Star Micronics

The Dual Interface Cash Drawer: One Model, More Ways to Connect

Brittany DeGroat — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 11:56:00 +0000

A dual interface cash drawer may not get much attention in point-of-sale conversations, but it plays a critical role in how payments flow, especially in today’s hybrid retail and hospitality environments. As businesses juggle fixed terminals, mobile tablets, kiosks, and mixed setups across locations, managing hardware compatibility has become increasingly difficult.

Too often, cash drawers are treated as one-size-fits-all, only to cause problems when the connection type doesn’t match the printer or POS terminal. This leads to delays during installation, extra support calls, and wasted time troubleshooting.

That’s why more ISVs, VARs, and end users are turning to dual interface cash drawers. By supporting both USB and printer-driven connections in one model, they eliminate guesswork and simplify deployment, no matter how your customers run their point of sale.

Why Cash Drawer Connectivity Matters

In most POS systems, the cash drawer connects either to the receipt printer or directly to the POS terminal via USB. Each setup has its benefits, but when your drawer only supports one option, it limits where and how it can be used. This creates challenges for VARs, ISVs, and end users who manage a variety of environments.

It also creates limitations down the line. If a business wants to upgrade its POS system—moving from fixed terminals to tablets, adding kiosks, or switching printer brands—those single-interface drawers may no longer work with the new setup. That means more hardware to replace, more installation friction, and fewer options for scaling efficiently.

A single-interface drawer can mean:

Compatibility issues
Extra SKUs to manage
Delays during install
More field support tickets
Less flexibility for future hardware upgrades

To solve this, Star Micronics created a smarter approach.

What Is a Dual Interface Cash Drawer?

A dual interface cash drawer supports both USB and printer-driven (DK port) connections in a single model. This means the same drawer can connect directly to a printer or plug into the POS terminal itself, giving you more options and fewer complications.

Instead of choosing between USB or DK models, you get both. This helps reduce inventory confusion, ensures a smoother installation process, and gives your customers flexibility if their setup evolves.

Star’s CD5 Max Series offers this level of versatility out of the box.

Who Benefits from Dual Interface Connectivity

1. VARs and Installers

A dual interface cash drawer means fewer models to stock and less time troubleshooting compatibility in the field. The drawer will work whether the customer uses a printer, a USB-connected touchscreen, or both.

2. ISVs

Software developers can build solutions that work across more environments, knowing the drawer will connect through whichever method the end user prefers. That makes onboarding and deployment smoother.

3. Retailers and QSRs

Enterprise-level or growing businesses often run a mix of hardware setups across locations. A dual interface drawer allows them to standardize on a single model that works everywhere, whether at the counter, in the kitchen, or at a self-checkout kiosk.

4. Mobile POS and Kiosk Applications

Many self-service stations and mPOS setups do not use receipt printers at all. USB becomes essential. With a dual interface drawer, you can still use the same hardware, regardless of the station design.

The CD5 Max Series is Built for Flexibility

Star’s CD5 Max Series is a rugged, reliable cash drawer designed for modern retail. It offers:

Dual USB and printer-driven connectivity
All-steel construction for high-volume environments
Multiple size options for tight counters or large setups
Support for Star, Epson, Bixolon, NCR, Oracle, and other major brands
Long-term durability backed by a 5-year warranty
Optional accessories like the APG 320 adapter cable and dual-drawer secure cash drawer cables

Whether you’re replacing legacy hardware or building a new POS system from scratch, the CD5 makes integration and installation easier and smarter.

Simplify Cash Handling with the Right Connectivity

The more flexible your hardware, the more adaptable your business becomes. A dual interface cash drawer is a small shift that delivers big value. It cuts down on support issues, reduces install time, and keeps your POS system ready for whatever setup comes next.

If you are looking for a cash drawer that fits every connection, every environment, and every POS strategy, the CD5 Max Series is your answer.

6 Industry Trends Affecting POS VARs and How to Handle Them

Explore the shifts and challenges reshaping the landscape for POS Value-Added Resellers (VARs), offering actionable strategies for staying competitive.

Find out more about dual interface cash drawers:

Reduce Label Printer Downtime with Smarter Maintenance Tools

Brittany DeGroat — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 12:39:00 +0000

When orders pile up and customers are waiting, restaurants and retailers can’t afford wasted time. Every second counts, especially when label printer downtime threatens to derail the entire workflow. The right label printer can help with order accuracy, speed, and customer satisfaction. But without smart, proactive label printer maintenance, even the best devices can fail mid-shift, delaying orders, frustrating staff, and risking customer trust.

Unfortunately, traditional label printers offer little warning before they fail. Maintenance procedures are often buried in technical manuals, and staff members may not know what to do when a problem arises. The result? Unplanned downtime, lost revenue, and missed opportunities.

There’s a smarter way forward. Maintenance tools built into today’s best label printers help operators stay proactive, avoid surprises, and keep their operations running smoothly.

Why Label Printer Downtime Hurts QSR and Retail Operations

Label printer downtime hits hardest when your team needs it most. During rush periods, a single stalled device can trigger a ripple effect: delayed tickets, packing errors, and frustrated customers.

When a label printer fails, the order accuracy chain breaks. Bags leave without tamper-evident seals. Orders get misrouted or repacked. Allergen and ingredient labels may be skipped, creating food safety risks and compliance issues. For QSRs and retailers, that means chargebacks, reputation damage, and slower service when speed matters most.

Label printer downtime doesn’t just slow things down; it disrupts trust and hurts the bottom line.

