How to Print Batch Codes on Flexible Packaging

For manufacturers, printing on flexible packaging often poses unique challenges. Manufacturers often look for ways to print batch codes on flexible packaging.

Many production teams are constantly seeking reliable batch coding solutions that ensure consistent, high-quality results. This happens because different types of flexible packaging materials such as films, foils, and laminated pouches have varying textures and thicknesses, which affect ink adhesion and overall print quality. Beyond ink adhesion problems, manufacturers also face challenges related to production speed, print consistency, and durability. So, in this article, let’s explore the typical problems manufacturers encounter and how to solve them. In this guide, we’ll also discuss how advanced printing technologies especially thermal inkjet printers (TIJ) can improve printing consistency and efficiency on flexible packaging.  

The Reality of Batch Coding on Flexible Packaging

Batch coding on flexible packaging involves printing important product information on flexible packaging like pouches, tetra pak cartons, cups, plastic bottles, rollstock, sleeves, and bags. These printed details usually include manufacturing date, expiry date, and traceability codes to maintain compliance and consumer safety. These printed details usually include manufacturing date, expiry date, and traceability codes to maintain compliance and consumer safety.

This type of packaging is made from multi-layered materials and has varying textures, surfaces, and compositions. The unique nature of these materials can make it challenging for manufacturers to achieve durable codes. 

Additionally, flexible packaging is lighter than rigid packaging, making it prone to wrinkling. It can impact batch coding precision outputs, particularly at high speed productions. 

For all these reasons, manufacturers must understand how to print batch codes on flexible packaging by using the right printing technology, such as thermal inkjet. Among the available options, thermal inkjet printers are recognized for delivering high-resolution, durable codes even at fast production speeds, making them ideal for industrial printing environments.

Batch Coding Challenges in Flexible Packaging (and How to Solve Them)

Batch coding on flexible packaging presents a range of challenges. Here are some of these common challenges that must be overcome to ensure efficient coding products.

Smudging & Poor Adhesion

Flexible materials like plastic films have smooth, non-porous surfaces, making ink adhesion difficult. When the packaging is exposed to oils or friction, it often leads to smudging or the printed code blurs. This issue is especially noticeable when using low-quality inks or non-optimized inkjet printing systems, which struggle to maintain proper ink adhesion on non-porous surfaces.

This condition also means poor adhesion, resulting in the batch code not staying intact long enough. Thus, consumers and retailers won’t be able to read the codes, compromising traceability and regulatory compliance.

To prevent this, try to undergo surface treatments that can increase surface energy of the materials helping the inks to adhere better. You can also use specialized inks for flexible materials which can bond better with non-porous surfaces.

Print Durability Issues

Manufacturers often find print durability as significant issues while maintaining how to print batch codes on flexible packaging properly. As flexible packaging materials are often subjected to harsh conditions, the printed codes may fade and turn illegible over time.

It is becoming more critical especially for the food and pharmaceutical sectors because packaging will be exposed to varying conditions during storage to handling processes. To overcome this, choosing a flexible packaging printing technology that ensures strong adhesion and resistance to moisture is crucial for long-term readability and regulatory compliance.

As for a solution to this matter, you can choose printing technology that produces more adaptable codes. For example, thermal inkjet can create long lasting print results and are more resistant to moisture and abrasions.

Additionally, selecting UV-curable inks can enhance print longevity and provide excellent adhesion. It will make the batch codes remain eligible for a long time through the product’s lifecycle.

Printing on Irregular & Moving Surfaces

Lightweight and pliable characteristics of flexible packaging is prone to cause misalignment and uneven printing. As the materials can move or shift during the printing process, it can lead to incomplete batch code results. 

Given this fact, how to print batch codes on flexible packaging with moving surfaces? In this case, manufacturers can use automatic registration controls to make sure accurate alignment. 

This system can be employed when you are using flexible printing technologies such as inkjet printers and laser printers. They are well-suited for handling irregular surfaces and detect movement in real time, thus can adjust the materials accordingly.

Integration with High-Speed Production Lines

Batch coding creation for flexible packaging usually operates at very high speeds. However, ensuring if the batch codes are printed accurately is a difficult task.
To maintain quality under high production speeds, it’s essential to use an automated printing solution that synchronizes with the production line and adjusts for material movement in real time. The systems must be fast enough without slowing down while maintaining quality of the printed codes. 

If batch coding systems aren’t integrated properly, misprints and inaccurate codes can disrupt production. Therefore, manufacturers are highly recommended to invest in high-speed and reliable printing technologies as a way on how to print batch codes on flexible packaging efficiently.

Read About: Efficient Batch Coding Solutions for Bottles Packaging

Key Considerations When Choosing a Batch Coding Solution

Choosing a batch coding solution requires careful consideration. Factors like compatibility, durability, production speed, automation integration, and cost efficiency should be included in your key considerations. The best systems often rely on thermal inkjet or continuous inkjet technologies, offering excellent print clarity while reducing downtime and maintenance.

The solution should also be able to adapt and adjust to different packaging types. Select printing technology that provides high-resolution, long lasting prints and is resistant to smudging. Most importantly, consider the initial cost and ongoing maintenance to ensure that you get the best yet efficient technology. 

If you are currently struggling with this issue, Markcom Global can be a reliable partner to help you obtain strategies on how to print batch codes on flexible packaging seamlessly. Our team delivers advanced industrial printing solutions tailored for different flexible packaging materials, ensuring precise, long-lasting, and compliant batch codes. Partner with us today to achieve efficient and accurate results.

References:

https://www.bentsaishop.com/how-to-print-date-code-on-plastic

https://automatedmarking.com/blog/printing-coding-on-flexible-packaging/

https://inkjetinc.com/blogs/default-blog/resources-cosmetic-batch-codes-ij

https://www.linxglobal.com/en-in/solutions/industries/dairy/

https://www.videojet.com/us/homepage/resources/glossary/variable-data-printing/batch-number.html