Mercian Labels

Business Details

50+ Years

experience

Your Partner for Premium Label Printing Solutions

Mercian Labels has been a trusted leader in the UK label printing and packaging industry since 1969, operating continuously for over 55 years. Our state-of-the-art 24,000 square foot factory in Burntwood, Staffordshire, is staffed by 50+ dedicated professionals who embody our core values of Quality, Commitment, Teamwork, and Honesty. We specialise in digital and flexographic label printing, high-volume variable data and barcode labels, and globally distribute our proprietary brands LabelLock (tamper-evident security labels) and Gammatex (sterilisation indicators). Accredited to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 17712, we combine technical expertise with sustainability initiatives like our industry-leading Label Liner Recycling Programme. Our BRCGS AA+ rating and Cyber Essentials PLUS certification underscore our commitment to quality management and data security. Trusted by 10,000+ customers worldwide, we deliver 3.4 billion variable data barcode labels annually, prioritising short lead times and 100% accuracy.

Our board of directors and management team bring decades of industry experience, while our partnerships with SCREEN Europe and SAPPI drive innovation in recyclable paper flexible packaging. We maintain memberships in the Institute of Packaging, IPIA, SIBA, and AIPIA, reinforcing our position as innovators in label technology. Customer testimonials highlight our professionalism, problem-solving approach, and ability to meet urgent deadlines without compromising quality.

Services

Label Design Digital Printing Flexographic Printing Variable Data Labels Security Labels Flexible Packaging Recycling Programmes Pre-Press Services Colour Management Sustainable Solutions

Details

Year established: 1969

Highlights and features

55 years of continuous operation since 1969 with ISO-certified quality management
Hybrid digital and flexographic printing capabilities for versatile label solutions
Industry-first Wood Film substrate and zero-to-landfill environmental policy
Globally distributed proprietary brands LabelLock and Gammatex
BRCGS AA+ rating for packaging materials excellence

Associations and certifications

ISO 9001:2015
ISO 14001:2015
ISO 17712:2013
Cyber Essentials PLUS
BRCGS AA+

What people say

Excellent service Professional and friendly Problem-solving approach Spot-on account management Industry-beating lead times

Website

Update Listing

Services

Digital Label Printing

Our digital printing presses use food-safe dry toner and CMYK+white colour systems to produce high-quality labels with photographic detail. This technology enables same-day design turnaround, no origination costs, and variable data capabilities for personalised labels. With 3-day standard production times, we combine speed with 100% ANSI-grade scannable barcode accuracy, serving both short runs and trial batches efficiently.

Flexographic Printing

Our flexographic systems handle long-run production using wet inks and printing plates, offering cost-effective solutions for high-volume orders. This method supports metallic substrates and speciality inks, with inline verification for barcode accuracy. We combine traditional flexo efficiency with modern enhancements like rotary screen printing for tactile effects on pharmaceutical and e-liquid labels.

Security Labels

The LabelLock brand provides tamper-evident security labels certified to ISO 17712:2013 standards, featuring holographic patterns and destructible materials. These solutions protect pharmaceuticals, high-value goods, and hazardous substance containers, with tactile warning triangles for nicotine products. Our security labels combine forensic traceability with visual deterrence elements.

Variable Data Labels

We produce billions of variable data labels annually using high-speed inkjet systems integrated with flexographic platforms. This capability ensures unique serialisation, QR codes, and batch-specific information while maintaining ANSI-grade scannability. Our systems prevent duplication through inline verification, supporting track-and-trace requirements across pharmaceutical and food safety sectors.

Sustainable Packaging

Our Mercian Zero initiative includes recyclable paper flexible packaging with water-based polymer barriers, Wood Film substrates, and solvent-free digital processes. We offer full lifecycle advice on material combinations for recyclability, supported by ISO 14001-certified waste management systems that convert 100% of waste into energy or reusable materials.

People

Mark Prior

Managing Director

With over 25 years in the label industry, Mark Prior leads Mercian Labels' strategic direction, focusing on innovation and sustainability. He oversees operations from Burntwood's 24,000 sq ft facility, driving growth through technological investment and quality management systems.

Andy

Account Manager

Andy specialises in client relationship management, ensuring customer requirements are met with tailored label solutions. He coordinates urgent orders and design implementations, maintaining high client satisfaction through proactive communication and problem-solving.

Jason

Sales Executive

Jason handles new client acquisition and order processing, known for his professional approach to urgent label requirements. He works closely with production teams to ensure timely delivery while maintaining compliance with industry-specific regulations.

Questions

What label printing technologies do you offer?

We use hybrid digital and flexographic printing technologies, complemented by screen printing for tactile effects and variable data inkjet systems for high-volume barcode production.

Are your labels environmentally sustainable?

Yes, through our Mercian Zero initiative we offer recyclable materials, wood film substrates, solvent-free processes, and a label liner recycling programme that converts waste into insulation materials.

What accreditations do you hold?

We maintain ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 14001 (environment), ISO 17712 (security labels), and Cyber Essentials PLUS certification, with BRCGS AA+ packaging materials accreditation.

Can you handle urgent label orders?

Yes, our digital printing capabilities allow same-day design turnaround and 3-day production for most orders, with multiple customers confirming our reliability for urgent requirements.

What industries do you serve?

We supply labels for food and drink, pharmaceuticals, e-liquids, automotive, blood banks, gamma sterilisation, and trade wines/beers/spirits sectors globally.

Reviews (7)

Write a Review

Erica Pole

Sep 30, 2020 Report

Awesome stickers quality and fast delivery! Great customer service, Joy is an amazing account manager, she really takes care of the customer and she is always helpful. Excellent graphic department, Guy is very careful and precise, the graphic designer you really want when you are searching for the perfect job. Top job !!!!

Syne Graphics

Aug 10, 2020 Report

Great service and product just received from Trudy and the team at Mercian. We had a very tight deadline and the guys stepped up and made it happen.

Fran G.

Jan 07, 2019 Report

I use Mercian Labels regularly for our trade label printing work. They always do their best to accommodate what we need, despite our often unreasonable schedule requirements. I've always found the quality of their work very good too. And as a bit of a print geek, I can be pedantic over quality issues.

Gary Jarvis

Jan 11, 2017 Report

What a pile of rubbish, unquestionably the worst printing service that I have ever had the misfortune of outsourcing to within the UK. My order has yet to be delivered and has already exceeded twice the lead time that I was given after making the payment. Their failure to respond to my emails and refusal to transfer me to the directors or managers is a sure sign of guilt. There is no place for an incompetent company like this in today's competitive market, this is the kind of service that i would expect from a company on the verge of going into receivership. I only gave it 1 star because this review

Olukunle

Nov 02, 2015 Report

I'm in Nigeria, we have been using Mercian Labels for our meat business for several years now. We use laminated waterproof labels that are used for frozen products. These labels are excellent, I've never had a single issue with the quality or the service delivery.....awesome!

Sam Evans

Nov 30, 2013 Report

I was recommended to Mercian. I had never bought labels before and Joy was a delight to work with. She talked me through the process, took the time to understand my requirements and ensured that the product was delivered correctly and on time. I know there is a team working with Joy to make this happen and you deserve the business. I'll be back when I run out!

Alison Wright

Nov 07, 2013 Report

Mercian labels provided a brilliant service for us when we reopened our bakery. We left packaging to the last minute, but in just a few days they supplied labels with our logo which now adorn our cake boxes. I will certainly use them again.