Date code on choclate using CIJ

Machine vision inspection

Best before on rice packaging

Coding Beverage bottles

Linx TTO technology for coding on film

Product description using TTO

Text on fresh produce packaging

Laser coding for Best Before

Laser marking on food packaging

Ingredient list using TTO

Food and Grocery

The food and grocery industry represents 26% of Australia’s total manufacturing turnover. Just as the industry is vast, so are the types of products it produces.

Coding, labelling in Food & Grocery

Generally, food and grocery coding and labelling needs are to place mandatory codes onto retail packaging, secondary cartons or trays and pallets of goods.   Production environments are generally high speed across multiple shifts per day, with reliability, low cost-of-ownership and ease-of-use key requirements for production and packaging equipment. Coding and labelling needs include date and batch codes, barcodes, primary labelling, company graphics and text (nutritional panels and the like).

Thermal transfer overprinters (TTO) are well suited to code onto flexible films.

A variety of technologies can be used to code onto papers and cardboard. For instance, small character continuous inkjet printers (CIJ) and large character Drop on Demand (DOD) inkjet printers reliably print high resolution text and graphics on porous and non-porous surfaces, such as bags, trays, board. Lasers can also be used on secondary packaging, for barcoding. Special lasers have also been developed to code flexible film without perforating it.

Inks that comply with FSANZ guidelines must be used to code directly onto food — such as eggs and cheese rind — or packaging that comes into direct contact with food, say ice-cream sticks. Labelling is also a widely used option in this sector and we have technology to apply pre-printed labels as well as print and apply labels.

GS1 and retailer compliant Pallet labelling is also critical for which Matthews has custom designed solutions.

Integrated Solutions that eliminate coding errors

Not only can we print product identification information, apply labels, we can also ensure the right code goes on the right product at the right time as well as check code presence, label position, label ID, label match using scanners, machine vision and iDSnet.

Matthews can provide a tailored solution for your food and grocery business and its needs. Browse through the technology links on this page, or call us on 1300 CODING to discuss your unique circumstances. You can also e-mail us to ask questions about what will suit you: tap into our experience from multi-nationals to small family businesses in your sector.

Technologies for Food & Grocery Coding, labelling, datacapture, software

High Resolution Printing

High Resolution Printing can be used on products as well as cartons for text and graphics.

Label Applicator (LA)

Label Applicator (LA) labelling systems apply pre-printed pressure-sensitive labels onto products.

Label Printer Applicator (LPA)

LPA prints onto thermal transfer labels or thermal direct labels, then automatically applies those labels to an item. Ideal for printing barcode labels.

Large Character Drop On Demand (DOD)

DOD inkjet printers, most suited to printing on to secondary packaging, are simple to operate, require minimal maintenance and are very robust and reliable.

Laser

Lasers are a very fast way to print high quality permanent codes on a vast range of substrates.

Small Character Continuous Inkjet (CIJ)

CIJ is a non-contact printing technology that can be used for coding on a variety of substrates even at high line speeds.

Thermal Transfer Overprinting (TTO)

Thermal Transfer Overprinters (TTO) are typically used for coding on to flexible packaging films and self-adhesive labels.

Vision Systems

Matthews has a range of vision systems for automated production processes for inspection, guidance, identification, measurement, tracking and counting - in many diverse industries.