Two-Sided Thermal Imaging Labels for Shipping Waste Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shipping processes are costly and environmentally wasteful due to the need for multiple pieces of paper for printing and applying mailing and packing labels, which increases material usage and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
The development of two-sided thermal imaging labels made from a single substrate, where one side is coated with thermally sensitive inks for printing, and the other side has adhesive, allowing for dual-sided imaging and integration onto packaging without separate liners, reducing waste to a single disposable piece.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional one-sided printing is used with multiple separate substrates for mailing and packing labels, then each label can be printed and applied separately, but multiple individual pieces of paper are needed increasing material usage and waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple label functions (mailing label and packing label) into a single two-sided substrate. The front side contains the mailing label while the back side contains the packing label, both printed on one continuous piece of paper. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate substrates and reduces material waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The single substrate serves multiple functions by incorporating both mailing and packing labels on opposite sides. This multi-functional design allows one piece of paper to replace what would traditionally require two or more separate papers, reducing both quantity and waste.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate substrates are used for mailing and packing labels with their own liners, then each label can be independently applied, but three or four pieces of paper must be disposed of into the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the mailing label and packing label into a single integrated substrate with adhesive on the back. This eliminates the need for separate liners for each label, reducing the number of disposable paper pieces from three or four to just one.
Solution Approach 2:
The label consists of a composite structure with a single substrate that has adhesive applied to its back surface. This composite design integrates the label body and adhesive layer into one piece, eliminating the need for separate liner materials and reducing environmental waste.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional separate printing processes are used for packing and mailing labels, then each label can be customized independently, but multiple machines and support personnel are needed increasing expense
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the printing of mailing and packing labels into a single printing process on one substrate. The print head can print on both sides of the paper in sequence, eliminating the need for multiple printing machines and reducing operational complexity while maintaining full customization capability for each label type.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces shipping costs and environmental impact by eliminating excess paper waste, as only one piece of label material is needed, while maintaining effective communication of shipping information.
Implementation Method 1
The first portion is situated on a front side of the media comprising the label and coated with one or more thermally-sensitive (e.g., direct thermal) inks. The second portion is situated on a back side of the media and coated with one or more thermally sensitive inks.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1E
Figure 1F
Figure 2
AI summary
A print media representing a label is constructed having two components. A first component is capable of being thermally imaged on both a front and back side of the print media. The second component is affixed to the first component but capable of being separated there from. Also, the second component includes adhesive material along a portion of its backside to adhere the print media to an object.