Labelling apparatus and method for applying labels to containers

A labeling device for applying labels to containers, comprising:

• an unwinding unit for receiving thereon at least one supply roll with a label tape;
• an intermediate buffer unit for temporarily storing the label tape unwound from the supply roll, the intermediate buffer unit comprising at least one first movable roller unit;
• a drive unit comprising at least one drive roller and an electromotor as a drive for providing a driving force for the drive roller, whereby the drive unit is arranged downstream of the intermediate buffer unit when seen in a conveying direction and used for driving the label tape in the conveying direction;
• and
• a processing unit for separating the label tape into the individual labels,
• wherein the intermediate buffer unit and the drive unit have arranged between them a separately configured, dynamic buffer unit comprising at least one second movable roller unit, which is movable independently of the intermediate buffer unit, and
• wherein the second movable roller unit comprises a movement mechanism for a deflection roller, the movement mechanism and the deflection roller being configured such that, when the labeling device is started within a container interval, a dynamic pulling force acting on the label tape will be limited to 50 N or less.