Use-by Dates, Best-Before Dates & Batch Numbers
In Australia, packaged foods with a shelf-life under two years must have a use-by date on the primary packaging, and a best-before date in most other cases. Further information on date coding requirements can be found at the Food Standards ANZ website.
Retailers also require date code information on secondary packaging. Batch codes are used by manufacturers to assist with product QC procedures, including product traceability. Retail datecodes must be clearly read and easily visible to the end consumer. Because it’s law to have that date, the code must be indelible.
Printing use-by, best before dates & batch codes
There are many possible methods to print date codes on retail items, including Continuous Inkjet (CIJ), Thermal Transfer Overprinting (TTO), Laser Coding and Label Printer Applicators (LPA).
CIJ printers have the benefit of being able to indelibly and clearly mark on all packaging substrates at all production speeds. They are also very easily integrated on to a conveyor production line.
Lasers have the benefit of requiring fewer consumables and therefore offer lower total cost of ownership in some applications, though they are not suited to all substrates. They also typically carry a higher initial capital cost and require specialist mounting, safety guarding and fume extraction.
Eliminate coding and labelling errors
Matthews specialises in integrating any coding equipment into your business, to enhance your production and streamline getting product to market. All of our date coding solutions can be integrated in to our iDSnet packaging code management solution to ensure the right use by date/ best before date/ batch number is printed on the right product at the right time to eliminate coding errors. This can be supplemented by machine vision inspection to check code presence & formation.
Common technologies for printing use-by, best before dates & batch numbers