415 (2D) helps reduce errors before producing large volumes.

Can I print the labels in my own warehouse?+

Yes, printing at point of use with thermal printers is the standard system in logistics. We supply blank labels on rolls, sized for the printer model you use. If you use thermal transfer, we also recommend the right ribbon. The format, core, outer diameter and width must match your printer's specifications exactly.

Which material is better: direct thermal, polypropylene or polyester?+

It depends on the environment and duration. Direct thermal is the most economical option for short-life labels in picking and shipping: no ribbon, direct printing. Polypropylene withstands moisture, cold and aggressive handling: cold rooms, maritime shipping and humid environments. Polyester is the choice for extended outdoor transit and asset identification: high resistance to abrasion, UV and weathering.

How are the GS1 codes we print verified?+

GS1 barcodes are verified with a verifier calibrated to ISO/IEC 15416 (1D) or ISO/IEC 15415 (2D). Verification measures symbol contrast, minimum reflectance and bar distortions. GS1 also offers verification services through its national organisations. At Lit-Off we can guide you on the technical code requirements for your distribution chain.

What label is used in cold stores or refrigerated chambers?+

In refrigerated environments (between −25 °C and +5 °C) conventional adhesive loses grip because the pack surface is cold or damp with condensation. Labels with a cold-formulated adhesive are used, which maintain adhesion even on damp surfaces. The most common face material is polypropylene or direct thermal with a moisture-resistant receptive coating. It is important to apply the label before the product goes into the chamber, so the adhesive cures correctly.

Can you send a sample before production?+

Yes. In logistics it's common to validate the material with the actual printer before producing a large volume. Tell us the printer model, the code type, the environment of use, the core, the width and the roll diameter. We'll prepare a calibrated sample so you can validate the print and read rate before placing the order.

Direct contact

Request a sample or quote

Tell us the environment, the printer and the volume. We'll recommend the material calibrated for your equipment and send you a sample to validate before production.

  • • GS1/SSCC materials for pallets and shipping
  • • Adhesion to recycled cardboard and low-energy surfaces
  • • Resistant to cold, moisture and heavy traffic
  • • Compatible with Zebra, Honeywell and SATO printers
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