Coding & marking essentials for the Dairy IndustryLinx Printing Technologies Ltd.
Overview
• The changing Dairy Industry• Coding considerations and solutions• Linx coding solutions for the Dairy Industry
The changing Dairy Industry
• According to Mintel (2013), weight management is one of the major global trends changing the nature of the Dairy Industry, affecting packaging size and shape
• More of an emphasis is placed on:– Reducing packaging size for portion control– Making packaging easier to get into– Sustainable packaging materials
The changing Dairy Industry (cont.)
• Portion control is a growing consideration amongst consumers themselves and parents
– This has led to growth of lunchbox market – ‘snack packs’ etc.
• Consumers keen on lighter and more convenient packaging
– Milk and milk drinks shifting from glass to HDPE bottles– Shift towards ‘on the go’ consumption
• Milk production may shift to ‘mega dairies’
Coding considerations
When coding in the Dairy Industry, there are key
challenges to be met:
• Code accuracy at high speed
• Codes that stay put in the right place
• Ease of use
Code accuracy at high speedThe challenge:• As dairy pack designers seek new ways to provide on-shelf impact, the
amount of space for functional information continues to be squeezed• Legislative requirement for codes on food products to be of a certain size• Printers have to be able to delivery accurate code onto what may be a small
area
The flexible solution:• Flexible coding equipment gives you the option to print onto different
substrates, allowing you to meet shifting consumer demands• Printheads that can print from various angles are highly advantageous for
coding onto a range of dairy pack shapes• Traversing printhead functionality delivers accurate coding on multi-lanes
Codes that stay put
The challenge:• Smudged codes can result in wasted product• Wet/cold conditions on typical dairy production lines can affect code integrity,
and printer reliability
The specialist solution:• Specialist quick drying inks are developed specifically to ensure codes do
not rub off, even when moisture is present• IP55 rated or stainless steel enclosures provide reliable operation
Ease of use
The challenge:• Product changeovers can waste valuable time• Cost of errors can be substantial
The intuitive solution:• Printers with intuitive interfaces save time during product changeovers when
new codes are entered• Prompted coding fields further decrease time of changeovers• Remote control features reduce risk of coding errors
Linx coding solutions for the Dairy Industry
• Continuous Ink Jet– Can print on most substrates– Flexible– Can be moved quickly from line to line– Quick to install
• Large Character Marking– Well suited for printing onto secondary packaging
e.g. Cardboard boxes– Can print high resolution quality– Easy to set up and adjust– Reliable and predictable cost of ownership
Linx coding solutions for the Dairy Industry
• Laser– No ink, and therefore no drying time or risk of
smudging– Suitable for a wide range of substrates– Low down time – High-speed capability
• Thermal Inkjet Printers– Flexible coding for both outer cases and primary
packaging– High resolution print quality– Cost effective for slower production lines
