In food labeling, coding and marking equipment plays a small but vital role in supporting adding ‘need-to-know’ information about the product itself. ‘Best Before’ or ‘Use By’ dates including batch numbers, product weights and barcodes form some of the information that is needed to be incorporated into end-of-line labeling.
The Challenges
The food packaging landscape today means that stringent regulations must be followed to meet consumer health and safety. When things go wrong, the cost implications and damage to a brand can be devastating. A product is recalled when information is inaccurate, poorly displayed or if someone should fall ill or tragically die as a direct result. So when things take a turn for the worst, investigations need to be carried out. Batch codes are extremely useful and will assist in track and traceability. These clever codes link to a direct point in the production process, making clear each stage of the supply chain, helping to pin point where a particular process has failed. For heightened quality control in terms of identifying contaminated produce, our latest game-changing technology, the VXR really packs a punch. The system combines vision, x-ray and seal check technology. Find out more on the VXR here>
Application
Ravenwood works with an approved supplier network to achieve the seamless integration of both linerless and coding technologies. Coders can be purchased as stand-alone machines although when ordering a Ravenwood Nobac 500, we strongly recommend that a coder is purchased alongside. The coding machines that we offer complement our linerless applicators, suiting all sizes of production lines. Even companies with multiple lines will benefit from printing at increased line speeds without ever missing a pack – regardless of throughput, build back and pack size.
Thermal Transfer Coding Technology
Thermal transfer overprinting is the established technology of choice for a wide range of coding applications. Compared to traditional contact coders such as hot-stamp or roller coders, thermal transfer overprinting offers superior print quality, economy and lower running costs. From label overprinting, to high speed digital coding on flexible packaging, thermal technology delivers fast print speeds, minimises downtime and ensures accurate display of critical data. And with fast moving lines and frequent changeovers, coding equipment offers a fail-safe step up from less flexible, non-digital methods. In the factory environment, hygiene requirements are also paramount and strict standards must be met. Coders that adopt ‘thermal inkjet technology’ feature stainless steel enclosures coupled with fast drying specialist inks proving invaluable when there is a risk of smudging through manual handling or where moisture is present.
When Less is More
Supermarket shelves are jam packed with many different brands all screaming for consumers’ attention. So it’s no surprise that brand owners utilise the packaging space to its optimum potential to increase shelf appeal and visual impact. This often results in the coding area to be very limited. By opting for thermal coding means that information can be printed and displayed accurately – even in the tightest of spaces.
Ravenwood supplies a diverse range of coding printing equipment from our approved supplier network. We can advise and recommend different options for printing various critical data on food labels and packaging. Contact us today to find out more or call us on +44 (0)1284 749144. Visit our coding equipment page on our new website to view the full range on offer.
Diagram of the ICE ‘Vulcan’ Coding Machine – visit the Vulcan product page on the Ice website here
