Future-Proof Product Marking in the Food Industry

Food products are far from homogeneous. Depending on the product type, the requirements for packaging, processing, and coding vary significantly. Premium brands often demand anti-counterfeiting measures, while freshness-focused items require reliable best-before and production date information. Consumers increasingly expect transparency regarding origin and production conditions. Despite this diversity, all challenges ultimately converge on one goal: making relevant product information digitally accessible and usable throughout the supply chain.

Digitizing product information creates benefits across nearly all business units. Marketing gains a direct communication channel to the end consumer, logistics benefits from optimized inventory management, and quality management can streamline recall procedures. A prime example: products marked with a machine-readable code containing batch number, best-before date, and production time can be withdrawn from the market with precision in the event of a recall. If a batch is digitally blocked, ERP systems intervene automatically. A scanned product at the checkout can be instantly flagged as not for sale – significantly enhancing consumer protection.

Many lines still rely on continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers, which deliver functional print quality for basic text. However, they fall short when it comes to high-resolution standardized codes. To enable machine-readability across devices, 2D codes must be printed using more precise methods like thermal inkjet (TIJ), thermal transfer, or laser technology. But it's not just about print technology – the interaction with vision systems and software is key. Cameras need to not only capture images but also validate content and synchronize with other systems. Variables such as lighting, layout validation, and repeatability during product changeovers highlight that effective coding involves far more than simply swapping out printers.

Wipotec takes a fully integrated systems approach: all modules – from checkweighers and metal detection to printers, labelers, and cameras – are managed via a unified control platform. These systems communicate seamlessly with higher-level MES structures using standardized interfaces and also provide valuable data for analysis. This reduces complexity, enhances usability, and boosts process reliability. In automated production environments, this integration is essential to achieve quality and efficiency.

Sustainability starts well before the product leaves the factory – it begins with the design of the machines. Wipotec solutions emphasize resource efficiency, long service life, and spare part availability. In practice, sustainability potential emerges particularly where custom setups enable optimization. For example, in certain carton applications, labels and liner waste can be avoided through direct printing. However, generalizations are unhelpful. Each solution must be assessed individually.

A major lever for sustainability lies in reducing food waste. By linking best-before dates with inventory and logistics data, supply chains can be managed with greater precision. Products can be sold within their optimal shelf life, reducing loss and contributing to environmental and economic goals alike.

The industry isn’t waiting for regulation. The shift toward dynamic 2D codes, such as those using the GS1 Digital Link standard, is well underway – driven jointly by retailers and manufacturers. Further developments are already on the horizon: the European Packaging Regulation is expected to increase the role of reusable packaging, which relies on digital coding for lifecycle tracking. The digital product passport will also bring new traceability requirements in the near future.

Wipotec is ready for these developments. Through close involvement with standardization committees and continuous product innovation, the company enables its clients to produce not just in compliance – but with a future-proof setup.

Future-proof coding in the food industry means more than just applying a print image. It requires integrated smart systems that ensure quality, transparency, and sustainability throughout the supply chain. Companies that invest today in modular and scalable technologies are laying the foundation for efficiency, consumer trust, and long-term competitiveness.