End Of Line Customisation Of Printed Packs

Datalase said that it can now end-of-line packaging customisation capabilities with its low power CO2 laser system.

Datalase said that it can now end-of-line packaging customisation capabilities with its low power CO2 laser system.

With the Datalase process, variable information such as ingredients, barcodes, batch numbers, logos, special offers and promotions can be applied directly to the packaging, or to labels or amended at the end of the production line.

The area to be marked is coated with Datalase and left blank.

The information is then activated at the end of the production line using the laser, which causes a white-to-black colour change reaction.

The Datalase process will be showcased on the company's stand - S-3018 - at Pack Expo 2006 in Chicago (USA).

The company said that brand owners often require many variants of information to be included on packaging, for example the same pack may need to be reproduced in multiple languages and feature different information that may be specified by country-specific legislation.

The production of multiple versions of the same packaging requires the production line to be continuously stopped as the packaging is changed over, old packs returned to the warehouse and new ones loaded on to the production line.

The stop-start process has a significant impact on cost and efficiency.

Traditionally, when variable information was needed to be amended or new details added at the end of the production line, the packs would be thrown away and the packaging production process would have to be restarted.

The Datalase process is claimed to provide a solution to those problems.

The process is claimed to be a reliable method for printing market specific data on to packs already bearing generic information on them, thus reducing waste and saving money.

Any changes can be programmed in to the system enabling the process to produce customised data on the pack without the need to stop the production line and go back to the start of the packaging production process, added the company.

Kevin Murray, vice president of Datalase, commented: "By using the Datalase process to customise packaging, brand owners have greater flexibility for art work changes.

The patented technology is capable of quickly printing market specific data on the packaging, thereby reducing inventory and shortening time-to-market.

Manufacturers can order one pack in large quantities and customise it on site while also increasing profits.".

Back to top