Selecting the proper coding for cardboard

Cardboard packaging is continuing to grow in popularity because of its excellent environmental credentials and ability to emphasize brand values. 

It is a popular choice because of its ability to use eyecatching printing techniques and graphics to woo the consumer. With advertising spend down and the increasing use of digital media, marketers are continually looking for ways to make the consumer notice brands in a crowded retail environment.

Cardboard packaging in a range of styles such as the retail ready pack (RRP) is growing in popularity – offering the ideal solution to create a high impact secondary form of packaging that fits easily in a supermarket environment. 

Brand owners need the assurance that products can be traced and scanned and an effective coding system helps to ensure the integrity of a product.

Linx Printing Technologies’ (www.linxglobal.com) range of coding systems offers customers a quality solution without having to compromise on performance in the production environment.

As well as providing a fast turnaround, a coding system that is easy to use in a busy production environment is often needed. The Linx TJ725 thermal ink jet printer has a large color touch screen, and provides streamlined coding onto boxes, trays and sleeves. Installation is also simple, so downtime is reduced.

Selecting a coding system with consistent code quality also increases speed in production. The TJ725’s Active Cartridge Care (ACC) System® slows down the ink drying in the nozzles – making first prints more reliable every time.

Reliability when coding cardboard is also key. Using laser technology for marking and coding offers a versatile and cost efficient solution and is achieved by removing material or a coating from the product or packaging, or by changing the surface of the substrate. On painted card, the top microns of paint are removed to reveal the contrasting bare card beneath.

Integrated into a cardboard box packing plant, Linx IJ355 and IJ375 high definition case coders also offer a reliable and high performance system. In particular the IJ355 robust construction is ideal for coding outer cartons in a food industry environment with traceability information such as the product name and code, pack size and best before date.