Implement food labeling flexibly and depending on the material

Print BBDs, batches and codes directly onto packaging or suitable surfaces - without labels.

Clear labeling and traceability are crucial in the food industry. With mobile REINER direct printing devices, you can flexibly mark best-before dates, batch numbers or codes on packaging such as cardboard, film or plastic - tailored to the material, ink and conditions of use.

Hurdles in food labeling

Why standard solutions are often not enough

Food and its packaging are subject to strict labeling requirements. Dates, batch information and traceability codes must be clearly legible - often on different packaging materials and under changing production conditions.

Typical requirements

  • Clearly legible best-before date (BBD)

  • Clear batch identification

  • Integration of barcode or QR code

  • Flexible adaptation for product changes

  • Marking on cardboard, film, metal, glass or plastic packaging

  • Mobile or supplementary labeling outside the line

  • Professional labeling of small batches (no distracting overall appearance due to additional stickers, hand lettering or unclean hand-stamped imprints)

Typical challenges

  • Changing packaging materials

  • Small or curved printing surfaces

  • Labels come off or disrupt the design

  • Frequent product or format changes

  • High traceability requirements

Examples of imprints in food labeling

Use cases from practice

Why direct printing instead of labels?

Technology Advantages

Direct printing can replace or supplement labels in many applications - especially for variable data or small series. The suitability depends on the material, ink and operating conditions.

Label solution

REINER direct printing

Additional material costs

No separate label material

Storage of different variants

Flexible customization via software

Labels can come off

Direct marking on packaging

Additional process step

Labeling directly on site

Technical features of food labeling

Labeling that adapts to your material

  • Pressure without movement

  • Variable date and batch fields

  • Integration of text and code

  • Water- or alcohol-based inks depending on the application

  • Material and environment-dependent adhesion

  • Mobile addition to existing processes

Note:
The suitability of the ink and the print depends on the respective material and the conditions of use. Individual testing is recommended.

Have the application checked

Practical example

Applications, experiences, and tips

The Braun butcher's shop in Furtwangen stands for quality craftsmanship and fresh products. In addition to taste and freshness, one thing in particular plays a central role in food retailing: clear, legally compliant coding of the goods - fast, reliable and error-free. With the REINER jetStamp® 1025, Metzgerei Braun found a mobile coding solution that can be flexibly integrated into everyday working life.

Result:

  • Direct printing on packaging - without labels or manual labeling
  • Significantly less physical strain for employees
  • Intuitive operation - suitable for everyone in the team
  • Automatic price transfer from the merchandise management system
  • Variable print images for QR codes, processing data, recipe links or greetings
  • Inventory of catering equipment with scannable identification
Read case study
Lebensmittelverpackung mit aufgedruckter Produktkennzeichnung

Labeling in practice

Applications, experiences, and tips

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

Learn more

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

Learn more

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

Learn more

Frequently asked questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the BBD can be generated automatically or defined manually and is printed directly on cartons, folding boxes or bags.

No label change necessary.

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.

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.

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.

The shelf life depends on the material, storage and ink.

With the right combination, an easily legible, transport-resistant imprint can be achieved.

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.

Yes, the BBD can be generated automatically or defined manually and is printed directly on cartons, folding boxes or bags.

No label change necessary.

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.

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.

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.

The shelf life depends on the material, storage and ink.

With the right combination, an easily legible, transport-resistant imprint can be achieved.

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.

Suitable materials for this application

Discover more

Different materials are suitable depending on the surface and the ink used.

About food coding

Food coding

Product data sheet food coding

Download product data sheet