High-Speed Inkjet Coding for Cheese-Slice Packaging

A national dairy producer needed a clearer way to show consumers where to open individually wrapped cheese slices. Seagle Coding supplied a Hitachi UX-D high-speed continuous inkjet printer that could apply expiry information and a clear opening instruction in one consistent two-line message.

The challenge

Consumers were not always sure where to pull the plastic packaging open. Unclear opening guidance led some consumers to tear the wrapper incorrectly, resulting in avoidable packaging complaints.

The producer needed to retain clear expiry information while also adding a simple opening instruction. The production line operated at high speed, so the print had to remain legible, accurately positioned and well adhered to the flexible packaging film.

The Seagle Coding solution

Seagle Coding supplied a Hitachi UX-D high-speed continuous inkjet printer and configured it to print a two-line message on every pack:

• The expiry information on the first line
• Directional arrows and the word OPEN on the second line

The second line gives consumers an immediate visual indication of where to pull the packaging. Combining both messages in one print also keeps the application simple and efficient on the production line.

The result

The Hitachi UX-D delivered a clear, high-quality two-line print at the required production speed. The selected ink adhered well to the flexible plastic film, while the opening instruction remained easy to see below the expiry information.

This application demonstrates how continuous inkjet coding can do more than apply variable production data. It can also add practical instructions that improve how a consumer interacts with the packaging.