Marking of returnable containers

Marking of returnable containers for automatic identification

The task of labeling returnable containers for automatic identification is an important task for creating a system for tracking and guaranteeing the quality of original products. The technology of automatic web passport generation is relevant for many enterprises from food production to complex electronics. Labeling returnable containers allows you to track the movement of components, raw materials and materials at all stages and sections of production or the logistics chain.

In-Mould label for food boxes and pallets

The most reliable and long-term method of labeling plastic boxes is the In-Mould label. At the stage of container manufacturing, a label made of a special material is fused into the body. The label is connected to the body of the box and becomes its integral part. Such a label is called In-Mould and is produced individually and exclusively for the needs of a specific customer. The use of an in-mold label is advisable for large batches. Such boxes are ordered by large retail chains, distribution centers and plastic container rental operators.

The next option for marking a plastic box is a self-adhesive label. A label with a corresponding adhesive layer is selected for each box material. The selection and testing stage is very important. Incorrectly selected glue or dirty surface will not ensure reliable label adhesion. The photo below shows label tests. The label was applied to a cleaned and uncleaned surface of a plastic box. On the cleaned surface, the adhesion coefficient was 25, and on the dirty surface - 3.

It is important to apply the self-adhesive label to a clean and degreased surface of the box. This is the main factor that affects the adhesion coefficient. Photo after the test with a high-pressure washer on an uncleaned surface.

One of the largest manufacturers of in-mold labels is Inotec (Germany). Inotec labels are developed and manufactured both as in-mold labels and as self-adhesive labels. RFID chips can be embedded in the labels, which will provide identification in several versions, as well as encoding additional information (batch, box weight). The above-mentioned marking options are long-term, designed for almost the entire service life of the box.

A cheap option for marking food plastic boxes

For temporary marking of plastic containers, you can use regular polypropylene labels and for single use - paper labels. Application can be both manual and automatic using an applicator. The main identifier when marking plastic containers is a bar code. Usually, two options are used - a linear code and a QR code.

The box with the product and the employee are identified. Accounting points allow you to track the quality of products, the quantity in micro-batches, and also automatically generate statements for piecework pay. To identify employees, payroll cards are used, most often this is a card with an RFID tag, a linear and QR code.