The Hidden Gaps in Label Printer Maintenance & Why They Happen

Too often, label printer maintenance is an afterthought. There’s no real warning before issues arise, and no clear process for routine upkeep. Most teams only respond once something breaks, and by then, it’s too late.

Without maintenance alerts or built-in guidance, staff may not know a part is worn or how to fix it. Manuals are buried, IT is busy, and backup printers aren’t always available. That leaves teams scrambling to recover.

These gaps create recurring pain points:

Lost productivity during peak times
Wasted materials from failed prints
Packaging errors that impact customer satisfaction
Avoidable damage to brand trust

Without a proactive maintenance system, even the best labeling strategy can fall short.

Meet the mC-Label3: Smarter Label Printer Maintenance, Built In

When it comes to avoiding label printer downtime, the best defense is a device that knows how to take care of itself. That’s why Star Micronics designed the mC-Label3 multimedia printer with proactive maintenance tools that keep QSR and retail workflows moving without disruption.

1. Maintenance Alerts

Real-time notifications let staff know exactly when printer maintenance is due before it becomes a problem.

2. Auto-Printed QR Codes

The printer prints a QR code that links directly to simple, step-by-step instructions. No manuals needed.

3. Tool-Free Maintenance

Color-coded parts are easy to remove, clean, and reinstall without any tools. No technician is required. Your team can handle routine maintenance on the spot, without waiting for IT or a service call. That means less downtime, fewer disruptions, and a label printer that’s always ready to go.

4. Built for the Front and Back of House

Whether you’re sealing to-go bags, labeling food items, or printing ingredient info, the mC-Label3 prints die-cut and linerless labels (with all adhesive strengths) plus receipts, helping you maintain speed, accuracy, and peace of mind.

If you’re tired of scrambling when a label printer goes down, the mC-Label3 is your smarter solution.

Keep Labeling Simple and Reliable

In today’s high-volume, high-expectation environment, printer downtime is a problem you can’t afford.

Smart maintenance tools like those built into the mC-Label3 give operators the confidence that their labeling workflow won’t be derailed by preventable issues. Proactive alerts, guided instructions, and simple part handling turn maintenance from a challenge into an opportunity to keep operations running at their best.

Smarter maintenance enables smarter labeling—and smarter labeling helps QSRs and retailers deliver the speed, accuracy, and trust their customers expect.

Beyond the Label: Elevating Brand Connection and Loyalty

“Beyond the Label” offers insights into innovative labeling techniques that help retailers and restaurateurs captivate and connect with their audience more effectively.

Minimize label printer downtime and keep customers smiling with the mC-Label3:

On BlueStar Nation: How Modern Kitchen Technology Is Evolving in Restaurants and QSRs

Brittany DeGroat — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 11:59:00 +0000

Restaurant kitchens are facing more demands than ever. From food safety compliance to lightning-fast delivery expectations, operators are turning to modern kitchen technology to keep pace. As cloud POS systems and restaurant label printers reshape how kitchens run, efficiency and accuracy are becoming essential to delivering a superior customer experience.

In the latest episode of the BlueStar Nation Podcast, Star Micronics’ Christophe Naasz dives into how QSR kitchen technology and restaurant efficiency tools are helping restaurants evolve. He shares insights on trends from the National Restaurant Association Show, the growing advantages of cloud POS vs on-prem, and how kitchen labeling solutions and modern scanning are driving new levels of order accuracy.

Podcast Highlights: Smarter Kitchens, Better Results

From restaurant scanning solutions that improve accuracy to kitchen label printers that streamline order staging, Christophe explains how the right technology can transform back-of-house operations. He also discusses why restaurant kitchens adopting cloud POS platforms are seeing faster innovation cycles and improved delivery outcomes.

Read the blog post, “Why Restaurant Refunds Happen and How to Prevent Them” >

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Why Restaurant Refunds Happen and How to Prevent Them

Brittany DeGroat — Fri, 30 May 2025 12:06:00 +0000

Restaurant refunds are more than just a minor frustration—they’re a direct hit to profitability. In quick service restaurants (QSRs) and fast-paced foodservice environments, even one missed item or overlooked modifier can trigger a refund, a chargeback, and a disappointed customer who may never come back.

While it’s easy to blame delivery platforms or POS glitches, most refund-worthy mistakes don’t come from your system; they are a result of what happens in the kitchen. In fact, recent data from Loop shows that over 70% of refund triggers are tied to operational issues, including missing items, incorrect prep, or poor packaging. These errors aren’t random. They’re patterns, and they’re preventable.

Let’s take a closer look at where things go wrong, what it’s really costing your restaurant, and how better labeling can help you stay ahead.

The Top Reasons Refunds Happen

Across restaurants and QSRs, the most common causes of order inaccuracies are operational, not technical. Food gets prepped on different stations. Items are added late. Orders are rushed during peak service. And the wrong bag ends up in the hands of the wrong guest.

The most frequent refund triggers include missing entrees, forgotten sides or add-ons, beverages left behind, and modifiers ignored during prep. These mistakes typically occur on the line, during expo, or while bagging, not at the register or in the app.

And while many restaurants work hard to train staff and optimize flow, the truth is that verbal communication and handwritten notes aren’t enough in high-volume settings.

The Hidden Cost of Operational Mistakes

Even when caught early, these mistakes cost valuable time and labor. When they’re not caught, they result in refunds and chargebacks, and those add up fast. Most operators lose around 0.5% of revenue to refund-related losses. That might not sound like much, but at scale, it’s thousands of dollars per month.

Refund policies from delivery platforms are also becoming more strict. Uber Eats now requires photo evidence for many refund claims. DoorDash merchants win more disputes (around 60%), but only when there’s documentation to back them up.

