In today’s competitive food industry, accurate and reliable product labeling is essential not just for regulatory compliance, but for maintaining consumer trust and protecting brand integrity.
“Best By” Date Coding
One of the most critical packaging elements is the “Best By” date.
A “Best By” also “Best Before” or “Best Used By” is the manufacturer’s recommendation for when a product will be at its peak quality in terms of taste, texture, and freshness. It is not an expiration date and does not necessarily indicate when a product becomes unsafe to consume.
Instead, the “Best By” date helps consumers understand:
When the product is expected to taste best
How long it maintains optimal quality
When to rotate stock or replenish shelves
For packaged foods, especially in retail environments, the “Best By” date is a key part of food labeling used for inventory management, customer satisfaction, and brand reputation.
Top Coders for “Best By” Dates
To meet the demand for precise, high-speed, and durable coding on plastic packaging, food manufacturers are increasingly turning to the Markoprint X1Jet and IP-JET coders based on thermal inkjet (TIJ) to seamlessly integrate with Form Fill Seal (FFS) machines and powered by Markoprint solvent-based inks.
The X1Jet and IP-JET represent robust, high-performance coding solutions engineered for industrial environments:
X1Jet: A compact, all-in-one coding system with onboard intelligence, capable of standalone operation without the need for a PC. It’s ideal for integration into FFS machines where space and speed are critical.
IP-JET: Built for demanding production environments, the IP-JET features an IP65-rated stainless steel housing that resists dust and moisture, making it ideal for washdown areas and food processing lines.
Both coders utilize HP Thermal Inkjet technology to deliver crisp, high-resolution prints up to 600 dpi, with minimal maintenance and no moving parts, ensuring reliable performance and reduced downtime on the packaging line.
Why Use Markoprint Coders on Form Fill Seal Machines?
Seamless Integration with FFS Lines
Form Fill Seal machines are commonly used in food packaging to form plastic pouches or bags, fill them with product, and seal them in a continuous process. The compact size and modular design of the X1Jet and IP-JET allow for direct mounting onto the FFS machine, enabling inline coding immediately after the packaging is formed or sealed.
High-Speed, High-Resolution Coding
Markoprint coders can keep up with the fast throughput of FFS systems, often coding hundreds of packages per minute. With HP TIJ technology, they print sharp, legible Best By dates even on challenging plastic films.
Reliable Printing on Non-Porous Plastic Using Solvent Inks
Printing on plastic requires specialized inks that can adhere to slick, non-porous surfaces. Markoprint offers solvent-based ink formulations specifically designed for this purpose. These inks:
- Dry quickly to prevent smudging
- Provide excellent adhesion to a variety of plastics (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene)
- Resist abrasion, water, and handling during distribution
Smart, Automated Coding
The X1Jet and IP-JET systems can be connected to existing line control systems, databases, or ERP software. They support automated date coding, eliminating manual entry and minimizing errors. Operators can update print content via USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi, depending on the model.
Low Maintenance and Downtime
Because these coders rely on TIJ cartridge-based printing, there’s no need for messy cleanup or mechanical servicing. Cartridge changes are quick and clean, making them ideal for high-hygiene environments like food production.
Printing “Best By” Dates on Snack Food Packaging
A snack food manufacturer uses a vertical FFS machine to package chips in polypropylene pouches. The company installs Markoprint IP-JET coders directly above the sealing station. As each bag is sealed, the IP-JET prints the Best By date onto the surface using Markoprint black solvent ink, which dries almost instantly and resists smudging during downstream handling. The IP65 rating ensures the system stands up to the humid, washdown-prone environment of the production floor.
Key Benefits:
- Durable and legible Best By codes on plastic packaging
- Fast integration with existing FFS machines
- Compliance with food safety and traceability regulations
- Low cost of ownership with cartridge-based technology
- Adaptable to different packaging formats and materials
Read the full case study to see how Molls Bacon uses the Markoprint X1Jet to print Best By dates on polypropylene snack packaging.
A Smarter Way to Code “Best By” Dates
When you combine the precision of Markoprint X1Jet and IP-JET coders with the speed and consistency of Form Fill Seal machines, you get more than just date coding, you get a streamlined, high-performance solution.
With Markoprint solvent-based inks, each code is clear, permanent, and production-ready, even on challenging plastic packaging. The result? Accurate, reliable “Best By” labeling that keeps your operation efficient and compliant.
For forward-thinking food manufacturers, this isn’t just an equipment upgrade it’s a strategic edge.
