Paper and cardboard

Surface structure and absorbency: this is important when marking paper and cardboard

Marking of paper and cardboard packaging

Not all paper is the same, and not all cardboard is the same. That’s why marking and labeling paper, folding boxes, cartons and cardboard is a real challenge. Depending on the surface structure, absorbency and color, the coding and marking systems and labeling solutions have to be optimally matched to the paper bag, box or carton. The purpose of the marking is also important: are clearly readable codes sufficient for internal logistics or is the highest optical quality required for the brand image or shipping?

In packaging printing, the finishing and individualization of printed paper products is also relevant. For this late stage customization (LSC) with variable data, such as packaging printing with raffle codes, the integration of inkjet coding and marking solutions into conventional offset printing presses is a good option. Automated verification systems and verifiers designed for the respective industrial environmental conditions are used to check whether barcodes and QR codes, serialized data and human readable text are correctly applied to paper and cardboard packaging.

Challenges in marking paper and cardboard

Individual finishing and personalization of paper and cardboard

Large differences in paper quality and different surface textures

Fast application in automated packaging printing

Legal standards and requirements (e.g. Food Information Regulation LMIV)

Reliable validation of print content

Simple integration into cartoning machines