What Hub Labels does

Hub Labels, Inc. is a family-owned custom label manufacturer founded in 1978 and headquartered in Hagerstown, Maryland. The company produces pressure-sensitive labels, linerless labels, direct mail labels, and blank labels for roughly 1,000 US and multinational customers across food and produce, beverage, health and home, cannabis, specialty/premium, direct mail, and industrial verticals. Notable accounts span enterprise food processors (Perdue Harvestland, BestCatch) and mid-market craft brands (Chesapeake Coffee Roasters, Sweetleaf Coffee, Hempfield Botanicals, Devil's Due Distillery, CUE Candles), with no minimum order requirement and quote-based unit pricing.

The company operates a multi-platform production stack: flexographic presses, a fully digital HP Indigo press, a hybrid flexo-digital Heidelberg/Gallus Labelfire with 7-color extended gamut, and an MPS EF430 flexographic press, supporting up to 12-color printing at 1200 dpi with G7 Master Facility color accuracy. Hub Labels was the first U.S. printer to introduce linerless label technology in 2009 and remains one of only three U.S. companies producing linerless labels, which reduce reel weight by up to 40% and integrate with Marel M360 applicators at up to 100 packs/minute. Specialty offerings include Golden Spectrum Ink (a gold-foil alternative), HoloFX holographic finishes, the ETI Coater with NoGunk Technology, and a broad range of UV screen, fluorescent, glitter, pearlescent, thermochromic, and chrome inks. The company is an authorized Epson ColorWorks reseller for on-demand label printers and consumables.

Commercially, Hub Labels is a sales-led B2B operation that sells direct to enterprise and mid-market brands through account specialists, supported by a HUB-approved designer directory, a Knowledge Hub content marketing engine, and quarterly Label Lab events. Revenue is generated primarily through one-time custom label manufacturing orders, supplemented by hardware sales (Epson printers) and recurring consumables (ink, blank labels), plus direct mail campaigns. The firm holds SGP certification continuously since 2020, G7 Master Facility Certification for 5+ consecutive years, and has won consecutive TLMI Printing Excellence Awards in 2024 and 2025, including two 2025 Best in Class awards. The company employs 51–100 people, is owned by President Thomas Dahbura, and has not raised external equity capital, funding recent capacity expansion (Manufacturing 4.0 grant, ERP upgrade, automated inspection) from operations and state-level grants.

Name

Hub Labels

Legal name

Hub Labels, Inc.

Website

https://hublabels.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1978

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Hub Labels is a family-owned custom label manufacturer in Hagerstown, Maryland, serving close to 1,000 US and multinational customers across food, beverage, health, cannabis, and specialty markets with pressure-sensitive, linerless, and direct mail labels.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Custom Label Manufacturing

SIC

Coating, Engraving & Allied Services (3470)

akta.pro primary industry

Pressure-Sensitive Labels (PSL) (IMALAKAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Specialty & Functional Labels (Linerless, RFID/NFC, Braille, Smart) (IMALAKAK), Labels & Pressure-Sensitive Materials (labelstock, PSA labels, liners) (IMAMAHAE), Thermal & Label Printers (HDACAEAC)

Keywords

• Custom label manufacturing
• Pressure sensitive labels
• Linerless label printing
• Flexographic printing services
• Direct mail labels

Headquarters

HQ city

Hagerstown

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Custom Label Manufacturing: Hub Labels manufactures custom pressure sensitive and linerless labels for various industries. Revenue is generated through one-time production orders with pricing based on quantity, materials, printing complexity, and finishing options. The company offers scalable production from small runs to large orders.
2. On-Demand Label Printers and Supplies: As an Epson ColorWorks Authorized Reseller, Hub Labels sells label printers (C7500, C4000, C6000/C6500 series), ink replacements, and blank labels. Recurring revenue comes from consumable supplies like ink cartridges and blank labels.
3. Direct Mail Products: Production of direct mail labels including address labels, bumper stickers, sticker sheets, piggyback labels, decals, and coupons for political campaigns, nonprofits, and marketers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Hub Labels is a custom label manufacturer that produces pressure-sensitive, linerless, direct mail, and blank labels for brands across food, beverage, health, cannabis, and industrial markets. The company operates flexographic, fully digital, and hybrid flexo-digital Heidelberg/Gallus Labelfire printing presses with up to 12-color, 1200 dpi, and 7-color extended gamut capability. They also resell Epson ColorWorks on-demand label printers and supplies, supported by G7 color management and SGP sustainability certifications.

