Flexible plastic packaging

Thermal transfer printers, or TTOs, are widely used in a variety of industries. The food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries are just a few examples where accurate printing is critical.

With a TTO you can print barcodes, best before dates, batch numbers and other important information directly on the packaging.

The result is crystal-clear printing that won't smudge, fade or rub off. This is crucial when you need your information to remain legible, even in harsh conditions such as cold, moisture or transport.

Inkjet marking (CIJ) is a common alternative to TTO when you want to mark directly on pre-packaged products or when the packaging line is not adapted for thermal transfer. The technology is contactless and can print on both flat, flexible and uneven surfaces – making it flexible for different types of plastic film.

Advantages:

• Handles high production speeds without disrupting the flow.
• Flexible placement of batch numbers, best-before dates or barcodes.
• With the right ink, the marking can withstand condensation, cold and rapid temperature changes.
• Requires no packaging line conversion – can be easily integrated into existing equipment.

Laser marking is a contactless method that provides a permanent mark directly on the packaging film. On flexible plastic materials, the technology works by the laser either etching the surface or removing the top layer of paint to create a clear contrast.

Advantages:

• Provides a durable and indelible marking that cannot be erased.
• Requires no consumables (ink or foil), resulting in low operating costs.
• High precision – perfect for small batch numbers, barcodes and 2D codes.
• Very reliable and requires minimal maintenance.

Labels are a smart option when you want to combine graphic design and variable information on packaging that is difficult to label directly. Labels can be applied to flat surfaces, the weld edge or other zones and can be customized in size, shape and material to fit different types of plastic films.

Advantages:

• Labels can carry a lot of information – ingredients, allergens, multilingual texts, promotions.
• Print & apply systems make it possible to print and apply labels in real time with batch numbers, best-before dates or barcodes.
• Provides the opportunity for design solutions that would otherwise not fit on the packaging, such as QR codes or promotions.
• Available in paper, plastic or special materials that can withstand cold, moisture and frozen storage.