Print, Apply, and Comply: Smarter Pallet Labelling with SSCC Labels

Let’s be honest, pallet labelling isn’t exactly the kind of topic that gets most people leaping out of bed in the morning. But for those of us who spend our days elbow-deep in logistics, warehousing, or supply chain automation, it’s a quiet hero. A well-placed, accurately printed label can mean the difference between seamless distribution and a warehouse headache.

And that’s where print and apply technology really earns its keep.

The Unsung Importance of SSCC Labels

At the heart of pallet labelling lies the SSCC – the Serial Shipping Container Code. Think of it as a unique passport for every pallet leaving your facility. It tells your customers (and their automated systems) exactly what’s on that pallet, where it came from, and where it’s going. Retail giants are getting stricter about GS1 compliance, which means that the correct placement, format and readability of these labels isn’t optional, it’s essential.

If you’re still applying pallet labels by hand, you’ll know the pitfalls. Labels get slapped on at odd angles or in the wrong position, leading to missed scans and, potentially, rejected shipments. The GS1 standard specifies precise positioning on two adjacent sides of the pallet. Manually hitting that target every time? Unlikely.

Enter automated print and apply labelling.

Consistency, Compliance and Cost-Saving

One of the biggest advantages of a print and apply solution is consistency. Pallet Labelling Machines don’t get distracted or tired. They apply labels in the correct position every single time, ensuring compliance with GS1 standards and guaranteeing those all-important barcodes can be scanned by automated systems further down the line — whether that’s a forklift-mounted scanner or a fixed reader at goods-in.

Beyond accuracy, there’s a genuine labour-saving angle. While it’s rare to have someone solely responsible for pallet labelling, removing that task from your team’s to-do list frees them up for more valuable work. And when the whole thing is tied into a smart SSCC setup, you also eliminate the need for manual data entry and pre-printed labels — reducing human error and waste in one go. The system generates everything it needs, in real time, with no manual input. It’s all based on what’s coming down the line — no spreadsheets, no mis-keyed codes, no dramas.

What Does Smart Labelling Actually Mean?

Smart pallet labelling is about creating a one-to-one relationship between the pallet and its label as it happens. With systems like Cobalt’s Nexus 20, you can scan the products that make up a pallet, automatically generate the correct SSCC label based on what’s detected, and apply it precisely — all on the fly. Even if you’re dealing with mixed pallets, we offer a robust, smart SSCC solution that can differentiate between the different pallets.

Some setups even go a step further. Built-in laser measurement tools can detect the exact height of each pallet. That data is cross-checked with known product dimensions to calculate how many cases are stacked — ideal for auto-counting, validating full or part pallets, or even adjusting label placement on the fly. It’s clever, and very practical.

And of course, it’s safer too. In highly automated environments, having someone walking among moving pallets just to stick on labels isn’t just inefficient — it’s a risk. Automating the process keeps people out of harm’s way and improves overall site safety.

Built for Real-World Operations

Different customers want different things. Some are happy with one label on the front; others demand two, three, or even four sides labelled — plus one on the top (yes, really). Cobalt offers configurations to suit all of these, from the two-sided Nexus 20 Pallet 2 to the three-sided Pallet 3. And if your customer insists on overkill, we can do that too.

What’s more, these systems don’t need data pushed to them manually. They generate their own, based on the products moving through your line. You just let them get on with it — no fuss, no fiddling.

And if your business is also trying to be a little greener, there are even options to use linerless labels or direct thermal print, helping to cut back on materials and waste. Good for compliance, and good for sustainability too.

Built for Real-World Operations

Automated pallet labelling is more than just a compliance tick-box. It’s a smart move for anyone with their eye on automation, smart factory integration, or just plain efficiency. It keeps people safe, keeps operations flowing, and keeps your customers happy.

Whether you’re moving soup, bulk ingredients, or circuit boards, it’s one less thing to worry about — and one more way to get things right, first time.

Talk to us today to find out more about automatic pallet labelling and how we can help you modernise your pallet labelling processes.