Ways in which manufacturers are improving recall management, enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening code compliance using printing and coding technologies will be demonstrated by Markem-Imaje. 

Food and beverage, extrusion and healthcare manufacturers visiting Markem-Imaje’s Pack Expo 2017 booth (C-2423) will learn ways to improve code printing accuracy on every product, every time, thereby avoiding costly rework, retailer fines or recalls.

Technology in action

Markem-Imaje’s Innovation Stage will show how a leading packaged food company eliminated rework and recalls due to packaging material and coding errors, while another strengthened its GS1 compliance using direct case coding and vision system integration. Other case studies will include a global company that implemented an enterprise-wide system to eliminate retailer fines with direct case coding and barcode compliance as well as an international food and dairy company that required line efficiency improvements. The latter was able to triple its line speed while doing front and side pack labeling at 90 packs per minute with tight pack spacing.

Latest innovation on display

Among the range of print and apply printers being exhibited include the 2200 Flex SE system. It offers high-speed front, side and dual label application on flat, curved and uneven surfaces without the need to turn items and within a close pack space of as little as 10 inches (250 mm). The printer enables GS1-128 barcode compliance without costly conversions to existing production lines.  

And, as with other Markem-Imaje print and apply options these printers come with a range of downtime-minimizing benefits such as tool-free, 60-second printhead changes and 40-second label changes, the fastest in the industry.  

“To address increased traceability requirements, GS1-128 barcodes are being increasingly mandated by retailers and foodservice organizations in the US and abroad,” observes Ashish Kapoor, Markem-Imaje Marketing Director – Americas. “The 2200 Flex SE system finally provides manufacturers with an easy, cost-effective way of complying with this standard’s stringent requirements.” 

Additionally, samples of three new inks for the company’s 9450 continuous inkjet printer will be available. The first is a yellow opaque ink for use on glass, including the returnable variety, and is particularly suitable for the beverage industry. Also available will be a washable black ink for returnable plastic containers used in the cold and humid environments associated with food and beverage applications. And, finally, the company is launching a semi-opaque black ink capable of withstanding sterilization processes in the frozen food industry as well as the dusty, high speed, water cooling requirements of the extrusion market (wires, cables and pipes).

“The 9450 is the global benchmark for continuous inkjet printers and these ink line extensions enable even more companies to benefit from its various first-to-market features. Examples include jet speed control that allows for very precise control of the ink droplet stream leading to best-in-class code quality, a monoblock printhead delivering lower maintenance requirements and an advanced user interface that includes self-help user guides,” says Mr. Kapoor.