Product overview

Hub Labels is a family-owned label manufacturer since 1978, offering a portfolio of label products and printing services. Core offerings include Pressure Sensitive Labels and Linerless Labels (including the pioneering 2009 US introduction of linerless technology), supplemented by Direct Mail Labels and Blank Labels. The company operates flexographic printing presses, a fully digital press, and a hybrid flexo-digital Heidelberg/Gallus Labelfire system with 7-color extended gamut. On-demand printing capabilities are extended through Epson ColorWorks Authorized Reseller partnerships for printer resale. Specialty offerings include Golden Spectrum Ink for premium gold effects without foil stamping, and the ETI Coater with NoGunk Technology for linerless application. Additional services encompass label construction consulting, specialty inks and finishes (fluorescent, glitter, pearlescent, thermochromic), and embellishments (cold foil, hot stamp, embossing, HoloFX holographic effects). Markets served include food & produce, beverage, health & home, cannabis, and specialty packaging.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Pressure Sensitive Labels Custom pressure-sensitive adhesive labels for bottles, containers, cartons, and flexible packaging, supporting up to 12-color printing across coated paper, BOPP, PET, vinyl, and foil substrates with various adhesives and finishes. Designed for automatic machine application in food, beverage, personal care, and industrial packaging.
• Linerless Labels Linerless labels using pattern-coat adhesive technology, providing more labels per roll, fewer changeovers, and faster application on high-speed lines. Available in food-safe and freezer-grade materials, ideal for tray-wrapped and vacuum-sealed packaging in meat, poultry, seafood, and produce industries.
• Direct Mail Labels
• Blank Labels Blank labels for thermal transfer and direct thermal printing, including linerless options, used in retail, logistics, manufacturing, and shipping. Available in various sizes via die library, with optional pre-printed banners and logos for brand identity.
• Epson ColorWorks On-Demand Label Printers Full-color on-demand label printers resold as an Epson ColorWorks Authorized Reseller. Models include C7500/C7500G/C7500GE (11.8 inches/sec, up to 1200x600 dpi, BS5609 certified), C4000 (4 inches/sec, 1200x1200 dpi), and C6000/C6500 (5 inches/sec, up to 8 inch width). Includes ink replacements and blank labels for short runs and variable data.
• Golden Spectrum Ink Premium gold ink technology for direct mail and prime labels providing higher quality and sophistication than standard gold inks, with cost-effective alternative to traditional gold foil stamping. Applicable for health/beauty, distilling, craft beer, wine, and cannabis labels.
• Label Embellishments Label embellishment services including cold foil, hot stamp foil, embossing, and HoloFX holographic effects. Cold foil provides shimmer with custom colors; hot stamp produces a luxury look with metal dies; embossing creates raised effects for wine and distillery markets; HoloFX offers holographic finishes using UV/EB varnish casting that is recyclable.
• Specialty Inks and Finishes Specialty inks and finishes including UV screen-printing (8MK, Label Gloss, Rotoprint Roto-gloss), fluorescent, glitter, pearlescent, phosphorescent, slate effect, thermochromic, and UV Chrome metallic effects. Finishes include lamination (gloss/matte), varnish, and UV coatings for label protection and visual presentation.
• Pressure Sensitive Label Construction Services Five-layer pressure sensitive label construction service including liners, release coating, pressure sensitive adhesives, face stock, and top coat. Includes material selection consulting for papers, plastic films, foils, and laminates; adhesive formulation for specific product environments; and top coat options for protection and texture.

Quantifiable outcome

• 40% reduction in reel weight with linerless labels
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability1 record

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, support and preferred.