Beyond the dollars, the damage to your brand is harder to calculate. Trust is fragile in the foodservice industry, and one wrong order, especially when allergens or modifiers are involved, can drive guests to a competitor with just one tap.

Where Things Go Wrong—And Why Labels Matter

Most refund triggers happen because there’s a gap in the process: a missing visual, an unconfirmed step, or an instruction that gets lost in the rush. Without clear, consistent labeling, teams rely on memory or guesswork, and that’s where mistakes creep in.

Labels make information visible and actionable. They confirm what was ordered, how it should be made, and whether the right items made it into the bag. They reduce the cognitive load on busy teams and help different stations stay in sync.

Whether it’s a bag label that shows what’s inside, an item label with allergen info, or a food rotation label in the walk-in, these small stickers create major clarity.

How to Hardwire Order Accuracy into Your Workflow

To reduce refunds in the long term, restaurant operators need to stop treating mistakes as one-offs and start identifying patterns. That’s where labeling systems shine. They give your team consistent, repeatable tools to stay on track, even during peak periods or staff turnover.

Labeling can be integrated at every touchpoint:

Use item-level labels to ensure modifiers and customizations are followed.
Apply bag labels to confirm contents and add tamper-evident sealing.
Mark inventory with expiration or use-by dates for food safety and waste reduction.
Identify clean vs. dirty equipment with repositionable sanitation labels.
Add QR codes for customer engagement—loyalty sign-ups, surveys, or promotions.

When labeling becomes part of the workflow, accuracy becomes second nature.

Blog: Why Leading QSRs Use POS Scales & Labels to Increase Order Accuracy >

The mC-Label3: One Printer, Every Station

To make labeling work in a busy restaurant, you need a printer that can keep up. The Star Micronics mC-Label3 is built to deliver speed, flexibility, and simplicity across your entire operation—front of house, kitchen, prep, and packing.

This compact multimedia printer supports virtually any media type, including linerless labels (permanent or repositionable sticky), die-cut labels, and standard receipts. It fits into tight spaces, includes all modern connectivity options, and works seamlessly with iOS, Android, and Windows devices.

mC-Label3 Multimedia Printer

The Star Micronics mC-Label3 is a versatile multimedia printer that prints a wide range of labels and receipts, including both permanent and repositionable sticky linerless. It features cloud connectivity and innovative technologies like SteadyLAN and TetherLAN for enhanced printing convenience.

Discover the mC-Label3 >

With Label Builder from Star Micronics Cloud Services, your team can create and store up to three custom label templates directly on the printer. Then, using One Touch functionality, print those labels on demand with the touch of a button—no internet required. That means anyone, at any station, can label restaurant items clearly and correctly without skipping a beat.

With the mC-Label3, you can eliminate complexity, unify your print ecosystem, and reduce the friction that causes costly mistakes.

Beyond the Label: Elevating Brand Connection and Loyalty

Discover how strategic labeling can redefine customer engagement and boost brand loyalty in this digital age.

Labeling: The Unsung Hero of Order Accuracy

Refunds don’t just hurt your bottom line. They reveal where your processes need reinforcement. And in today’s fast-paced QSR environment, there’s no room for guesswork.

Labeling helps restaurants communicate clearly, execute accurately, and build trust with every order. When you label restaurant orders and assets consistently, you empower your team to deliver the right experience every time.

Perfect Your Labeling Workflow:

Label Restaurant Orders and Assets for Better CX

Brittany DeGroat — Fri, 23 May 2025 12:47:00 +0000

The restaurant industry isn’t what it was even three years ago, and quick service restaurants (QSRs) are on the front lines of that shift. With demand soaring for drive-thru, mobile orders, delivery, and self-service, operators need tools that move as fast as their customers. One of the smartest upgrades you can make? Implement a system to label restaurant orders and assets. It’s a simple move with powerful results: clearer communication, fewer mistakes, and a faster, more reliable handoff from kitchen to customer.

But this isn’t just about organization—it’s about experience. Labels give your team the clarity they need to move confidently, your customers the trust they crave, and your operation the polish that sets you apart. From tamper-evident delivery seals to ingredient tracking and cleaning protocols, labeling is how modern restaurants stay sharp, scalable, and a step ahead.

Where to Use Restaurant Labels

Whether you’re labeling delivery orders, grab-and-go items, or back-of-house inventory, restaurant labels provide essential clarity at every step. Implementing a plan to label restaurant assets and orders helps your team stay accurate and organized, building trust, loyalty, and better bottom-line performance.

Receiving Orders

QSR operations have become omnichannel. The drive-thru market is booming, valued at $626.16 billion in 2022 and on pace to reach $1.12 trillion by 2030. Restaurant Technology News reports that the majority of consumers order online, with 13% ordering from third-party apps and 40% preferring to order directly from the restaurant. Datos Insights reports that there are now more than 110,000 kiosks deployed in the U.S.

With orders originating in multiple places—still including counters attended by a cashier—QSRs need a way to organize orders and make sure they get to the right customer at the right time. Repositionable labels allow restaurant staff to print order details on the label for accurate tracking. Restaurant labels can also include additional, vital information, such as an allergy alert or special requests, so staff can prepare the order safely and serve exactly what the customer wants.

Streamlining Quality Control

Fast-paced service often means orders are assembled at different times by different team members. Items can get swapped, missed, or packed incorrectly, especially during peak hours.

A weigh-before-you-hand-off approach helps solve this. Just like self-checkout scales at grocery stores, integrated POS scales verify that the total weight matches what’s expected and that the package contains all ordered items. Combine this with tamper-evident labels, and you’ve created a closed, secure, and confirmed order, reducing customer complaints and increasing delivery confidence.

