Carton Barcodes
Barcodes are typically required on shipper cartons to satisfy retailer demands for barcode compliance. These barcodes can be printed with your carton artwork, where you have a dedicated carton for each product (or SKU) you manufacture. Alternatively, you can choose to use a generic carton, with product specific information printed and applied to the carton within your production facility.
In Australia, the preferred method for applying barcodes to generic cartons is via a barcode label. It is possible to print barcodes using inkjet technology, however this method is not acceptable to major retailers, and so is not recommended unless the barcode is for your own internal use.
Shipper Carton Barcode labels
Labels used for carton barcodes can also include human readable information, for example, use-by-dates and product descriptions, thus eliminating the need for inkjet coding of cartons.
Depending upon the application, carton labelling can be applied automatically at high speeds (up to 70 labels per minute) on the packing line or off-line by hand.
Label Printer Applicators (LPA) can apply barcode labels on cartons with data captured from other systems within the business, possibly via our iDSnet software solution. Barcode label formats are typically ITF-14 or GS1-128. GS1 compliant labels can and be used for internally tracking the carton or externally for meeting retailer requirements.
Cartons can also be labelled with static information using a Label Applicator (LA) to apply pre-printed barcode labels, generally in ITF-14 format.
GS1 Australia co-ordinate the use and allocation of all retail and trade barcodes in Australia. Matthews is a GS1 Strategic Alliance Partner (the first marking and coding company to hold this status) so can help you choosing the best barcode for your application.
On low-volume production lines, cartons can labelled by hand, off-line, with a Label Printer. With mobile units, workers can print the information needed on the spot and apply the label by hand.
Eliminate carton barcoding errors
Matthews designs solutions to code and label the carton and then verify that the information has been coded correctly, to avoid any coding or labelling errors. We can easily integrate a Label Applicator (LA) or Label Printer Applicator (LPA) into your production line, linking into your ERP or WMS systems. These labellers can also be integrated with other production line equipment or your overall business systems. This enhances the efficiency of your entire business, and improves your bottom line.
Common technologies used for compliant carton barcode application