• Flexcon GlobalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 October 2024Strategic collaboration with Flexcon Global (coatings, laminations, and material technologies provider) to develop the award-winning Wonderland Wax Melt Lid label. Flexcon provided OptiFlex Reseal 21133 substrate to balance removability, wax resistance, and resealability for the sustainable packaging solution.
• Mercury PlasticscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 October 2024Maryland-based thermoformed packaging manufacturer that challenged Hub Labels to create a resealable label replacing traditional plastic lids for wax melt packaging. Mercury Plastics designed the recyclable clamshell packaging complementary to the label concept.
• MarelcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Partnership announced in 2020 to provide complete food processing solution using Marel M360 label application equipment with Hub Labels' linerless labels for poultry, meat, and fish processing industries. The M360 can process up to 100 packs per minute.
• Nazdar Ink TechnologiessupportTechnology or IntegrationInk partner supporting Hub Labels' G7 certification maintenance for over five consecutive years. Provided expertise in inks and color management solutions.
• UPM RaflatacsupportTechnology or IntegrationMaterials partnership providing clear film made of wood and RAFcycle liner recycling program. Also collaborated on adhesive innovation for recyclable packaging solutions (e.g., Rocket Fuel cold brew label).
• Epson ColorWorkscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEpson ColorWorks Authorized Reseller offering full-color on-demand label printers (C7500, C4000, C6000/C6500 series), ink replacements, and blank labels. Provides economical solutions for businesses with many SKUs.
• IdealliancesupportOthersOrganization administering G7 certification, one of the most recognized standards in the printing industry ensuring color management, gray balance, and print quality.
• Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP)supportOthersMembership and certification demonstrating commitment to environmental responsibility in printing operations. Hub Labels has maintained continuous SGP certification since 2020.
• Lisa Sirbaugh CreativepreferredImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHUB-approved designer directory partner providing brand discovery, identity, packaging design, and marketing materials. Based in Frederick, Maryland.
• Tribe Design & BrandingpreferredImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHUB-approved multidisciplinary studio in Frederick, MD specializing in brand identity and packaging design with expertise in print techniques, metallic foils, and finishes.
• Hoot Design StudiopreferredImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHUB-approved award-winning illustration and graphic design studio based in York, Pennsylvania. Specializes in packaging design and illustration with emphasis on food and beverage sector.
• Origin Design CollectivepreferredImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHUB-approved creative studio in Hedgesville, WV helping clients build brands with character, purpose, and staying power through strategy and honest collaboration.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Hammer Packaging: Hammer Packaging is a U.S. label converter offering flexographic and digital labels, shrink sleeves, and folding cartons. It is comparable to Hub Labels in offering custom prime labels with premium embellishments (foils, holographics) to CPG and beverage customers.
• McCourt Label: McCourt Label is a U.S. custom label manufacturer producing prime labels, linerless labels, and direct thermal/thermal transfer products. It is comparable to Hub Labels as a similarly-positioned custom converter with linerless capabilities and a focus on food/produce and logistics end markets.
• Fortis Solutions Group: Fortis Solutions Group is a private label manufacturer offering pressure-sensitive labels, flexible packaging, and shrink sleeves to CPG and industrial customers. It is comparable to Hub Labels as a similarly-sized custom label converter focused on premium embellishments and food/beverage end markets.
• Smyth Companies: Smyth Companies is a private U.S. label and packaging printer specializing in pressure-sensitive labels for food, beverage, and consumer goods. It is comparable to Hub Labels in size, target verticals, and emphasis on embellishment and digital print capabilities.
• WS Packaging Group: WS Packaging Group is a U.S. label converter producing pressure-sensitive, roll-fed, and cut-and-stack labels for consumer and industrial customers. It is comparable to Hub Labels in product mix, including prime labels and liner/blank label categories, and serves similar B2B customers.
• Resource Label Group: Resource Label Group is a private U.S. custom label manufacturer serving consumer goods with pressure-sensitive, shrink sleeve, and flexible packaging labels. It is a directly comparable custom label converter with a multi-site footprint and similar SMB-to-enterprise customer mix to Hub Labels.
• Inovar Packaging Group: Inovar Packaging Group is a U.S. label and packaging converter serving consumer goods with pressure-sensitive labels, shrink sleeves, and flexible packaging. It is comparable to Hub Labels in target end markets, production technology mix, and customer base in CPG/industrial.

Broad incumbents

• Multi-Color Corporation: Multi-Color Corporation, now part of CCL Industries, is a global label converter offering pressure-sensitive labels, in-mold labels, and shrink sleeves. It is comparable to Hub Labels in core pressure-sensitive label manufacturing but operates at much greater scale and geographic breadth as a global incumbent.
• CCL Industries: CCL Industries is the world's largest label company, offering pressure-sensitive, shrink sleeve, in-mold, and specialty labels across dozens of countries. It is comparable to Hub Labels as the dominant broad incumbent in custom label manufacturing, with overlapping pressure-sensitive and linerless offerings at a vastly larger scale.
• Coveris: Coveris is a global packaging manufacturer producing labels, flexible packaging, and paper-based packaging for food and consumer goods. It is comparable to Hub Labels as a broad packaging incumbent with overlapping pressure-sensitive label capabilities and shared CPG end markets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/hublabelsinc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hub-labels-inc-
• Instagraminstagram.com/hublabelsinc

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hub Labels