Managing Inventory

Restaurant success starts with inventory that’s fresh, organized, and trackable. Labeling incoming stock with dates and product details helps staff rotate ingredients properly, avoid spoilage, and minimize over-ordering.

It also simplifies audits and health inspections—staff can immediately identify what’s fresh, what’s expiring, and what needs to be used next. In the long run, it saves money, reduces food waste, and builds customer trust in your quality control.

Nutrition and Dietary Information

Consumers want transparency, especially when it comes to food allergies, calorie counts, and ingredients. If your QSR offers grab-and-go meals, pre-packed snacks, or seasonal items, restaurant labels are a simple way to provide that information.

By printing allergen warnings, nutrition facts, and ingredients directly onto each item, you make it easier for customers to make safe, informed choices. It’s also a great way to ensure compliance with local or national food labeling regulations.

Branding and Marketing

Labels aren’t just for logistics—they’re an extension of your brand. When you consistently label restaurant packaging with your logo, messaging, or QR codes, you create a more polished and recognizable customer experience.

Use labels to drive engagement: link to your loyalty program, promote limited-time offers, collect survey feedback, or encourage social follows. You can even run contests or giveaways with QR code entry right on the bag. Every label is a chance to build your brand and start a conversation.

With Label Builder on Star Micronics Cloud Services, restaurants and QSRs can easily create custom label designs for branding, operations, and promotions. Store up to three label images directly on the mC-Label3 multimedia printer and print them on demand—no internet connection required. It’s a simple, scalable way to label restaurant items with purpose and consistency.

Blog: One Printer, Every Station: Rethinking Labeling for QSRs & Grocery Stores >

Optimizing Cleaning Processes

A clean, well-maintained restaurant keeps customers coming back—and protects your reputation. But when multiple shifts, locations, or team members are responsible for cleaning, tasks can fall through the cracks or get duplicated. Labeling brings clarity to your cleaning protocols.

Use repositionable labels to mark equipment that’s been sanitized, flag areas that need attention, or identify whether tools are clean or dirty. Labels can also track maintenance schedules on machinery or signal when restrooms or prep areas were last serviced. It’s a simple solution that keeps your staff aligned and your operation inspection-ready.

Label Restaurant Orders and Assets with Precision and Purpose

Every label is a message. When you incorporate clear labeling into your workflows, it gives your team what they need to work quickly and stay accurate. It also reassures customers that their food was prepared correctly, safely, and with attention to detail. From bag labels and allergen warnings to stock rotation and cleaning protocols, restaurant labels ensure the right information is visible at the right time, in the right place.

The result? Fewer mistakes, smoother shifts, and a more polished experience from kitchen to counter. Labels help you track expiration dates, confirm sanitation tasks, and guide customers to loyalty programs or promotions with a simple QR code. If your restaurant is aiming to reduce waste, tighten operations, and raise customer satisfaction, investing in a smart labeling system isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

Additional Resources

Star Micronics has developed solutions specifically for the restaurant industry and the challenges that restaurateurs face as consumer behaviors change. Our line includes:

mC-Label3 Multimedia Printer

Print sticky or permanent linerless, die-cut, or continuous labels and receipts—all from one compact, cloud-ready printer. Includes One Touch label printing and connects to Star Micronics Cloud Services for more powerful tools.

Discover the mC-Label3 >

TSP143IV SK Sticky Label Printer

The industry’s smallest sticky label printer for restaurants. Prints repositionable thermal linerless labels in multiple widths (80, 58, 40 mm) and supports all modern connectivity options for frictionless deployment.

Find out more >

Perfecting QSR Delivery with POS Scales & Advanced Labeling

Build better labeling strategies now.

Use Repair Labels to Streamline Phone Repair Operations

Brittany DeGroat — Fri, 16 May 2025 11:49:00 +0000

Smartphone repair is a growing business opportunity—but with higher demand comes greater operational pressure. To stay efficient and meet customer expectations, repair shops must streamline how they track, manage, and return devices.

The right labeling solution can make a big difference, especially when it generates repair labels designed specifically for your workflow. It’s a simple upgrade that saves time, cuts costs, and keeps your entire operation moving smoothly.

Why Demand is Growing

The global smartphone repair market, valued at $215.2 billion in 2023, could grow at a 5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2032 to reach more than $333 billion. In the U.S. alone, 78 million consumers damaged their smartphone screens in 2023 and paid a total of $8.3 billion for repairs.

In the recent past, damage would have meant simply replacing the smartphone. However, the average replacement cycle has now extended to 21 months. Consumers are investing in devices they plan to use long term—and devices they count on for a range of activities day to day.

They’re most often sending devices for damaged screens, which account for 67% of repairs, but you’ll also see increased demand for fixes including Wi-Fi or connectivity issues, touchscreen malfunctions, damaged charging ports, and water damage.

How to Increase Smartphone Repair Process Efficiency

As repair volumes rise, smartphone service providers need a reliable way to track every device from intake to return—and ensure clear communication across the team. Repair labels are a simple but powerful tool to strengthen your repair management system.

Repositionable labels help you tag each phone the moment it enters your workflow, whether dropped off in-store or received by mail. These labels identify the owner, the device’s repair destination, and any issues reported, like water damage, connectivity problems, or screen malfunctions. You can also use labels to flag parts needed for a repair, keeping your process organized from the start.

Once the work is complete, labels can mark that the device passed QA/QC inspection, or even double as shipping labels when sending phones back to customers. If a repair isn’t possible, labeled devices can be routed for return or handled according to your recycling procedures.

