Choose a used labeller or sleeving machine by matching the label technology, container and required production speed. Confirm the installed application stations, format parts and line interfaces before comparing price. A machine that handles one bottle and label combination may need substantial changes to handle another.

This guide covers used labellers and sleevers for PET and glass bottles, cans and other containers, from individual machines to equipment integrated into beverage lines.

1. Define the container, label and output

Supply a container drawing, label specification and representative samples where possible. Your enquiry should include:

Container: material, dimensions, shape, weight and the surface where the label will be applied.
Operating condition: empty or filled, capped or uncapped, product temperature, and whether the surface is dry or affected by condensation.
Label: material, dimensions, application method and required positions, such as body, back, neck or tamper-evident band.
Production: containers per hour for each format, production schedule, changeover frequency and placement tolerances.
Installation: line direction, conveyor height, available space, utilities, budget and target start-up date.

For shaped bottles, specify whether the label must align with a handle, embossing, panel or another label. This may require container orientation equipment beyond basic label application.

2. Select the appropriate labelling technology

Roll-fed wraparound labelling

Labels are supplied on a reel and cut by the machine before application. Conventional hotmelt roll-fed systems are widely used for wraparound decoration on beverage containers. Check the approved label materials, cutting length, label height, reel specification and adhesive process for the particular machine.

When comparing models such as Krones Contiroll or Sidel RollQUATTRO, identify the exact configuration and installed options. A brand or family name alone does not establish compatibility with your label.

Pre-cut label application

Individual labels are supplied to the application station rather than cut from a continuous reel. Cold-glue and hotmelt configurations serve different applications. Check which label positions and materials each installed station supports, along with adhesive suitability for your container and production conditions.

Do not treat all hot-glue labellers as roll-fed machines. The label supply method must also match your specification.

Self-adhesive labelling

Pressure-sensitive labels are normally supplied on a release liner and dispensed onto the container. Verify the number and position of applicators, label dimensions, dispensing speed, sensor suitability and liner handling. Clear labels and shaped containers can require specific sensing and application arrangements.

Sleeve application

Establish whether the equipment applies shrink sleeves, stretch sleeves or tamper-evident bands. These are different processes. A shrink-sleeve installation requires suitable shrinking equipment; confirm the tunnel, utilities and container behaviour at the intended operating conditions. A stretch sleeve is applied without the same heat-shrinking step.

For shrink applications, assess the sleeve material, layflat width, cut length, shrink characteristics and tunnel together. An applicator sold without its tunnel is not a complete shrink-sleeving installation.

3. Verify performance for the actual format

Ask for demonstrated output with the proposed container and label, rather than relying solely on maximum mechanical speed. Application stability, container handling and label supply can limit sustained production.

Convert quoted speeds to the same unit: 300 containers per minute equals 18,000 per hour before stoppages and rejects. Establish whether a figure refers to containers, individual labels or applicator cycles. A bottle receiving three labels still counts as one container.

For self-adhesive equipment, 300 labels per minute at a 120 mm web pitch implies an average label-web demand of 36 metres per minute for that applicator. This is only an initial calculation; dispensing motion, sensors, label placement and container handling must also be checked.

Allow for reel changes, label replenishment, cleaning, changeovers and rejected containers when calculating saleable output. Confirm how the machine will work with your filling line and downstream packing equipment, including any operating margin and accumulation needed.

4. Check format parts and installed stations

Obtain an itemised list of included formats and change parts. Depending on the design, these may include:

Container handling: infeed screw, starwheels, guides, centring bells, bottle plates and hold-down components.
Label application: pallets, grippers, transfer drums, cutting components, applicator heads or dispensing plates.
Sleeving: mandrels or forming components, cutting units and format-specific guides.
Controls and inspection: recipes, container orientation, label detection, print inspection and reject devices.

A modular labeller may support several technologies, but only the stations supplied and compatible with that particular machine should be included in the purchase assessment. Confirm the cost, availability and lead time of any missing parts before committing.

5. Assess installation and utilities

Check the machine footprint, access for maintenance, conveyor interfaces, electrical supply, compressed air and control signals. Verify where labels are applied in relation to filling, rinsing, drying and packing.

Condensation or residual water may affect adhesion or container handling. Establish whether a container dryer or other auxiliary equipment is required for the selected label and process.

For shrink sleeves, confirm the tunnel type, heat or steam supply, extraction, drainage and any downstream drying requirements. Check that the container, closure and product tolerate the proposed thermal process. Use the equipment documentation and trials to establish the installation requirements.

6. Inspect condition and application quality

Where possible, inspect the machine running with relevant containers and labels. Agree acceptance criteria covering label position, skew, overlap where applicable, adhesion, wrinkles, damage and sustained output.

Inspect wear in container handling and application components, glue systems, cutting assemblies, reel transport and sensors. For sleevers, examine application consistency and the finished container after shrinking, including distortion and print alignment.

Review maintenance records, operating hours, alarms, guarding, documentation and control backups. Verify the operation of inspection and reject equipment with agreed test samples. A video showing containers passing through the machine does not establish consistent application quality.

If the equipment is dismantled, establish its last operating condition and whether all stations, cabinets, cables, conveyors and format parts are present. Budget for reassembly, setup and a production trial.

7. Compare the complete project cost

Include the purchase price, format conversion, missing stations, inspection, conveyors, utilities, dismantling, transport, installation and commissioning. Assess label material consumption, adhesive, energy, cleaning and changeover time against your production schedule.

Obtain label and adhesive supplier confirmation for the intended packaging. If recyclability is a project requirement, assess the container, label, adhesive or sleeve combination against the applicable recycling guidance; the labeller alone does not determine the packaging's recyclability.

Frequently asked questions

Can a PET bottle labeller also handle glass bottles or cans?

Possibly, if its handling system, application technology and operating limits suit the new container. Verify dimensions, weight, stability, centring and required change parts. Do not assume compatibility from a shared diameter alone.

Can I change from roll-fed labels to self-adhesive labels?

Only where the machine supports a suitable conversion or compatible additional station. Obtain a technical assessment and conversion quotation. Many dedicated machines are designed for one application technology.

Does a three-station labeller apply three labels?

It may, but station count alone does not establish the finished label arrangement. Confirm each station's technology, position and intended function; some stations may be alternatives or part of a specific production setup.

Is a shrink tunnel included with a used sleever?

Only if expressly listed. Confirm the applicator, tunnel, controls, conveyors and utility equipment individually, along with any format-specific parts.

What should I send to assess a used machine?

Send container and label drawings, samples where available, required output, label positions, operating conditions, line layout and utilities. Include your budget and installation date so that conversion work can be considered.

Discuss your labelling requirement

PETmachinery can help assess used labelling and sleeving options against your container, label and production requirement. Email sales@petmachinery.com with your specification, or browse our labellers and sleevers. Availability and technical suitability are checked for each enquiry.

For a broader production project, read our guide to choosing used PET and beverage production equipment.

Technical references

Manufacturer resources explain the different application technologies. Verify specifications against the exact used machine and its installed equipment.

How to Choose a Used Labeller or Sleeving Machine