Implement food labeling flexibly and depending on the material
Print best-before date (BBD) & batch directly on product & packaging
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 paper, cardboard, plastic, metal or even glass. Simple, fast and professional looking.
Hurdles in food labeling
Why standard solutions are often not enough
Small quantities and individual productions require flexible labeling solutions. Content, layout or numbering change frequently - the labeling must be quickly adaptable and easy to implement.
Typical requirements
- Apply clearly legible BBD + batch
- Economical solution for small quantities
- Flexible adaptation for product or batch changes
- Marking on different materials
- Fast labeling in the production or storage process
Typical challenges
- Fast + professional labeling without an automatic production line
- Labels come off or don't fit the design visually
- Small or curved printing surfaces
- Labels cause additional material costs + waste (carrier foil)
- Manual re-labeling outside the automatic production line necessary
Examples of imprints in food labeling
Use cases from practice
Glass printing on rounding
Marking on smooth surfaces
Labeling of eggshells
Printing on sensitive surfaces
Plastic film when filled
Product information stored directly on the product
Metal lid with uneven surface
Labeling without label
Why direct printing instead of labels?
Technology Advantages
Mobile direct printing is applied directly to the product or packaging - permanently, flexibly and without label handling
Label solution
REINER direct printing
Labels come loose due to friction, moisture or transportation
Industrial ink adheres directly to the materials
Too many / too few pre-printed labels
You print 1:1 what you need
Storage of various labels
Different layouts - all in the device
Paper consumption and waste due to carrier film
Only ink on your product - CO² saved
Technical features of the best-before date + batch labeling
Labeling that adapts to your material
- Printing at the touch of a button
- Very easy to position as no hand movement is required
- Flexible creation of print layouts
- Automatic date and numbering possible
- Integration of text, numbers, graphics and barcodes
- Water- or alcohol-based inks depending on the application
Note:
The suitability of the ink and the print depends on the respective material and the conditions of use. Individual testing is recommended.
Practical example
Applications, experiences, and tips
A medium-sized manufacturer of delicatessen products from North Rhine-Westphalia produces sauces and dressings in glass and plastic packaging. The products are sealed with metal and plastic screw caps. The company opted for the jetStamp® 1025 for mobile direct marking.
Result:
- No additional label consumption
- Clean, discreet labeling
- Quick adjustment for batch changes
- Uniform appearance
- Reduced organizational effort
Labeling in practice
Applications, experiences, and tips
February 16, 2026 |
Maya Kaffee 1991: Freshness labeling directly at the roasting plant
Case Study
February 6, 2026 |
Direct printing on lids and closures
Case Study
February 19, 2026 |
Direct labeling on cans
Case Study
February 20, 2026 |
Direct marking on glass packaging
Case Study
March 23, 2026 |
Best before date on plastic lids
Case Study
Suitable devices
Our solution
jetStamp® 1025
Clearly legible labeling for food products
The jetStamp 1025 is ideal for coding food packaging. Thanks to the greater print height, best-before dates, batches, barcodes or additional product information can be applied to cartons, plastic packaging or containers in a clearly visible manner.
✓ Print height up to 25 mm
✓ Print best before date, batch and product information
✓ Ideal for larger packaging and labeling
✓ Mobile or stationary use
jetStamp® 1025 sense
Food labeling with scan and print function
The jetStamp 1025 sense combines barcode scanning and direct printing in one device. Production or batch data can first be recorded and then printed directly as a label on food packaging. This facilitates traceability and ensures efficient processes.
✓ Integrated scanner for codes and data
✓ Print height up to 25 mm
✓ Direct marking of best before date and batches
✓ Ideal for production, packaging and logistics
jetStamp® 990
Flexible labeling for food packaging
With the jetStamp 990, important information such as best-before date, batch numbers or production data can be applied directly to food packaging. Cartons, plastic packaging or glass containers can be marked quickly and cleanly - without additional labels.
✓ Print height up to 12.5 mm (2 lines of 20 characters each)
✓ Automatic date function for MHD
✓ Suitable for cardboard, metal, plastic and glass
✓ Mobile and flexible in use
Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Is it possible to print on coated or glossy food packaging?
This depends on the surface and the ink used.
Coated cardboard boxes or smooth packaging should be tested in advance.
We check your specific packaging individually.
Can batch numbers or production data be printed variably?
Yes, variable content such as batch numbers, time or production date can be generated automatically or transferred via barcode.
Ideal for traceability and internal documentation.
Is it allowed to print directly on food?
Direct printing is usually done on packaging or outer packaging.
One exception is egg labeling with suitable ink.
We provide legally compliant and individual advice for other food applications.
Is the print smudge-proof and resistant to transportation?
The shelf life depends on the material, storage and ink.
With the right combination, an easily legible, transport-resistant imprint can be achieved.
Is direct printing worthwhile for small production quantities?
Yes, especially for small batches or frequently changing products, minimum purchase quantities of labels are not required.
This saves storage space and reduces lead times.
Is the date updated automatically?
Yes, date fields can be generated automatically or transferred based on data.
Is direct printing economically viable for very small quantities?
Yes, especially for small batches or custom-made products, there is no minimum order quantity for labels or pre-printed packaging. Content can be flexibly adapted without having to order new print templates.
Can I also print on uneven surfaces?
Yes, the special inks are sprayed on. Therefore, small indentations, elevations, rough surfaces (tin cans, plastic embossing on the bottom, etc.) are no problem.
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.
Is it possible to print on coated or glossy food packaging?
This depends on the surface and the ink used.
Coated cardboard boxes or smooth packaging should be tested in advance.
We check your specific packaging individually.
Can batch numbers or production data be printed variably?
Yes, variable content such as batch numbers, time or production date can be generated automatically or transferred via barcode.
Ideal for traceability and internal documentation.
Is it allowed to print directly on food?
Direct printing is usually done on packaging or outer packaging.
One exception is egg labeling with suitable ink.
We provide legally compliant and individual advice for other food applications.
Is the print smudge-proof and resistant to transportation?
The shelf life depends on the material, storage and ink.
With the right combination, an easily legible, transport-resistant imprint can be achieved.
Is direct printing worthwhile for small production quantities?
Yes, especially for small batches or frequently changing products, minimum purchase quantities of labels are not required.
This saves storage space and reduces lead times.
Is the date updated automatically?
Yes, date fields can be generated automatically or transferred based on data.
Is direct printing economically viable for very small quantities?
Yes, especially for small batches or custom-made products, there is no minimum order quantity for labels or pre-printed packaging. Content can be flexibly adapted without having to order new print templates.
Can I also print on uneven surfaces?
Yes, the special inks are sprayed on. Therefore, small indentations, elevations, rough surfaces (tin cans, plastic embossing on the bottom, etc.) are no problem.
Suitable materials for this application
Discover more
Different materials are suitable depending on the surface and the ink used.
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