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On December 1, 2025, EMP Labels officially joined Inovar Packaging Group, marking an exciting new chapter in our company’s growth. This partnership strengthens Inovar’s presence in the Midwest while expanding the flexographic and durable labeling solutions available to our customers nationwide.
Founded in 1989 by Chris Fread and Carol Fread, EMP Labels has built a strong reputation as a trusted provider of pressure sensitive and non-adhesive labels for a wide range of industries. Our core markets include industrial and container applications such as drums, pails, and IBCs, as well as food and beverage and consumer durable goods. For more than 35 years, our team has focused on delivering high quality, reliable, and custom labeling solutions for demanding environments. This acquisition enhances Inovar’s flexographic platform and expands its technical capabilities across durable and industrial labeling applications. According to Jeff Brezek, Chief Executive Officer of Inovar Packaging Group, the addition of EMP strengthens the organization’s ability to serve customers across multiple end markets while adding a talented and experienced team that shares Inovar’s customer focused culture and entrepreneurial spirit. Chris Fread also shared his confidence in the future of EMP under the Inovar organization, noting that both companies share core values rooted in strong relationships, integrity, and a commitment to quality. With Inovar’s national scale and resources, EMP is well positioned to continue growing alongside its customers and employees for years to come. What This Means for Our Customers Our customers can expect the same trusted team, service, and quality they have always received from EMP Labels, now with the added benefit of expanded technical resources, national reach, and additional production capabilities through the Inovar network. This partnership allows us to support more complex projects, larger scale programs, and new packaging innovations while maintaining the personalized service we are known for. About Inovar Packaging Group Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Inovar Packaging Group operates 13 locations nationwide and is a leading provider of innovative prime labels, shrink sleeves, and extended content solutions for top brands across the United States. Inovar is committed to delivering exceptional value, building strong workplace culture, and fostering long term relationships with its customers and partners. About EMP Labels EMP Labels is a leading manufacturer of durable, high performance custom labels for demanding industrial environments. Operating an ISO 9001 certified facility in Fishers, Indiana, EMP provides full in-house flexographic solutions for industrial and container, food and beverage, and consumer durable goods markets. With more than three decades of experience, EMP remains dedicated to quality, reliability, and customer driven solutions.
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Significant changes are coming to food packaging laws, and EMP Labels is here to help manufacturers prepare. In June 2025, Texas passed Senate Bill 25, which requires warning labels on packaged foods that contain any of 44 specified additives. This regulation begins in 2027 and affects a wide range of food and beverage brands selling into Texas. Other states including California, West Virginia, and Arkansas are also introducing their own restrictions. If your products are distributed nationally, now is the time to take action. As a trusted label supplier, EMP Labels partners with food manufacturers to navigate new compliance requirements. From design updates to full production, we help you stay ahead. What the Texas Law Requires Under Senate Bill 25, any packaged food sold or offered for sale in Texas that contains one or more of the targeted additives must display a warning label. This means the law applies regardless of where the product is manufactured. The required statement indicates that the ingredient is not recommended for human consumption based on international health advisories.
What Other States Are Doing
Texas may be leading the way in warning label requirements, but other states are also taking action: California
West Virginia
Arkansas
More than 30 other states have introduced similar legislation, making it clear that the push for cleaner labels and transparent packaging is gaining momentum. What This Means for Food Packaging Food manufacturers should expect increasing pressure to adjust labeling based on where products are sold. These changes could require:
Staying ahead of these requirements helps you avoid compliance issues and maintain shelf space in key markets. How EMP Labels Can Help EMP Labels is ready to support your transition with solutions tailored to your operations. In-House Graphics Support Our design team will update your packaging with the required warning statements and formatting at no added cost. Full-Scale Label Production Our production facility includes five flexographic presses and a digital press. Whether you need small test runs or full product line updates, we can handle the job. Durable, High-Quality Materials We offer a range of face stocks, adhesives, and finishes designed to meet the performance needs of refrigerated, frozen, or shelf-stable foods. Scalable Labeling Solutions Choose from hundreds of die shapes and sizes, or let us help you add secondary warning labels to your existing packaging. Start Early to Stay Compliant Waiting too long to update packaging could lead to costly delays or limited product availability in key states. EMP Labels can help you get started now, so your products remain compliant, shelf-ready, and consumer-friendly. Let us help you take the guesswork out of label changes. Contact EMP Labels today to schedule a packaging review and begin your compliance plan.  High-performance candy labels for chocolate, sweets, gummies, and seasonal treats
The confectionery market is filled with bold flavors, nostalgic branding, and seasonal launches that move fast. At EMP Labels, we help candy and chocolate brands create custom labels that are as durable and eye-catching as the treats they wrap. From chocolate bars and gummy pouches to foil-wrapped truffles and lollipop sticks, our labels are engineered to perform whether they are stored in a retail display, warehouse, or refrigerated case. A Label Partner the Industry Trusts EMP Labels proudly supports some of the most recognized names in the confectionery space, including Zachary Confections, a leader in everyday and holiday candy. Our labels appear on a wide variety of seasonal assortments, chocolate-covered snacks, and year-round favorites. We stay connected to trends and innovations in the sweets and snacks world, attending major industry events like the Sweets & Snacks Expo to better understand what brands need from their packaging. Our team is fully committed to helping confectionery manufacturers stand out on shelves, meet retailer expectations, and stay ahead of consumer demand. Why Labels Matter in the Candy and Chocolate Industry Confectionery products come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, requiring labels that are both flexible and resilient. Your label needs to hold up through heat or cold, stick to unusual surfaces, and meet important compliance standards, all while attracting customers with vibrant, high-quality design. Common packaging challenges we solve:
EMP Labels offers hundreds of custom shapes and sizes, moisture-resistant face stocks, and premium adhesives that work on even the most challenging packaging types. What You Can Expect from EMP Labels We combine decades of experience with today’s most advanced label printing technology to deliver fast, reliable results every time. Our Indiana-based production facility is fully equipped to support confectionery brands across the U.S., whether you need 1,000 or 1,000,000 labels for a nationwide rollout or a small batch for limited-time offerings. Every label order includes:
Make Your Packaging Pop When it comes to sweets and snacks, your label is more than just a product identifier. It is a visual invitation, a brand ambassador, and often the reason someone grabs your product instead of the one next to it. At EMP Labels, we are here to help you make that moment count. Whether you're launching a new candy line, refreshing your packaging, or prepping for a seasonal spike, we are ready to support you with confectionery labels that stick, perform, and sell. Let’s Talk Candy Labels Ready to improve your confectionery packaging? Connect with EMP Labels today to request samples, get pricing, or talk through your project with one of our experts. 👉 Request a Quote 👉 Talk to a Label Expert Walmart, the retail giant known for setting industry standards, is making a major push toward Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. This shift promises better inventory management, reduced shrinkage, and a more seamless shopping experience for customers. It also places new demands on suppliers.
