Labeling apparatus

Apparatus for the application of self adhesive labels sequentially from a supply of self adhesive labels, said apparatus including means for moving the self adhesive labels web from the supply to an application point, said application point including means to cause release of the leading label from the web of self adhesive labels and expose the said released label to be further transported and/or applied to an article and wherein said apparatus is, or can be adapted to be, capable of operation with a supply of labels with a backing layer and a supply of labels without a backing layer and wherein lines of weakening are provided between adjacent labels on the label web and the lines of weakening include at least one slit which is located so as to engage with a location formed on a beak or blade provided to break the line of weakening, the means for moving the labels from the roll to the application point includes at least two movement means which act on the labels to move the same and at least one of the said movement means is located so as to act on the non-adhesive side of the label supply, further movement means act on the adhesive side of the label either directly in the case of linerless self adhesive label supplies or on the backing layer onto which the adhesive surface of the label is applied the said further movement means incorporates at least one belt provided in a split configuration in which there is provided a central belt and a belt on either side thereof and wherein the central belt can be driven independently of the said side belts.