Poultry & Egg

Coding, Labelling and Traceability Solutions for Poultry Processing and Egg Packing Operations

Meeting coding, labelling and inspection requirements shouldn’t slow your operation down. Matthews helps you keep product moving with accurate, reliable and compliant product identification systems designed for high-speed food production environments.

From high-speed egg carton coding and fresh poultry labelling to pallet traceability, our solutions combine industrial printers, labelling systems, vision inspection and software control so you have complete control where it matters.

Whether you are printing Best Before dates, applying retailer-ready labels or managing data across multiple production lines, Matthews helps you get it right every time.

 
 

Egg Grading & Packing Solutions

Built for high-speed egg packing environments where accuracy, traceability and throughput are critical.

Egg packing lines run fast and require consistent, reliable coding across cartons, outer cases and pallets.

Coding & Labelling Applications

  • Applying Best Before dates, batch codes and barcodes to cartons is a core requirement
  • Coding on egg cartons as well as outer shipper cartons for distribution

Technologies

  • Thermal Inkjet for high-resolution carton coding
  • Continuous Inkjet for high-speed and non-contact coding
  • Label applicators and print-and-apply systems for variable data and promotional labels

Integration with Grading Equipment

Matthews solutions can integrate with egg grading systems to automate data handling, reduce manual input and ensure accurate coding across high-speed lines.

Vision Inspection & SKU Verification

Vision systems are widely used in egg packing to scan barcodes on egg cartons, enabling SKU identification prior to sealing. This helps prevent mislabelling and ensures the correct product is packed every time.

 

Poultry Processing & Packaging Solutions

Designed for fresh poultry environments where moisture, cold-chain handling and varied packaging formats introduce additional complexity.

Coding & Labelling Applications

  • Date coding and labelling for fresh poultry packaging
  • Labelling of trays, films and flexible packaging formats
  • Retail-ready labels including GS1 barcodes and 2D codes for traceability

Technologies

  • Thermal Transfer Overprinting for flexible packaging
  • IP-rated labelling systems for washdown environments
  • CIJ systems for versatility across materials

Compliance & Traceability

Poultry labelling must meet strict retailer and regulatory requirements. Matthews supports accurate barcode printing, including GS1 and 2D codes, to ensure compliance and supply chain visibility.

Inspection & Verification

  • Verify code presence, quality and position
  • Ensure barcode readability and compliance
  • Reduce rejections, recalls and waste
 

End-of-Line & Pallet Labelling

Outer-case coding and pallet labelling are critical for distribution efficiency across both poultry and egg operations.

  • Drop-on-Demand inkjet for large character carton coding
  • Print-and-apply systems for GS1 pallet labels and SSCC codes
  • Automated application of pallet labels to support traceability and logistics requirements

Built for high-speed, high-pressure environments

Egg packing and poultry processing lines run fast and leave no room for error. Moisture, cold-chain handling, washdown conditions and varied packaging formats all place pressure on equipment.

Matthews solutions are designed to perform reliably in these conditions, helping you maintain uptime and avoid unnecessary disruption.

Clear codes. Correct labels. Protected brand

Incorrect date codes, misapplied labels or unreadable barcodes lead to rework, retailer rejections and compliance risk.

Matthews reduces this risk through integrated coding, automated labelling, barcode validation and vision inspection, ensuring the right information is applied to the right product, every time.

 

Compliance without complexity

Poultry and egg producers operate under strict requirements, including FSANZ standards, Australian Consumer Law and retailer-specific expectations.

From date coding and batch identification to free-range declarations and GS1 barcodes, Matthews helps simplify compliance through controlled, repeatable processes.

Traceability that scales with your business

Traceability expectations continue to increase across the supply chain.

Matthews connects printers, labellers, scanners and inspection systems through iDSnet to centralise data, reduce manual input and support:

  • Consistent production
  • Faster audits
  • End-to-end traceability from pack to pallet

Focused on cartons, cases and pallets

For egg production, coding and labelling typically applies to cartons, outer cases and pallets.

High-quality printing of text, barcodes and 2D codes is supported across each level. Where direct egg marking is being considered, suitability and certification requirements should be assessed based on the specific application.

 

Key industry challenges

  • High-speed packing lines requiring consistent, reliable coding without stoppages
  • Multiple carton materials (pulp fibre, paperboard, plastic, foam)
  • Strict compliance requirements across labelling, barcoding and product claims
  • Wet, cold and washdown environments
  • Increasing traceability and recall readiness expectations
  • Risk of mislabelling impacting brand and retailer relationships
 

Technologies (at a glance)

Why Matthews?

One partner across code, check, capture and care

One partner across code, check, capture and care

Coding, labelling, inspection, software and service from one provider.

Built for operation

Built for your operation

Solutions matched to your substrates, line speeds and requirements.

Software and hardware expertise

Software and hardware expertise

In-house software combined with proven equipment to improve control and reduce errors.

24/7 local support

24/7 local support

National service coverage to help keep your lines running.

Areas we service

We support poultry and egg producers across Australia, including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart and Darwin, and everywhere in between.

FAQs

How do you print codes and barcodes on egg cartons?

Egg cartons can be coded using direct-to-pack inkjet or laser marking, or labelled with print-and-apply systems depending on material and line speed. Matthews integrates coding with iDSnet v5 to ensure every code is accurate, compliant, and consistent across production.

What labelling solutions work best for fresh poultry packaging?

Fresh poultry requires durable, high-resolution labels that withstand cold, moisture, and handling—typically delivered via automated print-and-apply systems. Matthews solutions ensure clear, compliant labelling while keeping lines running efficiently.

How can poultry and egg producers manage traceability and free-range labelling?

Producers can centralise data and automate labelling rules using software like iDSnet v5 to control claims such as free-range, batch, and origin. This reduces manual errors and provides full traceability from production to pallet.

How do you print GS1 and SSCC pallet labels for poultry and egg products?

GS1-compliant SSCC labels are generated and applied using automated pallet labelling systems integrated with production data. Matthews ensures every pallet label is accurate, scan-ready, and aligned with retailer and export requirements.

Can Matthews help with barcode validation and vision inspection?

Yes—Matthews provides integrated vision and barcode verification systems to check every code for quality and compliance in real time. This helps prevent rejects, protect brand integrity, and ensure products scan first time, every time.

Enquire About Poultry & Egg Coding Solutions

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