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Ink-jet provides a COOL solution

Ink-jet coding on wrapped trays of produce streamlines packaging and takes care of COOL.

Top photo shows the p-s labeler that applies bar codes; the new ink-jet coder sits a few feet downstream.
Top photo shows the p-s labeler that applies bar codes; the new ink-jet coder sits a few feet downstream.

As produce marketers nationwide find themselves facing new requirements calling for country-of-origin labeling (COOL), some are re-evaluating their approach to coding and marking.

C.L. Henderson of Hendersonville, NC, is a good example. Until last spring, a pressure-sensitive labeler was used to apply pre-printed labels to the top of each shrink-wrapped tray of produce to indicate produce variety. On the bottom of the tray, workers applied a sticker carrying a best-if-used-by date.

This approach was greatly improved with the installation of a Ci1000 continuous ink-jet coding system from ID Technology.

“It was the country-of-origin legislation that got us thinking this way,” says company president Alan Henderson. “The ink-jet system is capable of printing four lines of text, and one of those lines identifies country of origin. On another line, we ink jet the best-if-used-by date, so our operators no longer have to turn the trays over and apply that information by hand. Also ink-jet printed is a lot and ID code.”

Henderson is quick to point out that ink-jet coding on film-wrapped veggies is no walk in the park.

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