Automatic twin side labeller
View the automatic machine route.
Machine route
Bottle front and back labelling machine
Bottle front/back labelling machines apply separate front and rear labels with repeatable positioning for retail, compliance and product information.
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Bottle shapes that suit front/back labelling
Flat, oval, square and rectangular bottles are common front/back labelling applications. Round bottles can also be suitable where two separate labels are required instead of a wraparound label.
The finished label layout and bottle stability should be checked before selecting the machine.
- Flat-sided bottles.
- Oval and shaped bottles.
- Square and rectangular containers.
- Selected round bottles needing two labels.
Compact vs automatic machines
Compact twin-side labellers can suit smaller batches, limited space and lower output. Automatic twin-side labellers suit continuous production and integration with filling, capping, coding and inspection equipment.
- Compact for lower-volume projects.
- Automatic for higher throughput.
- Plan changeover if several bottle sizes are required.
Label material and accuracy
The label material affects sensor selection and finished accuracy. Clear labels, film labels and reflective materials should be checked before the equipment is finalised.
The label panel, bottle taper and edge positions also affect how the label looks on the finished pack.
- Paper, film or clear labels.
- Front and rear label dimensions.
- Label position tolerance.
- Barcode and batch code requirements.
Quote details to prepare
A strong enquiry should include bottle photos, label dimensions, target output and line context. This helps avoid a generic recommendation that does not match production.
- Bottle dimensions and photos.
- Label dimensions, material and roll direction.
- Target bottles per minute.
- Available line space and conveyor details.
Best next step: Best next step: send Lancing UK your container photo, label dimensions, label material and target output so the right labelling route can be checked before quote stage.
Related routes
Useful next pages
Use these pages to compare nearby machine routes, applications and buyer guides.
Flat bottle application
See front/back labelling for flat bottles.
Buyer guide
Read the UK bottle labelling machine buyer guide.
Quick answers
Common questions
What is the best machine for front and back bottle labels?
A twin side labeller is usually the starting point for separate front and back labels on suitable bottles.
Can the machine handle different bottle sizes?
Many machines can be adjusted, but the exact size range and changeover needs should be confirmed.
Can Lancing UK advise before I know the exact model?
Yes. Send the pack and label details so the correct route can be shortlisted.
Want help with this labelling requirement?
Send pack photos, label sizes, target speed and current line details. Lancing UK can help shortlist the best front/back labelling machine route.
Bottle-shape control
Match the handling method to the labelled faces
A bottle front and back labelling machine should be selected from the usable label panels, bottle stability and required orientation, not from overall width alone.
Flat and rectangular bottles
Check panel flatness, mould seams, recesses and whether opposite faces are parallel. Guides should reference a stable surface away from the label zone.
Oval bottles
Side pressure can rotate the pack as the curvature changes. Belt position and contact length should be trialled with filled production samples.
Square bottles
Confirm whether the label stays within one face or approaches a corner. Small orientation changes can make the label appear skewed against a vertical edge.
Tapered or flexible bottles
Provide top and bottom panel dimensions and the labelled condition. Taper can require artwork compensation, while flexibility limits allowable belt pressure.
Separate this specialist intent from other bottle labelling routes
This page covers bottles needing two discrete labels on opposite faces. For a round bottle needing one continuous label, use the dedicated wraparound labelling route. For a broad comparison of semi-automatic, wraparound, front/back and top/bottom bottle labellers, use bottlelabellers.co.uk.
Where a third label panel, corner application or variable-data print-and-apply is required, provide a drawing and treat it as a separate application rather than assuming the standard twin-side arrangement. The bottle handling and orientation guide explains the main presentation checks before a trial.
Information for a bottle trial
| Bottle sample | Normal material, colour, fill condition, closure, dimensional variation and any seam, embossing, handle or recessed panel. |
|---|---|
| Label sample | Both finished rolls with face stock, adhesive, liner, gap, core and winding direction. |
| Position drawing | Front and back datums, label orientation, horizontal and vertical location, keep-clear zones and allowed skew. |
| Production method | Target normal output, product spacing, manual or automatic feed, upstream/downstream machinery and available conveyor space. |
Specification questions
Further bottle labelling questions
These additional points cover bottle condition, material and the need for physical samples.
Should bottles be tested filled or empty?
Test them in the same condition used at the labelling stage. Product weight, cap fit and bottle stiffness can change stability and side-belt pressure.
Can glass and plastic bottles use the same setup?
They may require different guide, belt and wipe-down settings. Surface energy, rigidity, mould variation and breakage risk should be considered separately.
Are physical samples needed before final specification?
They are strongly recommended for oval, tapered, lightweight, flexible or clear-label applications because drawings do not show every handling and adhesion variable.