Once you have determined which label type you will need, you will then need to choose a copy position.
Copy position, also known as Unwind Position, are terms commonly used in the printing industry and are an important part of the printing process.
Because copy position denotes the way the label will come off the roll, if it is not specified and printed incorrectly, you will receive label rolls that either need to be rewound or cannot be used with your application equipment, and will need to be thrown away.
If applying your label by hand, the copy position will not be as important since you can position the labels manually in whichever orientation you want on the product.
The printing industry has given numbers to each copy position to create an industry standard to avoid confusion. There are 8 roll directions to choose from that each have different methods of application. The most common copy positions are 1-4 and positions 5-8 are typically reserved for special application situations.
Copy Positions 1 & 2
Copy position 1 & 2 are typically used for top or bottom applications on containers. The label machine is positioned above or below the line and wiped or rolled onto the package. Your choice here is based on how your product is positioned coming down your conveyor.
If you want copy position 1, but receive copy position 2, you have 2 options: rewind each roll of labels or flip your product on the conveyor to enter the label machine opposite your normal orientation.
Copy Positions 3 & 4
Copy positions 3 & 4 are typically used for front & back labeling on vertical packages. You choose your copy position depending on the orientation of your package on your conveyor.
If you are doing 2 labels on 1 package (front and back) one label would be copy position 3 and the other side would be copy position 4. If your labels are in the wrong position these copy positions are interchangeable by rewinding or flipping your container from normal orientation.
Copy Positions 5, 6, 7 & 8
These positions are the same as above, but for automatic label machines with a reverse web path.
Typically wound-in labels are done to protect the face of the label from damage. The same principles as above are here with copy position 5 & 6 being complementary and copy position 7 & 8 being complementary.
Importance Of Choosing The Correct Label Copy Position
When choosing the label unwind position, visualize the direction your printed labels will be applied to the product. Deciding on the copy position of your labels is critically important. Without the correct copy position your labels may require manual rewinding, adjustments to your products orientation on the line, or completely manual application.
Your label provider should be asking for a copy position on each order you place (especially if it is a new ship to address) as equipment and product orientation may vary between production facilities even within the same company.
Your plant or co-packer may run the product needing copy position 3 & 4 on the east coast, but then in California they may run it needing position 4 & 3 as the container goes down the line in a different orientation.