By using repair labels at every stage, you create a more efficient, traceable, and professional repair process.

Choose the Right Labeling Solutions for Your Repair Management System

To optimize your repair operation, you need technology with the right features to help you generate repair labels efficiently. Printing solutions features that will enhance your repair management system include:

Removable Label Printing

Many repair shops currently rely on die-cut labels for tracking and managing smartphone repairs. While these labels get the job done, it’s worth considering linerless labels as a more efficient and flexible option, especially as repair volumes increase.

Removable, or repositionable, labels are linerless labels that give your team the ability to move, remove, and reapply labels without leaving behind sticky residue. With no silicon liner to peel off, employees can print and apply labels with one hand, making the process faster and less error-prone.

Linerless labels also deliver operational advantages. Because there is no backing, each roll holds more labels, which reduces the time spent on refills and maintenance and saves storage space. In addition, with less waste, your repair operation becomes more sustainable without compromising on performance.

Easy Label Design

Look for a solution that allows you to design repair label templates for consistency and maximum efficiency. Leading solutions will allow you to use label builders in the cloud and make them available to your team directly on the printer, so you don’t add steps to employees’ workflows.

One Touch Printing

Repair labels should simplify your workflow, not slow it down. Choose a printer that lets your team quickly select the correct label template, enter any required details from your repair management system, and print instantly with one touch. This streamlines the process for both receiving and technicians, ensuring accurate labeling without extra steps.

Fast, High-Quality Printing

Make sure the printer you choose can keep up with your workflow. A quick demo will show whether it can produce labels fast enough to avoid slowing down your team, while still delivering the print quality you need.

This is especially important if your repair process relies on barcodes. Sharp, high-resolution barcode printing ensures reliable scanning and accurate tracking, so you always know where each device is in your system.

Where to Learn More About Repair Label Solutions

As demand—and your operation—grows, you’ll need to deploy technology to keep your processes on track. A smart strategy is to talk to printing experts to find the best printing solutions for your business. Star Micronics has designed printers and printing solutions to enhance smartphone repair label operations.

Star’s mC-Label multimedia printer series produces high-quality repair labels that you can design with Label Builder in Star’s Cloud Services, included with the printer. You can print on nearly all media: linerless sticky labels, permanent labels, and even die-cut labels that allow you to highlight your brand on packaging.

The mC-Label series includes flexible connectivity options and makes work easier for your team with One Touch Label printing. Employees can print from up to three stored label templates with just the touch of a button, even without an internet connection.

mC-Label3 Multimedia Printer

Discover the mC-Label3 >

Another option is Star’s TSP143IV SK sticky linerless label printer, which is the market’s smallest desktop sticky label printer, featuring Android Open Accessory (AOA) support, dual-band wireless connectivity, and is integrated with CloudPRNT Next technology.

TSP143IV SK Sticky Label Printer

The TSP143IV SK by Star Micronics sets a new standard for compact, eco-friendly thermal linerless label printing, offering advanced connectivity options like Wi-Fi and AOA, and efficient, residue-free labels for diverse business needs.

Find out more >

The Ultimate Guide to Barcode Scanner Types and Applications

Wondering how Star solutions can help your business?

Eco-Friendly Receipt Paper: Non-Toxic, BPA-Free, and Prop 65 Compliant

Brittany DeGroat — Fri, 09 May 2025 12:37:00 +0000

As you evaluate your company’s impact on health, safety, and the environment, an important factor to consider is the thermal receipt paper you’re using—specifically whether it’s standard or eco-friendly receipt paper.

California’s Proposition 65 law requires businesses to provide warnings about significant exposures to chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Traditional thermal paper often contains chemicals on that list—making compliance and customer safety a growing concern.

It’s easy to overlook the paper rolls that your employees load into receipt printers as a source of harmful chemicals. However, traditional thermal receipt paper often contains toxic chemicals, including bisphenols and microplastics, that can impact your employees’ and your customers’ health. Switching to eco-friendly paper will mitigate these risks and help you establish sustainable printing processes.

What You Can Come in Contact With When You Touch a Receipt

The make-up of thermal receipt paper varies from brand to brand, but it can contain the following harmful chemicals:

Bisphenol S (BPS)

Research by the Center for Environmental Health found that holding a receipt from a thermal printer for only 10 seconds results in absorbing enough BPS to exceed California’s Prop 65 thresholds. Plaintiffs are using the research as evidence in legal action seeking to force retailers to stop using paper coated with BPS, an easily absorbed chemical linked to cancer and reproductive issues.

Bisphenol A (BPA)

Thermal receipt paper can also contain BPA to support heat-activated printing. Using this chemical is banned in many countries and several U.S. states for use in certain products like beverage cups and food containers. Like BPS, BPA is linked to reproductive system issues and other health concerns. Research by The Ecology Center found that BPA is decreasing in receipts in the U.S. However, unfortunately, BPS is taking its place, most likely because merchants aren’t aware of their BPA-free paper or phenol-free alternatives.

Microplastics

Coatings used on thermal receipt paper, like polyethylene (PE) and ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), do not decompose and contribute to microplastic pollution. The mounting problems that microplastics create in the environment and population health require finding an eco-friendly paper alternative.

Why You Need to Switch to Eco-Friendly Paper Now

Awareness is growing around the health and environmental risks linked to traditional thermal receipt paper. Organizations and advocacy groups are encouraging businesses to switch to safer, non-toxic alternatives, and some retailers are already making changes in response to consumer demand and compliance guidelines. Now is a smart time to evaluate your paper sources and explore eco-friendly receipt options that align with both customer expectations and long-term sustainability goals.

