The Importance of Coding and Marking on Beverage

In the bustling world of the beverage industry, the significance of coding and marking on beverage cannot be overstated. These processes not only ensure compliance with global safety and traceability standards but also streamline the supply chain and enhance consumer trust.

This article will discuss the roles and challenges of coding and labeling on beverages and their challenges. But before we delve deeper, you might want to Read More: Optimizing Your Business: Selecting the Perfect Batch Printing Machine.

Beverage Market Today in Indonesia

Before discussing further the role of coding and marking on beverage, let’s explore the current size of the beverage market in Indonesia. The eCommerce sector for beverages is divided into three primary markets, each serving distinct consumer preferences. The first is the Alcoholic Drinks market, which features online sales of various alcoholic options such as beers, wines, spirits, and cocktail mixers.

Next, focuses on Hot Drinks, covering the sale of popular hot beverages like coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Finally, the Non-Alcoholic Drinks market includes an assortment of non-alcoholic options such as sodas, juices, bottled water, and energy drinks, appealing to consumers looking for refreshment and health-conscious choices.

Together, these markets form the backbone of the burgeoning online beverage industry, addressing a broad range of needs and tastes. So, what’s the current state of the beverage market in Indonesia?

Indonesia’s beverage sector is a substantial and expanding part of the economy. Statista forecasts that the industry will generate revenues of around US$2,099.00 million in 2024 and grow at a compound annual growth rate of 12.00%, culminating in a market size of US$3,699.00 million by 2029.

However, dominance in the Indonesian beverage market lies with non-alcoholic drinks, especially in the segments of ready-to-drink tea and isotonic beverages, which continue to show strong sales and growth. 

Conversely, the alcoholic beverage sector faces greater restrictions due to the prevailing cultural and religious sentiments of the Muslim majority (more than 270 million people), which generally disapprove of alcohol consumption. Despite these societal pressures, an outright ban on alcohol does not appear to be forthcoming.

Coding and Marking Roles in the Beverage Industry

In the beverage industry, coding and marking on beverage play vital roles. These processes are key not just for tracking products but also for boosting productivity, adhering to regulations, and promoting brand identity:

Boost Productivity

One of the pivotal roles of coding and marking on beverage is to boost productivity. This technology enables firms to mark hundreds of bottles or cans every minute, maintaining a steady production line.

Automated coding and labeling systems enable rapid and accurate application of essential data such as expiry dates and batch numbers directly onto packaging. 

This automation reduces the likelihood of human error and increases the speed of production lines. Furthermore, such systems facilitate quicker and more efficient product sorting, tracking, and distribution, leading to optimized operations and reduced downtime. 

Health and Safety

Beverages rank high among products that could include alcohol, probiotics, alternative remedies, or other components subject to additional regulations, oversight, or crucial storage and transportation protocols.

The information printed on bottle labels and codes serves as crucial guidance for distributors, retailers, and consumers alike. These details, including proper handling, storage instructions, and consumption guidelines, are essential for ensuring consumer safety regarding specific beverages and their contents.

Traceability

By implementing robust coding systems, manufacturers can accurately track the journey of their products from production to distribution and beyond. Each bottle or package is marked with unique identifiers, such as batch numbers or expiration dates, enabling swift identification and recall if necessary. 

This traceability not only enhances supply chain transparency but also aids in quality control and regulatory compliance. Therefore, the quality of coding and marking on beverage is crucial for manufacturers to meet regulations and protect their brands. 

Only with accurate and durable codes, printed clearly even on wet surfaces, can beverage companies trace their products after they leave the factory. For instance, when coding dark-colored beverage bottles like glass or colored plastic, it’s advisable to use white, yellow, or blue ink to provide contrast and enhance readability. 

Meanwhile, if you aim for permanent, tamper-resistant traceability codes, laser technology becomes the ideal choice.

Integration and Connectivity

Modern coding and labeling printers can be smoothly incorporated into current production setups. They support real-time data sharing, allow for monitoring from a distance, and facilitate centralized management, which altogether boosts operational efficiency.

Coding and Marking Challenge in The Beverage Industry

Production lines need the flexibility to rapidly respond to modifications in labeling or coding to maintain traceability and regulatory compliance and to mark cartons for supply chain logistics. Common challenges in implementing coding and marking on beverage encompass:

• Managing diverse product and packaging types, shapes, and sizes;
• Swiftly adapting production lines for changes in product types, coding positions, and date/lot codes;
• Running machinery at high speeds while maintaining efficiency;
• Ensuring maximum operational uptime for line equipment;
• Applying several labels or codes on individual products, boxes, or cartons;
• Dealing with environmental factors such as condensation, dust, and temperature variations.

Conclusion

In summary, coding and marking on beverage are crucial for numerous reasons that directly affect your bottom line. If you’re looking to create beverage labels, there’s no need to worry anymore. Markcom Global offers an extensive selection of Thermal Inkjet printers, designed to streamline your labeling and packaging processes.

References

https://www.statista.com/outlook/emo/beverages/indonesia

https://www.linxglobal.com/en/white-papers/coding-and-marking-solutions-for-beverages/

https://www.idtechnology.com/industry/beverage-industry-labeling-marking-coding/

https://www.herbertsmithfreehills.com/notes/indonesia/2021-01/indonesia-food-safety-rules-and-halal-certification/