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Marking and coding with lasers: the smart choice for a sustainable future | From our sponsors

        In this overview, Markem-Imaje Product Marketing Manager Adam Krolak details how the transition to laser marking and coding is enabling brands and manufacturers to achieve greater sustainability and compliance across the industry. In terms of packaging materials, it is in an advantageous position.
        Modern manufacturing companies face many challenges. The list of well-known problems includes maximizing productivity, rising raw material costs, rising energy prices and supply chain disruption. In addition, there is growing demand from consumers and regulators for more sustainable product packaging. While some things may seem out of our control, technology keeps pace with demand when it comes to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals… if you know where to look.
        Naturally, the focus on reducing the carbon footprint of packaging is leading to a shift to more recyclable materials, including monomaterial films and compostable packaging. Several leading food and beverage brands are aiming to achieve 100% recyclable packaging by 2025 and use at least 50% recycled materials in their packaging by 2030.
        To achieve these industry-wide and regulatory goals, food packaging formats such as wraps and pouches are currently moving to PET and PLA films instead of polystyrene, and to single-layer films (PE and PP) instead of multilayer multi-material solutions. , food and consumer goods are moving from multi-component composites to polypropylene or polyethylene monofilms. In addition, rigid and semi-rigid containers, bottles and cans are increasingly made from mono-material or recycled materials.
        The global shift to sustainable and recyclable packaging materials, in turn, makes it difficult to maintain the quality of label and coding printing and ensure that the associated process contributes to achieving carbon reduction targets. Solution: laser coding!
        The technology is inherently capable of supporting production line sustainability goals because it is chemical-free, provides permanent codes and, thanks to recent innovations, reduces some of the energy requirements associated with laser coding. At the same time, it remains compliant, high quality, consistent – ​​even on the latest recyclable and sustainable substrates.
        Historically, chemical-free labeling solutions have been the first choice of many manufacturers, especially in the food and beverage industry. Laser marking and coding open the way to an optimized recycling process.
        It may be obvious, but with a laser, the code remains constant. This was a huge advantage for reasons of traceability, compliance and brand protection. This is also becoming important for the circular economy as we become more sustainable. Permanent codes allow you to track the packaging throughout its entire cycle. For example, when a PET bottle is returned to the manufacturer, the code can be scanned, the quantity returned can be checked, and the bottle cleaned and refilled for sale. In this case, permanent laser coding helps keep track of the package, ensuring maximum reuse and, last but not least, no overuse.
        Taking advantage of the further development of lasers is the most innovative model that can help reduce energy consumption. Take Markem-Imaje’s new SmartLase C600, for example, which includes an innovative built-in air-cooling system that delivers outstanding laser power and efficiency. The C600 saves up to 50% in cooling compared to traditional water cooling and up to 33% compared to air cooling.
        As the industry prepares to tackle today’s unprecedented environmental challenges, there are proven technologies that can make a difference today. Laser coding has reached the standard.
       In this review, Interseroh details the addition of Cepi’s carton packaging testing methodology to its “Made for Recycling” testing portfolio.
       In this edition of Spotlight, Fedrigoni tells us about its range of self-adhesive packaging solutions designed to support the industrial cycle and reduce waste and emissions.
       Korozo shows us its portfolio of KORORCY ready-made bags in this review, described as a recyclable, high-barrier single-polyethylene packaging solution.


Post time: Feb-28-2023