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
Overview of Requirements
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
For reliable print results
-
Pressure without movement
-
Printing at the touch of a button
-
Variable date and text fields
-
Combination with barcode or QR code possible
-
Water- or alcohol-based inks depending on the application
-
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
From the field
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
Success in the Field
February 16, 2026 |
Maya Kaffee 1991: Printing on coffee packaging right at the roasting facility
Case Study
April 4, 2025 |
Clear Price Labeling for Food Products
Case Study
February 19, 2026 |
Printing on Cans
Case Study
February 20, 2026 |
Direct marking on glass packaging
Case Study
March 23, 2026 |
Best-by Date on Plastic Lids
Case Study
January 12, 2026 |
Flexible Labeling of Cosmetic Products
Case Study
February 6, 2026 |
Printing on Closures and Lids
Case Study
March 4, 2026 |
Labeling packaging films
Case Study
March 11, 2026 |
Print gummy bear bags directly
Case Study
March 27, 2026 |
Flexible labeling of glass dressing bottles
Case Study
Frequently asked questions
FAQ
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.
Can the best-before date (BBD) and batch number be printed automatically?
Yes, variable data such as:
- MHD
- Production date
- Batch number
- time
- internal codes
can be generated automatically and integrated into the impression.
This increases traceability and process reliability.
Can I print the best-before date directly on the packaging?
Yes, the BBD can be generated automatically or defined manually and is printed directly on cartons, folding boxes or bags.
No label change necessary.
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.
Can the best-before date (BBD) and batch number be printed automatically?
Yes, variable data such as:
- MHD
- Production date
- Batch number
- time
- internal codes
can be generated automatically and integrated into the impression.
This increases traceability and process reliability.
Can I print the best-before date directly on the packaging?
Yes, the BBD can be generated automatically or defined manually and is printed directly on cartons, folding boxes or bags.
No label change necessary.
Suitable materials for this application
Suitable Surfaces
German 
English 
French 
Spanish