Star Offers High-Performance, Non-Toxic Paper

With decades of experience in thermal printing, Star Micronics recognized the growing need for eco-friendly receipt paper options. After extensive research and development, we introduced the Star Blue Eco line—featuring phenol-free thermal technology that supports a safer, healthier environment and more sustainable printing.

All products in the Star Blue Eco line are California Proposition 65-compliant and deliver high-quality thermal printing without BPA or BPS coatings.

Switching to phenol-free receipt paper is a small but meaningful step. It signals to your customers that you care about their health, safety, and the environment. While any merchant can benefit, this is especially important in retail settings where customers may hold a receipt for several minutes—whether waiting to make a return or pick up an online order.

And in restaurants and QSRs, where receipts can come into contact with food containers, utensils, or even food directly, using non-toxic paper shows you’re committed to safety at every step. It’s the right thing to do—and it could also build stronger customer loyalty.

Additional Steps to Take Toward More Sustainable Printing

Using non-toxic paper is only one step you can take to create more sustainable printing practices. Consider these additional actions that can decrease your company’s carbon footprint and overall impact on the environment.

Energy-Efficient Printers

Choosing Energy Star-certified energy-efficient printers lowers demand for energy and conserves resources for other vital needs. An added benefit is that using less energy means lower utility bills.

Linerless Labels

Linerless labels have no backing to remove. There is no waste, and they even save time since employees can apply them more quickly. Linerless label rolls also contain up to 40% more labels than rolls of traditional labels, which means a company can store more at one time. That can mean fewer orders and deliveries, saving fuel and emissions from transportation.

Efficient Connectivity with the MQTT Protocol

Ensuring that your printers communicate efficiently with your IT environment can contribute to more sustainable and cost-effective printing infrastructure. The MQTT protocol, used in Star’s CloudPRNT Next, is lighter and more efficient than traditional methods like HTTP. It transmits data only when needed, reducing unnecessary network traffic, server load, and bandwidth consumption—especially beneficial for multi-location or high-volume printing environments.

Learn the “The Answers You Need to Make an Informed Decision About Cloud POS Services” here >

Make a Commitment to Sustainable Printing

Small changes—like switching to eco-friendly receipt paper—can have a lasting impact on your customers, your staff, and the environment. As regulations tighten and consumer expectations rise, now is the time to take a proactive approach to safer, smarter printing.

The 5 Best Star Receipt Printers for Retail, Restaurants, and More

Talk to our experts about BPA-free Star Blue Eco:

Smarter Pizza Restaurant Labeling Solutions: One Printer for Every Station

Brittany DeGroat — Fri, 02 May 2025 13:33:00 +0000

In the fast-paced world of pizza, there’s no room for guesswork. Every second counts, and every label matters—especially when it comes to choosing the right pizza restaurant labeling solutions. Whether it’s a lunchtime rush or a Friday night delivery marathon, your labeling strategy can either keep the orders flying out the door or bring the whole line to a halt.

That’s where Star Micronics steps in. Our smarter approach to labeling is designed for restaurants that move fast, think bigger, and refuse to settle for outdated workflows. With the mC-Label3 multimedia printer at the center of your operation, you can simplify everything, starting with one printer model for every station.

One Printer Model for Every Job

Most restaurants use different printers for different tasks—a label printer here, a receipt printer there, maybe a specialty solution for online orders or kitchen tickets. That works… until it doesn’t. When something breaks or needs replacing, operators are stuck managing multiple SKUs, multiple vendors, and more training for their staff.

With the mC-Label3, you can standardize your hardware across your entire pizza business. It’s one compact, reliable printer that supports receipt printing, linerless labeling, sticky labels, and more. Whether it’s printing an order label in the kitchen, a receipt at the POS, or a tamper-proof seal for delivery, the mC-Label3 does it all.

mC-Label3 Multimedia Printer

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Smarter Pizza Station Setup

The one-printer-per-station model isn’t just about reducing clutter. It improves order accuracy by giving each touchpoint—prep, packaging, inventory, pickup, POS—its own dedicated, high-performance printer. And because it’s always the same model, there’s no learning curve, no confusion, and fewer support headaches.

It’s a smarter layout that:

Boosts labeling speed and consistency
Reduces printer downtime and maintenance
Simplifies training and inventory management

The Power of Permanent Linerless Labels

Labels are only as good as their stick. Star’s permanent linerless labels pair perfectly with the mC-Label3, offering strong adhesion without the waste of traditional liners. They work as tamper-proof labels for pizza boxes, to-go bags, and delivery containers, sealing each order with confidence.

No staplers. No tape. No mess. Just clean, secure, professional packaging every time.

Built for Busy Pizza Shops

The mC-Label3 isn’t just versatile—it’s built for speed and volume. With fast print speeds, multiple connectivity options (USB-C, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi), and compatibility with leading POS and ordering platforms, it’s designed to keep up with the pace of modern pizza operations, even during peak hours.

Plus, features like onboard label memory and one-touch printing make it even easier for busy teams to stay focused on what matters: making and delivering great food, keeping orders accurate, and ensuring a smooth flow from kitchen to customer.

Final Slice

If you’re running a pizza operation with multiple stations, locations, or order types, don’t settle for a patchwork of printers. A smarter labeling strategy—built around the powerful mC-Label3 multimedia printer and Star’s permanent linerless labels—can help you serve faster, label better, and scale easier.

One printer model at every station. All media types. No compromises.

How to Get Your Restaurant Ready for Online Ordering

Ready for better pizza restaurant labeling solutions?

