What does packaging coding mean?
Clearly coding different types of packaging
The term packaging marking covers the marking of different types of packaging: primary packaging, secondary packaging and tertiary packaging. Inkjet printing systems, laser marking systems or labeling systems are used for marking packaging, depending on the type of packaging and marking purpose.
The marking of packaging is usually fully automated. Printing systems for packaging labeling are therefore usually integrated into packaging machines.
Primary packaging
Product marking on the packaging
Bottles, yoghurt pots, tins, cosmetic jars, tubes, tablet blisters and much more - primary packaging is all packaging that comes into direct contact with the product. In principle, the marking of primary packaging is therefore identical to product marking. It has to include information such as
- Best before date (BBD)
- Serial and batch numbers
- Ingredients
- Barcodes and 2D Codes
The aim of marking primary packaging is to provide information about the product on the one hand, and information about the production route and production time on the other, so that the products can be traced without any gaps.
Secondary packaging
Marking of secondary packaging
Secondary packaging is the second packaging layer of products. This includes, for example, outer cartons for toothpaste and medicines as well as sales packaging such as tubular bags for sweets. It is intended to provide additional protection for the product or facilitate its transportation. Secondary packaging is printed with additional product information, logos and advertising.
Tertiary packaging
Secure marking for transportation
Tertiary packaging combines several secondary packaging units into a single unit as secondary packaging so that they can be transported easily and safely by truck, ship or plane. Tertiary packaging includes:
- Stretch films for wrapping the packaged goods (products or secondary packaging) on pallets
- sturdy corrugated cardboard boxes for smaller folding boxes
The marking of tertiary packaging is primarily used for logistics purposes. Barcodes and numbers printed directly on the packaging or applied by label printers ensure that the products reach their destination safely and can be clearly identified.
