Date coding for food and packaging
Print manufacturing dates, expiry dates, lot numbers, barcodes and QR codes on pouches, films, cartons and labels. Assess inks and inspection systems for your production line.
The short answer
Food packaging requires clear, durable information across many materials. Choose the technology according to surface, speed and print position, and always test the actual packaging first.
What to consider
These details help match the printer, ink, printhead, laser and inspection equipment to your application.
Packaging surface
Pouches, films, labels and cartons have different surface properties. Match the ink or laser energy to the material.
Required print data
Define MFG, EXP, LOT, line count, character height and code size before selecting a model.
Production conditions
Check speed, print distance, dust, moisture and the mounting positions for the sensor and printhead.
Technologies to test
Manufacturing dates, expiry dates and lot numbers on food packaging must be assessed against the material, mounting position and actual environment.
Pouches and films on continuous lines
Test ink, adhesion and line speed
Test actual samples before choosingCartons, labels and crisp text
Match the ink to the material and printhead distance
Test actual samples before choosingCoated cartons, labels, paper and permanent codes
Test mark contrast and clarity on actual materials
Test actual samples before choosingCheck date presence, OCR and codes
Define lighting, camera angle and pass/fail samples
Test actual samples before choosingTest under realistic production conditions
Good samples cover the actual materials, colours, messages and speeds, revealing limitations before investment.
Frequently asked questions
Practical answers to help you prepare for a discussion with our engineers.
Are inks available for food packaging?
CIJ ink formulations are available for food-related applications. Our team assesses the material and print position together, with actual packaging tests before use.
Should pouch films use CIJ or TIJ?
It depends on the film, speed and installation. CIJ suits continuous production. TIJ provides crisp text, with suitable ink and controlled printhead distance.
How can we check every product has a date code?
Use camera inspection for OCR date reading or barcode and QR code inspection, connected to an alarm or reject mechanism within the designed system scope.
Choosing a system with Better Code
Send your sample
Specify the material, message, position and line speed.
Test and compare
Assess clarity, adhesion, readability and limitations.
Installation and support
Select equipment, install, train operators and plan maintenance.
Let Better Code assess your samples
Send product photos, material details, print data and production speed so we can select and test the right technology.