Exhibiting at ALL4PACK EMBALLAGE PARIS, Domino has announced the launch of a new range of high-speed printing and product handling solutions to support the removal of labels from bottles.

‘ Domino’s range of bottle cap printing stations has been developed to print variable data and machine readable codes, including QR codes, on HDPE bottle caps and closures,’ announces Domino, which says the new range has been designed to help drinks manufacturers move away from labels on bottles for both environmental and legislative reasons.

Virtuous and economical

On this point, this solution goes beyond the ‘recyclable label’ solution. ‘ The drinks industry is increasingly interested in label-free bottles and the role they can play in the transition to a circular economy (…) Although plastic labels are often recyclable, they generally have to be removed before disposal so that labels and bottles can be recycled,’ says Nigel Allen, Marketing Manager 2D Codes & High-Resolution Inkjet at Domino. Eliminating labels altogether therefore simplifies the recycling process and reduces the total amount of plastic needed for production. According to Domino, it also saves up to 5% of the cost of production and reduces the financial burden in regions where plastic is taxed.

How does it work?

‘ Domino’s in-line bottle cap printing station features an advanced product handling system capable of stabilising filled water bottles and printing high-resolution (300-900 dpi) variable data codes at speeds of up to 44,000 bottles per hour, using Domino’s K300 monochrome digital printer. The stations are also equipped with pre- and post-processing functions for the printed codes to ensure their adhesion and longevity, as well as an integrated vision system to automate their inspection and verification,’ explains Domino, which recently installed its first in-line bottle cap printing station at one of Korea’s largest beverage manufacturers. A first that is likely to be followed by many replicas: ‘ We are seeing a growing trend towards label-free bottles, alongside the need for 2D variable data codes, including QR codes, and we want to work with our customers to ensure that we can provide a solution that meets their needs,’ notes David Bywater, Domino’s Regional Business Development Manager for Asia.

For more news, click here