Wool Pack Labels
click here to view Frequently asked Questions from Woolgrowers about Labels
click here for Information on Bale Marking
Current Bale Label
The Introduction of Pack Labels At the end of 1999, the Intrawool Australian Project recommended to AWEX that a unique number appear on each bale of wool in Australia. The purpose of this number would be to facilitate the identification of the bale at each stage of handling. The result would be more efficient logistics management throughout the supply chain and reduced errors in bale identification. Intrawool also recommended that the unique number, in the form of the international EAN numbering system, be represented by a barcode. This would appear on a label with other bale identification requirements. Using this system, there are sufficient barcode numbers to last 200 years at a usage rate of 5 million bales per year or for 333 years at 3 million bales per year. AWEX adopted these recommendations for implementation in the 2000/01 selling season. The label (in 2000) included:
In 2009 AWEX accepted a recomendation from ISAC to remove the unique number and bar code as they were not being used. AWEX also adopted a further recommendation to change the orientation of the bale label from portrait to a landscape orientation. The current bale label has been designed to increase the available writing area on the label to allow greater visibility of the Farm Brand, Wool Description and Bale Number. The new Bale Label also provides room for a newly introduced "Bin Code" to be used by woolclassers. The use of the Bin Code assists wool warehouses in the identification of individual lines of wool prepared by a woolclasser. Details on the use of the bale label can be found in the 2010-12 Code of Practice for the Preparation of Australian Wool Clips. The bale label is sewn onto the top flap of the wool pack so that it is clearly visible after baling. The width of the label is 280mm and is designed to sit above the seam of the wool pack to allow room for the bale fastener to be applied. The marking of the head of a bale is important as it can be done whilst in the wool press. Care must be taken to ensure that the correct information is marked on every bale. The use of the Bale label is recommended. The size of the bale label is such that sufficient room has been left for traditional stencil marking of a bale to be used where necessary. The marking of the bale on the head and face is important to the accurate logisitcal movement of wool. The use of the label will not preclude growers from branding the face of the bale. Woolclassers are also provided with a stamp (in addition to a stencil) that will fit the space provided on the label. Frequently Asked Questions from Woolgrowers about LabelsDo I have to buy labels for my wool packs? No. The labels are bought by the wool pack manufacturer and sewn on at the time the pack is made. How do I put all the necessary information on the bale label?The label has spaces for Farm Brand, Wool Description, Bale Number, Woolclasser Stencil Number and Bin Code. Each registered Woolclasser has an official classer's stamp to imprint their number on the bale. All other information should be marked on the bale label with a black permanent-marking pen or black stamp. Can growers use stamps on the label?Growers may also have their own farm brand stamp made and use it, as long as the brand fits in the space designated for Farm Brand (260mm x 63mm) on the label and permanent stamp ink is used. Growers must ensure that any farm brand stamp must be of a size that maximises the space provided so it can be easily read by handlers in a wool warehouse as the head of the bale is the primary source of bale identification when stacked. Growers could even pre-stamp the labels on the packs before use, with the farm brand and bale number, either for the days shearing or the whole shearing. Again this would speed things up in the shed and eliminate bale-numbering errors, especially duplicate numbers. Do I have to use the label? The use of the label is recommended. Woolclassers must also brand the face of the bale. The label should also be used for wool going to bulkclass. Do I use the label on wool packed for bulk classing or reclassing? All contents of a bulk class bale should be documented on the bale flap or by using the Bulk Class Slip found in the Code of Practice. The contents should also be recorded in the wool book and woolclassers' specification. The AWEX Code of Practice outlines how these bales should be marked. What about repaired packs? All approved repaired packs carry the AWEX bale label. Repaired packs that do not carry this label cannot be used for packaging greasy wool. Bale Marking - Face Branding continues...
For more information see Pages 43 - 44, 87 - 90 of the For more information on Wool Pack Labels, please contact AWEX on (02) 9428 6100 or email industryservices@awex.com.au |
