Markem-Imaje product marketing manager, Adam Krolak, tells us why FMCG manufacturers should be laser-focused on marking and coding to meet sustainability objectives.
Like so many other industries, the manufacturing and packaging sectors are turning to technology to meet their sustainability goals and environmental regulatory requirements. Alongside the moral imperative, also driving this transition is the demand from both consumers and regulators for more sustainable packaging.
In the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) space, in particular, this means transitioning from existing multilayer composite materials to a new generation of recyclable substrates such as mono-material films and compostable packaging. All the while optimising production, keeping raw material and energy costs to a minimum, and dealing with disruptions to supply chains. No small challenge!
Encouragingly, major players are stepping up to the plate with ambitious near-term targets aimed at increasing the amount of recyclable packaging in their products, reducing the use of virgin plastics; as well as designing 100 per cent of plastic packaging to be fully reusable, recyclable or compostable.
New substrates, new solutions
So far, so good, but this transition to recyclable substrates brings with it a host of challenges around coding and marking.
In pursuit of these industry-wide and regulatory goals, forms of food packaging such as wraps and bags are now transitioning to PET and PLA films rather than polystyrene, and mono-films (PE and PP) as opposed to multilayer/multi-material solutions. Similarly, food and FMCG brands are moving from multi-material composites to PP or PE mono-films. Plus, rigid and semi-rigid containers, bottles, and jars are increasingly being made from mono or recyclable materials.
Printing on these substrates calls for some advancements in technology, much of which is available now – if you know where to look. Coming into its own in this space is laser coding, which can enable manufacturers and packaging operators to print compliant, high-quality, permanent codes. At the same time, it’s helping mitigate harmful emissions and reducing overall carbon footprint.
Traceability, compliance and brand protection
So, what are the most salient benefits of laser marking and coding? Well, first, it helps speed up the switch to the circular economy by simplifying the recycling process, ensuring chemical-free coding, which is particularly important in the food and beverage space.
Second, laser coding is permanent. This offers a significant advantage for traceability of the packaging itself. Permanent codes give manufacturers the ability to track products across the entire production and delivery cycle. Let’s take the example of a PET bottle that has been returned. The permanent laser codes can be scanned and checked for the number of returns before the bottle is cleaned and refilled for sale, ensuring it is reused as many times as possible, and not over-used.
Innovating to reduce energy usage
Using the latest generation of lasers can also help manufacturers and packaging companies avoid excessive energy consumption, a hot topic from both a sustainability and cost management perspective. Markem-Imaje’s SmartLase C600 laser, for instance, incorporates a unique integrated cooling system and can offer a 50 per cent energy saving on cooling when compared with traditional water cooling, and 33 per cent when compared with air cooling.
As we have seen, the manufacturing and packaging industries are being tasked with reducing waste and energy consumption, while at the same time ensuring they hit production targets and maintain strict quality control in today’s hyper-competitive retail market. Laser coding can play its part in helping to achieve both critical objectives.
