Bread coding now on wrapper

Coding information on bread wrappers is recorded on the plastic tape or clip which is used to fasten the bag. However, when the bag is opened the tape or clip, along with the coding, is discarded. Recently, bakeries have been asked by supermarkets to meet new traceability requirements and code information on to packaging.

At the request of one bakery, Imaje says it has developed a solution which overcomes the problems. "First, we had to find an odour-free, fast-drying ink which would not taint the bread; secondly, the print-head had to be positioned in such a way that irregularities in loaf shapes could be accommodated," says sales manager Steve Ellison.

Using an inkjet printer which can be placed over 30mm away from the product without losing the quality of the code, Imaje has found a solution which offers a degree of flexibility when irregularly shaped loaves have to be coded. In addition, the company has developed an odour-free ink that is said to maintain the adhesion properties of its solvent-based counterpart with no increase in drying time and without the risk of tainting the bread.

CustomDate+ software is used to access variable information such as best-before dates. These can be inserted automatically into a message during the production process in real-time. Ellison cites bakery shift patterns: "For example, the software will allow night production, which runs over two days, to be coded with same date information, if necessary. Therefore, the software means that manual input can be avoided and the risk of coding errors reduced."

Other printer features such as the vapour recovery system, automatic ink pressure adjustment, and continuous automatic regulation of ink viscosity ensure that the inkjet printer delivers high-quality marking and readability.

Contact: Imaje,

Tel: 01928 599420