As RFID adoption continues to grow across Walmart’s supply chain, EMP Labels is already ahead of the curve. We’ve manufactured and sold millions of RFID tags currently in use by Walmart suppliers. If you're being asked to incorporate RFID into your packaging, we’re here to help get your labels approved and ready to ship. Why RFID? RFID technology allows retailers to track inventory real-time with greater accuracy using radio waves rather than relying on manual barcode scans. Unlike barcodes, which require a direct line of sight to be scanned, RFID tags can be read from a distance and can simultaneously scan multiple items at once. This translates into:
Walmart’s Expansion of RFID Use Walmart initially began implementing RFID in apparel in 2020 and has since expanded it to other categories, including:
The company has mandated that suppliers tag products with RFID labels, ensuring that inventory data remains consistent across warehouses, stores, and online channels. This is part of Walmart’s broader effort to streamline omnichannel shopping and improve supply chain efficiency. How RFID Benefits Walmart’s Operations
Challenges and Considerations While the benefits of RFID are clear, the transition comes with its own set of challenges:
The Future of Retail with RFID Walmart’s adoption of RFID is a signal to the rest of the industry: Automation and real-time inventory tracking are the future. As technology costs decrease and more retailers adopt RFID, the entire retail ecosystem could shift toward a more efficient, data-driven supply chain. With Walmart leading the charge, it’s only a matter of time before RFID becomes the industry standard. Will we see fully automated stores in the future? If Walmart’s track record is any indication, it’s definitely possible. How EMP Labels Can HelpEMP Labels is already a trusted partner for Walmart suppliers and has manufactured and shipped millions of RFID-enabled labels currently in use throughout Walmart’s system. If you’ve been asked to include RFID on your packaging, whether by Walmart or another customer, we’re ready to help. We’ll guide you through the process, ensure your labels meet all necessary requirements, and get your packaging ready for approval and production.
Are you ready for RFID? Reach out today and let us help you get your labels Walmart-ready. Contact us or drop a comment below. We’d love to hear your thoughts on Walmart’s RFID expansion.
Aluminum and steel are essential materials in the brewing industry. The majority of craft beer today is packaged in aluminum cans, and breweries rely on steel for kegs, tanks, brewhouses, and other critical equipment.
The U.S. imports more aluminum from Canada than any other country. Even when Canada was exempt from the 2018 tariffs, the price of raw aluminum still increased. Now, with Canada included in these tariffs, breweries can expect even steeper price hikes on aluminum cans. Recent data shows that in early 2025, aluminum cans accounted for approximately 75% of packaged craft beer’s volume and revenue, making this a crucial issue for brewers trying to manage costs. Additionally, steel prices are likely to rise, impacting the cost of brewery expansions, tank replacements, and keg purchases. With Canada and Mexico accounting for nearly 40% of U.S. steel imports, the brewing industry is bracing for potential disruptions. Ripple Effects on the Brewing Industry If the U.S. moves forward with these tariffs, there is also the risk of retaliatory trade measures. Canada imports 37.5% of American craft beer exports, making it the largest international market for U.S. craft breweries. In past tariff disputes, some Canadian provinces canceled shipments of U.S. alcohol products or encouraged consumers to buy locally made beer. This could further impact small and independent breweries that rely on exports. How EMP Labels Supports Breweries Amid Rising Costs As breweries navigate potential cost increases, finding ways to save without compromising quality is more important than ever. EMP Labels understands these challenges and is committed to offering premium beer labels at honest prices. We provide durable, high-quality labels designed to withstand cold storage, moisture, and handling, ensuring your brand stays strong, even in uncertain economic conditions. Rising material costs are unavoidable, but overspending on your labels doesn’t have to be. EMP Labels is here to help you maintain your brand identity with high-performance labels that fit your budget. Let’s Connect If you’re looking for cost-effective, high-quality labels for your brewery, we’d love to chat. Contact EMP Labels today and let’s find a solution that works for your brand. |
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