The Hidden Cost of Bad QSR Labeling in Quick Service Operations

Brittany DeGroat — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 11:36:00 +0000

Today’s quick-service restaurants (QSRs) are more complex than ever. Between mobile orders, delivery apps, kiosks, drive-thrus, and in-store traffic, your team is juggling a high-speed, high-stakes environment.

That’s why QSR labeling is now a critical part of modern restaurant operations—keeping order accuracy high, workflows smooth, and customers satisfied. But if your labeling process is outdated or overlooked, it could be quietly draining your profits and damaging your brand.

The Real Costs of QSR Labeling Mistakes

Using the wrong label can slow down restaurant operations, but it can also hurt the bottom line. Poor QSR labeling can negatively impact profitability and hinder business growth in several ways.

Order Mix-Ups & Customer Frustration

Restaurants implement QSR labeling solutions to communicate order details, including special requests or allergy alerts, to food prep stations. Labels also indicate to the expeditor where the order will be sent when it’s ready, whether to the drive-thru, the front counter, for online order pickup, or to a delivery driver.

If the information on the label is incorrect or if the label does not remain in place throughout the process, order accuracy suffers, and both customer satisfaction and food safety are compromised. You must remember that getting every order right is essential. Research by customer service solution provider Simplr found that 51% of customers will not return after a single negative experience.

Operational Slowdowns and Excess Waste

Manually labeling with handwritten notes, tape, and stickers is slow and unreliable. An employee in a food prep area can misread a scribbled note, leading to the wrong items being prepared in the wrong way. It slows down fulfillment, which customers waiting in line during peak times at the drive-thru or pickup counter won’t tolerate.

Subpar order accuracy rates also lead to a high volume of food waste. U.S. restaurants generate between 22 and 33 billion pounds of food waste each year, accounting for approximately 15% of the country’s total food waste sent to landfills. Minimizing food waste is key to operating profitably and sustainably. Optimizing QSR labeling processes and improving accuracy rates can decrease food waste, wasted time, and unnecessary resource consumption.

Traditional labels with liners also generate unnecessary waste. Backings pile up quickly in high-volume environments, creating more trash to manage and dispose of. In a time when consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability, liner waste is not only inefficient and costly—it’s also out of step with modern environmental expectations.

Damaged Brand Perception

One of the effects of poor labeling is a bit harder to quantify, but it will be evident in the number of daily or weekly orders and revenues. Customers may perceive handwritten notes stapled or taped to bags as unprofessional, particularly if they’ve received clearly labeled orders from one of your competitors.

Additionally, antiquated order packing methods may give a third-party delivery driver the opportunity to open the bag and take a few fries for themselves. It happens more than you may think. A study from US Foods found that 28% of drivers admitted to taking food from an order. If this occurs frequently, customer retention will plummet, and it will be reflected in sales reporting. Sealing bags and containers with tamper-evident labels will help you prevent this issue and maintain your customers’ trust.

Why Traditional Labeling Doesn’t Cut It Any Longer

Traditionally, QSR labeling has involved using stickers or tape to attach a receipt or handwritten note to a bag or container. The cons far outweigh the pros of this approach:

Employees waste time writing, and errors are hard to trace.
The kitchen and delivery drivers can misinterpret handwritten information.
Traditional processes don’t produce tamper-evident labels.
Removing label backing slows down processes, creating clutter and waste.
The process slows down service, particularly in high-volume QSRs.
Hurts brand perception with unprofessional, inconsistent packaging.

The Smarter Alternative: Linerless Labeling

A better approach to QSR labeling is printing linerless labels. Consider how the benefits of these labels can impact your bottom line:

Labeling That’s Clean, Sticky, and Fast

Linerless labels have no backing, making them faster to apply and keeping counters and floors cleaner. Employees can print and apply them with one hand, making them perfect for busy QSR stations.

Multifunction Printers Support All Label Types

One device, like Star’s mC-Label3 multimedia printer, prints linerless labels in addition to receipts and traditional labels. One label printer can do it all, allowing you to optimize your labeling processes. You can even print tamper-evident, permanent linerless labels to secure bags for delivery and assure your customers of food safety.

mC-Label3 Multimedia Printer

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Efficient Labeling Leads to Order Accuracy and Food Safety

When you use the right labels for each application in restaurant operations, whether repositionable labels for internal processes or tamper-evident labels for food safety, order accuracy and customer satisfaction improve. Both ultimately have a positive impact on your bottom line.

Don’t Let Bad QSR Labeling Processes Undermine Your Restaurant Operations

Bad labeling is a silent killer of QSR efficiency and profitability. Investing in better tools, such as linerless label printers, is an easy fix with a fast return on investment (ROI). Take the next step toward a more efficient restaurant and better financials with the right QSR labeling solution. Your customers, staff, and margins will thank you.

Explore Star’s Labeling Solutions for QSRs:

mC-Label3 Multifunction Printer
TSP143IV SK Sticky Linerless Label Printer
SK1-311 SK Sticky Linerless Kiosk Printer

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Find out more from our QSR labeling experts:

Choosing the Best Adhesive for QSR Labeling: Diamond, Full, or Permanent

Brittany DeGroat — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 20:12:11 +0000

The market is filled with label media options for quick service restaurant (QSR) labeling. However, all labels are not created equal—and neither are their adhesives. While your focus may be on label size and finish, you must also select labels based on their ability to stay in place or allow for repositioning when necessary. The right choice will support operational speed, order accuracy, and food safety in any food service labeling workflow.

