Print best-before date (BBD) directly on product & packaging
Variable date marking directly on the product or packaging - without labels.
The best-before date is mandatory and must be clearly legible. With mobile REINER direct printing devices, you can flexibly mark best-before dates, batch numbers and variable data on cardboard, plastic, glass, metal or film - tailored to the material and ink used.
Hurdles with MHD coding
Why standard solutions are often not enough
Typical requirements
- clearly legible date
- Variable date formats (e.g. DD.MM.YYYY)
- Combination of BBD and batch number
- Marking on different materials
- Flexible adaptation for product or batch changes
Typical challenges
- Small or curved printing surfaces
- Changing packaging materials
- sensitive surfaces
- Labels cause additional material costs
- Labels come off or don't fit the design visually
Examples of imprints for best-before date labeling
Use cases from practice
MHD on foil
Marking on uneven surfaces
MHD on foil
Printing on smooth surfaces
MHD on egg carton
Direct printing on rough surfaces
MHD on glass
Direct printing on slightly curved surfaces
Technical features of best-before date labeling
Labeling that adapts to your material
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Pressure without movement
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Printing at the touch of a button
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Variable date and text fields
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Combination with barcode or QR code possible
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Water- or alcohol-based inks depending on the application
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Smudge resistance depends on material and ink
Important:
The adhesion and durability of the imprint depends on the material and the ink used. An individual test is recommended.
Practical example
Applications, experiences, and tips
A family-run beekeeping business from Baden-Württemberg produces various types of honey. The honey jars are filled on site and sold directly via farm stores, weekly markets and regional retailers. The jetStamp® 1025 sense replaced the long-standing labels.
Result:
- No additional label consumption
- Uniform appearance
- Fast adjustment for new filling data
- Less organizational effort
- Clean and permanent labeling
Labeling in practice
Applications, experiences, and tips
February 16, 2026 |
Maya Kaffee 1991: Freshness labeling directly at the roasting plant
Case Study
April 4, 2025 |
Clear price labeling in food retail
Case Study
February 19, 2026 |
Direct labeling on cans
Case Study
20. February 2026 |
Direct marking on glass packaging
Case Study
March 23, 2026 |
Best before date on plastic lids
Case Study
Suitable devices
Our solution
Our devices enable the coding of products with a best-before date on a wide variety of surfaces.
jetStamp® 990
Simple best-before date labeling for products and packaging
With the jetStamp 990, best-before dates can be quickly and reliably applied directly to packaging. Whether cartons, plastic packaging or glass containers - the best-before date is printed cleanly, without additional labels or prepared printing processes.
✓ Print height up to 12.5 mm (2 lines of 20 characters each)
✓ Suitable for cardboard, plastic and smooth surfaces
✓ Mobile and flexible in use
jetStamp® 1025
Easily legible BBD marking even with larger print images
The jetStamp 1025 enables clear and legible marking of best-before dates on products and packaging. The greater print height allows best-before dates, barcodes, batch numbers or additional information to be applied in a clearly visible manner.
✓ Print height up to 25 mm
✓ Best before date, batch and other product data printable
✓ Ideal for larger packaging and containers
✓ Mobile or stationary use
jetStamp® graphic 970
BBD labeling with additional information
The jetStamp graphic 970 is particularly suitable for best-before date marking where additional logos, codes or other product information is required. Packaging can be marked directly and flexibly - without labels and without additional material costs.
✓ Print height up to 12.5 mm
✓ Printing text, logos and barcodes
✓ Automatic date function for MHD
✓ Mobile use for flexible production environments
Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I print a best-before date directly on packaging?
MHD can be created as a variable date field and printed directly onto suitable materials - depending on the surface and ink.
What is the alternative to labels for MHD?
Direct printing makes it possible to apply date information directly to packaging without using separate labels.
Is the date updated automatically?
Yes, date fields can be generated automatically or transferred based on data.
Is the print smudge-proof?
Resistance depends on the material, ink and conditions of use such as moisture or abrasion.
How do I print a best-before date directly on packaging?
MHD can be created as a variable date field and printed directly onto suitable materials - depending on the surface and ink.
What is the alternative to labels for MHD?
Direct printing makes it possible to apply date information directly to packaging without using separate labels.
Is the date updated automatically?
Yes, date fields can be generated automatically or transferred based on data.
Is the print smudge-proof?
Resistance depends on the material, ink and conditions of use such as moisture or abrasion.
Suitable materials for this application
Discover more
