What is product marking?
Clearly visible, clearly identifiable and traceable
Product markings are information about a product that is clearly visible on the product itself or its packaging. This allows products to be clearly identified and traced along the entire manufacturing and transportation chain. On the one hand, this product labeling is important for producers and retailers. On the other hand, products also have to be clearly marked for customers, for example with ingredients and best-before dates.
There are basically two possible methods for product marking. With direct product marking, the marking is applied directly to the goods or their packaging using inkjet printers or laser printers. With indirect product marking, labels are printed and then stuck onto the products or packaging.
Product marking in the modern production environment
Ensuring traceability through marking and labeling
In the modern production environment of industry and trade, almost every product has to be marked and made traceable. Especially in recent years, the requirements for proper and legally compliant product labeling have increased significantly.
In order to mark products as fast and cost-effectively as possible, product labeling should ideally be integrated into the production or packaging process. Systems for product marking should therefore be suitable for serial production.
Industries that have to carry out product marking include, for example:
- Automotive industry
- Food industry
- Beverage industry
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Cosmetics industry
- Electrical industry
- Building materials industry
- Logistics industry
- Wood industry
- Mechanical engineering
- Steel industry
The basic requirement for any type of product marking is clearly readable, permanent marking that is difficult to remove and enables simple and clear identification.
Required labeling content can be
- Best before date (BBD)
- Batch numbers
- Logos
- Barcodes
- Data Matrix codes
- Pictograms
- Dots and lines
- Production data
- Ingredients
Product labeling contributes to counterfeit protection and complete traceability. This is important in view of costly and time-consuming product recalls in all branches of industry. Modern product marking can save time and money, comply with legal regulations and assume responsibility for consumer protection.
Product labeling requirements in Germany and Europe
Directives, regulations and laws
Product marking protects and informs consumers. For manufacturers, product labeling is a means of quality control and is important in the event of product liability. In addition, the uniform marking of products removes barriers to trade and facilitates the cross-border movement of goods.
As there is no uniform labeling law, each product and each industry must be considered individually. A large number of industry-specific standards, regulations and laws play a decisive role here.
The most important regulations for product labeling are, for example
- German Medicinal Products Act (AMG)
- Medical Devices Act (MPG)
- Product Safety Act (ProdSG)
- Food Information Regulation (LMIV)
- Cosmetics Ordinance (KosmetikV)
- Electromagnetic Compatibility Act (EMVG)
Additional information in product marking
Use of 2D Codes
In addition to numerous guidelines and regulations that must be observed when marking products, the company's corporate design must also be taken into account. These are ideal prerequisites for the use of 2D Codes.
By using 2D Codes in product marking, all the necessary information such as the shelf life of an item, which batch it comes from and where it was produced can be provided in less space. Automatic error correction (error tolerance of up to 30%) and lower contrast also facilitate the readability of the 2D Code.
