When it comes to label colour, it’s not just about how good it looks on the roll. The type of ink used also plays a big role in how well your labels perform once they’re out in the real world, where they are being handled, scanned, shipped, and stored.
At Acorn Labels, we use both UV inks and water-based inks as part of our day-to-day production. You don’t need to choose between them or worry about what’s best because our team automatically uses the ink that’s most suitable for your label, based on the material and how it will be used.
UV inks
UV inks are cured instantly under ultraviolet light, which creates a tough, durable finish that sits on top of the label material rather than soaking in.
We use UV inks for labels that need to cope with frequent handling, moisture, scuffing, or longer-term use. They’re great for warehouse, logistics, and industrial environments where labels need to stay clear and readable from start to finish. UV inks also give strong, vibrant colours and really sharp print — ideal for when barcodes and small text need to scan.
Water-based inks
Water-based inks dry naturally through evaporation and absorb slightly into the material, which makes them particularly well suited to paper labels.
These are often used for shipping labels, outer packaging, or short-term applications where the label doesn’t need to last forever. While they’re not as resistant to moisture or heavy handling as UV inks, they’re perfect for the right application.
Every order we produce is assessed by our production team.
The goal is simple: labels that stay legible, scannable, and fit for purpose and without you having to think about the technical details.
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January is a good time to review suppliers, and at Acorn Labels we keep things simple,
including the way we price our labels.
How Our Pricing Works
We don’t believe in confusing price lists or hidden extras.
Our label pricing is based on just a few key details:
• Label size
• Quantity
• Material & adhesive
• Printed or plain
That means you’re only paying for what you actually need. And for larger volumes, bulk pricing can make a real difference to your unit cost.
Why Customers Choose Acorn Labels
We work with businesses across warehousing, distribution, and manufacturing, and these are the things they value most:
✔ Cost-effective bulk pricing
✔ Fast, reliable lead times
✔ Consistent quality on every order
✔Plain, coloured, and printed labels all under one roof
We also supply a wide range of packaging items and consumables, making Acorn a true one-stop shop for your operation.
Need a Quick Quote?
If you’re reviewing suppliers or just want to sense-check your current pricing, we’re happy to help.
Simply send us your label size, quantity, and material, and we’ll come back to you within 1 hour — no obligation, no pressure.
Visit our website and click Get a Quote
Fast responses. Clear pricing. No fuss.
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Our Highlights of 2025
As 2025 draws to a close, we want to take a moment to look back on what has been an incredibly productive and positive year at Acorn Labels.
One of the biggest stars of the year has definitely been our 8-colour Edale FL3 press. It’s worked its socks off! Thanks to this press, we’ve been able to:
- Print even sharper and brighter colour work
- Speed up longer print runs
- Take on more unique and bespoke projects without breaking a sweat
It’s helped us say “yes” to more of what you need.
Improvements in Quality & Consistency
Behind the scenes, we’ve made quite a few tweaks to how we check, finish and pack our labels. These little improvements have made a huge difference, fewer errors, smoother production, and consistently perfect rolls heading out the door. It’s all about making sure you get exactly what you ordered, every single time.
Welcoming New Customers & Supporting Existing Ones
We’ve had the pleasure of welcoming lots of new customers this year, while continuing to look after the businesses who’ve been with us from the start. We don’t take any of it for granted – every order, every phone call, every repeat job means a lot to us. Your trust is what keeps us moving forward.
We’re heading into 2026 with plenty of excitement. To our amazing customers – thank you for choosing us, trusting us, and keeping us busy throughout 2025. Your support means everything, and we truly appreciate every order, every message, and every opportunity to work with you.
And to our brilliant Acorn team – thank you for your hard work, dedication, and the pride you put into every single job. None of this year’s progress would have been possible without you.
From all of us at Acorn Labels, we wish you a wonderful Christmas and a happy, successful New Year!
Sequential & Variable Labels
As the year draws to a close, precision matters more than ever, especially when it comes to sequential and variable data labels. Whether you’re managing product traceability, logistics, or seasonal promotions ensuring every label is unique and accurate keeps operations running smoothly.
At Acorn Labels, we specialise in producing high-quality variable and sequential labels, from barcodes and QR codes to batch numbers and serialised product identifiers.
Why Accuracy Matters
A single error in variable data can cause a ripple effect throughout your entire supply chain. Imagine:
- A barcode duplicated across pallets — scanners reject shipments.
- A skipped sequence — stock counts become inaccurate.
- A wrong batch number — traceability records are compromised.
These errors are costly to fix once labels are in circulation. That’s why we place so much emphasis on data validation before production begins.
Our process includes:
- Careful checking of your data files before printing
- Sequential continuity validation (no missing or duplicate numbers)
- Print samples tested for readability and scan performance
Every roll is produced to exacting standards, so you can trust that your numbering or barcoding system runs smoothly from start to finish.
Top Tip: When ordering sequential or variable labels, always validate your data first, even a small typo in a barcode file can cause a big headache later.
Need help preparing or checking your files? Our team can review your data before production to make sure everything runs perfectly.
How to Choose the Right Label for Your Industry
Not all labels are created equal. The right choice depends on where they’ll be used, how long they need to last, and the conditions they’ll face. Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the best solution:
Warehousing & Distribution
Key needs: durability, high-volume printing, easy barcode scanning.
Best choice: plain or coloured thermal transfer labels with strong permanent adhesive. These withstand handling, stacking, and shipping while keeping barcodes crystal clear.
Logistics & Shipping
Key needs: fast application, resistance to different environments.
Best choice: direct thermal shipping labels for short-term deliveries, or thermal transfer labels with stronger adhesives for longer transit and rougher handling.
Food & Drink
Key needs: compliance, moisture resistance, chilled/frozen conditions.
Best choice: freezer-grade adhesives and synthetic label materials. Ideal for packaging that goes through refrigeration, freezing, or condensation.
Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
Key needs: accuracy, traceability, sterility.
Best choice: high-quality synthetic or coated paper labels with strong adhesives that can withstand sterilisation, handling, and secure barcode tracking.
Top Tip: Always consider the environment your labels will face—heat, cold, moisture, or heavy handling. The right material and adhesive will save you time, money, and frustration.
Need advice on your next order? Our team at Acorn Labels can recommend the perfect label to match your requirements.