Which Coding System Should Be Used for Plastic Bottles?

Plastic packaging has been used in the food industry and many other sectors for many years, but it is most frequently utilized in beverage production. According to a study conducted in 2020, PET bottles account for 31% of the packaging types used. Plastic bottles are highly preferred because they are inexpensive, lightweight, and offer a long shelf life. The plastic bottle coding process is a critical issue for manufacturers. To ensure controlled consumption of products, manufacturers must track information regarding the nutritional values, shelf life, and ingredients of the product inside the bottle. Most importantly, ensuring food safety for customers makes inkjet coding on plastic indispensable.

Working Environment

When searching for a coding system for beverage production lines, it is necessary to research devices suitable for the working environment. A coding system that is unaffected by conditions such as humidity, heat, and cold is required. Generally, coding systems use solvent-based inks to print on PET; however, if there is moisture on the substrate, the print quality remains faint and the print may rub off. Drying time, ink adhesion on the bottle, and the system's ability to print at the right angle and position are vital factors. Thanks to its special ink, HX Nitro is used for printing on PET bottles without experiencing drying or adhesion problems.

The Issue of Vibration

Vibration occurs during operation on production lines, which can affect coding systems and result in scattered or unclear prints. The coding system must be lightweight and have a long ink-throw distance. The HX Nitro Coding system is lightweight and has been specifically developed to withstand vibration issues.

Cost

The biggest problem faced by small and medium-sized manufacturers is equipment costs. Some opt for very cheap coding systems as a shortcut, but the quality of these devices is very low, causing financial losses for the manufacturer in the long run. CIJ and Laser printers are high-cost systems that require frequent service and maintenance, and their spare parts are also quite expensive. Thermal Inkjet printers are very cost-effective and easily perform all the functions required of coding systems.