Understanding Linerless Label Adhesives for QSR Applications

Linerless labeling is gaining major traction in QSR and fast casual environments—and for good reason. These labels print without a paper or silicone liner, allowing staff to peel and apply in one quick step. That means faster workflows, less clutter, and fewer disruptions during high-volume service hours.

Without the waste backing, linerless labels also help reduce slip hazards, keep prep areas cleaner, and minimize landfill waste. More labels per roll means fewer roll changes, less storage space required, and more uptime at every station.

But the benefits go beyond logistics. Linerless labels also:

Improve order accuracy with clearer item- and bag-level labeling
Create a more professional, branded presentation—no staples, no handwritten notes
Support sustainability goals while lowering supply costs
Provide more labels per roll, increasing uptime and boosting ROI
Simplify employee training with an intuitive, one-step labeling process

From prep to packing, linerless labeling offers a smarter, more scalable approach to QSR operations.

Why Adhesive Strength Matters in Food Service Labeling

The benefits of linerless labels are clear. However, to maximize the value you get from them, you need to choose labels with the right adhesive strength. Everyone has experienced the frustration of not being able to remove a permanent label in the wrong place, or labels that don’t stay fixed where you need them.

QSR labeling often requires labels to be applied to different surfaces like paper or plastic, making adhesive choice even more important. Ensuring labels for each quick service label printing application have the right adhesive will lead to greater efficiency, productivity, and customer satisfaction.

In general, QSRs can choose from labels with three types of linerless label adhesives: diamond-pattern, full, or permanent.

Diamond-Pattern Label Adhesives: The Versatile, Repositionable Option

Diamond-pattern adhesive allows you to place a label and reposition or move it. Repositionable linerless labels with diamond-pattern adhesive also have the advantage of not leaving sticky residue behind, keeping work surfaces, shelves, food containers, and packaging clean. They also help reduce waste due to mislabeling.

Best use cases for diamond-pattern adhesive are:

Prep areas, shelving, and containers that require label repositioning
Short-term internal use for tracking before packaging

Full-Coverage Label Adhesives: Reliable, Short-Time Use

You can also choose full adhesive coverage for QSR labeling. These repositionable linerless labels stay in place reliably for a short time, for example, when labeling a package with a breakdown of contents or for customer pickup. Customers can remove the labels with little effort if they choose.

Best use cases for full-coverage label adhesive are:

Containers or bags that need labels to stay put during handoff or pickup
Delivery or takeout when tamper evidence isn’t a concern
Coffee cups and drink orders to go
Labeling food to be stored in the kitchen with made-by dates

Permanent Linerless Label Adhesives: Tamper-Evident and Secure

Permanent linerless label adhesive doesn’t budge. Once applied, these labels will not budge easily, giving QSRs a solution to generate tamper-evident labels. Permanent linerless labels help QSRs build trust in their delivery processes, showing that once employees package an order, no one opens or touches it.

Best use cases for permanent linerless labels are:

Sealing bags or containers for tamper protection during delivery
Food packaged for long transit time when safety assurance is critical
Pre-packaged foods to go

How to Choose the Right Adhesive for Each Station

Considering what various types of linerless label adhesives can do, equipping each QSR labeling station with the right media will help you operate more efficiently and increase order fulfillment accuracy.

1. Prep Station

Focus on repositionable diamond-pattern labels in the kitchen. Food service labeling is one of the most effective ways to communicate orders to various food prep stations. Orders from the counter, the drive-thru, online ordering platforms, or mobile apps can print directly, giving the kitchen details on modifiers, allergy information, or special requests as various employees work together to fill the order. Food service labeling can also keep staff informed about where the order needs to go when complete, making the hand-off easier to the expeditor.

2. Expeditor Station

Quick service label printing makes the expeditor’s job easier. The label from food prep areas communicates what the customer ordered and whether the customer is at the counter, in the drive-thru, waiting at online order pickup, or expecting a delivery at home. Expeditors can quickly confirm order accuracy by using a scale to ensure the weight of the order matches the total of the items that are supposed to be in the bag. If it varies greatly, the expeditor has a chance to double-check the order and make corrections to ensure customer satisfaction.

3. Packing & Delivery Pickup

When the order is ready for the customer, employees can seal the package with a tamper-evident label or add a full-adhesive label for pickup orders or deliveries where tamper evidence isn’t necessary.

A Single Printer Can Handle It All

Although different quick service label printing use cases require different labels for the best results, QSR labeling only requires one printer. A flexible multi-function printer can print labels with diamond-pattern adhesive, linerless labels with full adhesive, or permanent, tamper-evident labels. QSRs have the option of printing standard or die-cut labels and can even use these printers for receipt printing. Leading printers also make it easy for employees to switch label rolls for each use case.

mC-Label3 Multimedia Printer

Discover the mC-Label3 >

The Right Adhesive = Smoother Operations

Choosing the right adhesive is a simple but powerful way to improve your QSR’s workflows. Optimize your QSR labeling processes to support speed, accuracy, food safety, and better customer experiences.

Explore Star’s Labeling Media and Printers for QSRs

Star Micronics has developed a line of label media that meets all QSR labeling needs, with a focus on food safety. The Star Blue Eco line of label, thermal, and bond paper is BPA/BPS-free (zero phenols) and Prop 65-compliant.

Star also offers multi-function printers for quick service label printing:

mC-Label3, which prints on a wide range of media for quick service label printing and paper widths and features One Touch Label printing
TSP143IV SK, a smart, compact, cloud-ready sticky linerless label printer with multiple connectivity options for food service labeling wherever necessary

TSP143IV SK Sticky Label Printer

Find out more >

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