Tagless Apparel Manufacturers Cost-Reduction

Tagless printing allows apparel manufacturers to print care labels, size information, images and brand logos directly onto garments instead of using sewn-in tags. The method not only improves the apparel’s comfort level for the wearer, but can also reduce production costs for manufacturers.

The most common tagless labeling methods include heat transfer labels, screen printing and pad printing.

• Heat Transfer Labels
  Heat transfer labels are printed onto a carrier material and then applied to garments using heat and pressure. This method is often used by apparel companies that outsource label production and apply the labels in-house with a heat press.
• Screen Printing
  Screen printing can be used to print tagless labels directly onto garments, especially for short runs or custom decorating work. It allows apparel decorators to change artwork on demand without ordering large quantities of pre-made labels.
• Pad Printing
  Pad printing applies tagless label artwork directly to fabric using an etched plate, ink cup and silicone pad. The ink is transferred from the plate to the pad and then pressed onto the garment.

Each tagless printing process has its own advantages depending on production volume, durability, cost and turnaround needs.

How Tagless Labels Reduce Apparel Costs

By printing brand, size, and care information directly onto the garment, tagless labels remove the need for separate fabric tags entirely, cutting out the costs of purchasing, storing, managing, and sewing them in, while simplifying the overall production process. The three main tagless cost-saving areas:

• Lower labor expenses: Separate sewn-in tags and the added sewing step are no longer required.
• Reduced material waste: Eliminates excess, unused, or outdated woven labels from the production process.
• Simplified inventory management: Reduces the cost and delay of ordering, storing, and tracking multiple label sizes, styles, or versions.

Printing tagless labels in-house can also provide companies with supply chain and operational savings.

• Instant updates: Digital art changes require zero lead time or reordering.
• Smaller footprint: Compact printing stations free up valuable factory floor space.
• Lower shipping costs: Eliminates the bulk shipping weight and storage needs of physical label rolls.

Tagless printing can also help improve the customer experience by improving satisfaction while preserving brand visibility over the life of the garment.

• Fewer returns: Customers are less likely to cut out scratchy tags or return garments because of tag discomfort.
• Brand longevity: Printed labels do not fray, helping logos, care details, and brand information remain intact longer.

Reducing Labeling Costs with Inkcups Tagless Printing

For apparel manufacturers looking to lower labeling costs without sacrificing comfort, durability, or brand presentation, Inkcups can help. We offer tagless pad printing machines that allow companies to bring garment label printing in-house, reduce reliance on outsourced labels, and create comfortable, long-lasting prints.

For more information about going tagless with Inkcups, see our guide on how to switch to tagless labels, or contact us to get started today!