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Coding on Shrink wrap

Batch codes and barcodes on shrink film, for wrapped multipacks of water and soft drinks and trays of household goods.

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Codes that survive the heat tunnel

Shrink film wraps multipacks of bottled water, soft drinks and household goods across Kenya. The film is clear or printed, slippery, and changes shape in the heat tunnel, so a code applied at the wrong moment can stretch, blur or fade.

We look at where the code is applied relative to the tunnel and choose between inkjet and laser. Inkjet with a suitable ink marks film quickly and flexibly, while laser can leave a permanent mark on film that responds to it. The goal is a code that is sharp on the finished pack, not just on flat film.

Coding on Shrink wrap

What we code on shrink film

  • Batch and lot numbers
  • Production and expiry dates
  • Barcodes for retail and warehouse scanning
  • Pack count or multipack descriptions
  • Brand text and logos

Key features

What you can expect from a coding system set up for this pack.

  • Planned print positionWe choose whether to print before or after the tunnel so codes stay sharp once the film has shrunk.
  • Inks for slippery filmInks made to grip polyethylene and other shrink films without smearing.
  • Inkjet or laserPick a flexible inkjet code or a permanent laser mark, depending on your film.
  • No-contact markingNo pressure on the loose film, so wrapped packs are not creased or pulled out of shape.

Built for Kenyan production lines

Water bottlers and beverage packers in Kenya wrap large volumes of multipacks, often in hot packing halls where film behaviour changes through the day.

  • Print positions chosen for the film you actually run, assessed on your line.
  • Advice on film changes between suppliers, since film behaviour varies.
  • Printers that cope with warm packing halls and dust.
  • Local inks and spares, and fast fault response.
  • Training for operators so code quality is checked at every shift.

Recommended equipment

The products we most often fit for this application.

Continuous inkjet printers

Inkjet coding on shrink film at wrapper speed, with inks matched to the film.

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Laser marking machines

Permanent, ink-free marks on shrink film that responds to laser.

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Print examiners

Camera checks that every wrapped pack leaves with a readable code.

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How we work with you

Whatever you come to us for, the same clear process applies from first call to ongoing support.

  1. Assess

    We learn about your product, packaging, line speed and what needs to be printed.

  2. Recommend

    We propose the right printer, ink and layout, with a clear quote.

  3. Install and train

    We install and commission the system and train your operators on the line.

  4. Support

    Inks, spares and maintenance keep production running, with our team a call away.

Common questions

Should the code go on before or after the shrink tunnel?

It depends on the film and the code size. Printing after the tunnel gives a stable surface, while printing before can suit some lines. We assess both on your line.

Will the ink stick to slippery shrink film?

Yes, with an ink made for polyethylene film. We confirm the ink against your film before recommending a system.

Can barcodes on shrink film be scanned?

Yes, when the print quality and position are right. A print examiner can check each barcode as it is printed.

Explore other applications

See how we approach coding on other kinds of packaging.

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Ready to talk about your line?

Tell us what you pack and how fast you run, and our team will respond with options and next steps.

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