Technologies and solutions Part 1
Food manufacturers must comply with increasingly stringent regulations and standards, so ensuring product quality, safety, authenticity, and traceability is critical. Expiry date, batch number, manufacture date, barcode, and other information on food, primary or secondary packaging is a sign of guaranteed traceability throughout the production cycle and entire supply chain. Industrial marking is a component of the manufacturing process that involves the application of variable content at the final stage of the manufacturing or packaging process.
Food without an expiry date: it is impossible.This information is both necessary and required. And what about the batch number or, in the event of a problem with a product in the trade network, the ability to trace its path back at each stage of production and distribution. As a result, a variety of activities to quickly and efficiently eliminate the causes of the problem or defective batches are made possible, with minimal loss to the manufacturer.
The variety of products, different types of packaging, the speed of the line, the manufacturing environment, the complexity of the code are among the factors that will determine which which solution is best for marking and labeling. The risk of getting labeling and coding wrong can be costly – and not just to reputation. As a leading supplier of industrial equipment, we at Betelgeus work with many companies of all sizes in the food industry and can offer a variety of solutions in the field of marking and labeling. The systems we offer feature low operating costs and minimal maintenance. Hence, improving overall production efficiency.
In this first part of the publication, we will show you the various options for marking and labeling directly on food and primary packaging.
Option 1 – Marking on foods and primary packaging with a continuous Inkjet printer (CIJ)
One of the main technologies used is inkjet marking as the most popular and widely used method due to its versatility. This type of printer performs contactless, precise, high-speed marking with accurate and legible codes. We recommend the Linx 8900 and Linx 7900 series .
Option 2 - Marking on flexible film packaging with thermal transfer overprinter (TTO)
The technology has proven its reliability and efficiency in the field of primary product coding. One of the main advantages of thermal transfer overprinting is the extremely low cost of the print, as well as the minimum maintenance costs. Learn more about the thermal transfer printers we offer.
Option 3 - Marking of primary packaging with a laser printer
Laser marking is a contactless printing method, superior to other technologies in its quality and performance. The laser beam can be easily aimed at hard-to-reach places, and the message remains permanent. Moreover, there are no nozzles that can become clogged and there is no need for consumables such as self-adhesive labels or ink cartridges.
Option 4 - Marking of primary packaging with a thermal inkjet printer (TIJ)
Thermal inkjet printers are less polluting than the common inkjet printers, making them a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution. Working with single-use ink cartridges, this printer is maintenance-free. See our recommended models of thermal inkjet printers.
Option 5 - On-site label printing and dispensing
The labels are printed on-site and applied with a label dispenser. This way you never have too many or too few labels in stock to control your costs. Betelgeus offers a variety of solutions, which include label printers, dispensers, print and apply, labeling machines and systems. Check out our recommended labeling products.
Next week, we will continue our publication by introducing you to the technologies for marking and labeling secondary packaging and palletized products. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to discuss options that can assist your company in meeting its objectives.
