0114 221 2000
0114 221 2000

Insights

20/06/2023

Printing methods explained

There are many different printing methods available with each having its own strengths and weaknesses. The choice of printing method depends on the specific requirements of a project, such as the quantity, substrate, image quality and turnaround time. Some of the most commonly used printing methods include Offset (Lithography), Flexography...

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31/05/2023

Importance of drug and alcohol testing in haulage and transport

In the world of haulage and transport, the safety of drivers, passengers and loads is of paramount importance. With long hours on the road and demanding schedules, it is crucial to maintain a vigilant approach to safety. One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked is drug and alcohol testing. In...

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19/05/2023

The history of printing

The art of printing has been around for centuries and appears to have originated in China around 220 AD with the first printing press being invented in Europe around 1440 AD. Since then, its development and impact on society have been significant and with the recent advent of 3D printing,...

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03/05/2023

Effective Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Management is a critical aspect of modern business operations and it refers to the coordination of activities involved in the production, procurement and distribution of goods and services. Effective Supply Chain Management is essential if companies are to deliver products to their customers in an efficient and cost-effective...

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17/03/2023

A guide to sheet fed laser and inkjet labels

This is the third article in our series focused on different types of labels and their use. In our previous piece, we looked at ‘heat’ and ‘chemical’ resistant labels. This time we’re looking at ‘sheet fed laser’ and ‘inkjet’ labels. We will use our in-depth understanding of all things related...

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08/03/2023

A guide to chemical and heat resistant labels

This article follows on from our previous piece, which looked at ‘blockout’, ‘piggyback’ and ‘integrated’ labels. This time we’re looking at ‘heat resistant’ labels. In the article, we will use our in-depth understanding of all things related to labels to explain how they work, the advantages of their use and...

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03/03/2023

Finnish transport and port strikes latest – supply chain impact

The Finnish Transport Workers’ Union (AKT), with its 45,000 members, started to strike on 15 February over wage levels and working conditions and has not yet reached an agreement. Negotiations were supposed to resume on 1 March but have stalled. All vessel operations at the Finnish ports involving gate moves...

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07/02/2023

New UK legislation - single use plastics, Plastic Packaging Tax and eco-friendly tapes

In recent years, there has been a growing global movement to reduce single-use plastics, driven by concerns about plastic waste and the impact it has on the environment. In response to these concerns, the UK government introduced a number of changes to legislation aimed at reducing the use of single-use...

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20/01/2023

A guide to blockout, piggyback and integrated labels

When it comes to labels there are a range of different types. If you’re not in the know then it can be confusing choosing the right solution for your needs. At SmartSource, we have an in-depth understanding of all things related to labels and thought it would make sense to...

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18/10/2022

New UKCA marking – all you need to know

What is the newly created UKCA marking and what are the rules for its use? The UK government has introduced the mark for products being placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales). The UKCA marking applies mostly to products that were previously subject to the CE...

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06/10/2022

Plain and printed Labels construction explained

Label Material construction explained Construction Label construction is a multi-layered material consisting of a combination of different material/component layers or substrates. The main and most basic construction consists of three components: Top layer             = the face material Middle layer       = adhesive Bottom layer      = backing sheet with a...

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27/07/2022

Commonwealth Games delivery distribution

The Commonwealth Games start on Thursday 28th July and runs until Monday 8th August. The event is hosted around the Birmingham area and the West Midlands. Across the 12 days of events, there will be localised road closures and travel restrictions in place for various events happening each day across...

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26/07/2022

SmartSource guide to tactile warning labels

What are tactile warning labels? Tactile warning labels are specifically designed with a raised profile that enables the visually impaired to quickly and easily identify potentially dangerous products such as chemicals and pharmaceuticals. EN ISO 11683 and tactile labels UK and EU law requires the use of raised warning triangle...

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07/07/2022

How an outsourced procurement strategy can help your business

During these tumultuous times of rising costs, supply chain issues, extended lead times and inflation, more and more businesses are turning to outsourced procurement strategies to help alleviate some of the problems they are facing. Procurement outsourcing strategies involve transferring some or all purchasing and supply chain functions to third-party...

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20/06/2022

Thermal transfer label materials explained

What is the difference between thermal transfer labels and direct thermal labels? The difference between direct thermal and thermal transfer labels is that direct thermal printing uses chemically treated, heat-sensitive/thermal media that reacts to turn black when in contact with the heat of the printhead, while thermal transfer printing uses...

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20/06/2022

Digital 2000 has changed to SmartSource

Digital 2000 has changed to SmartSource. The same company, just a different name and brand. Why change to SmartSource? Since forming as a print supplier and cost reduction specialist in 1996, Digital 2000 has grown from strength to strength. We have adapted to the evolution of the workplace and become...

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