Domino and Sappi Collaborate to Realize Sustainable Laser Coding of Barrier Papers for Flexible Food Packaging

Sappi’s food-packaging customers benefit from a recyclable alternative to plastic composite packaging, facilitated by print-free coding and marking

Domino Printing Sciences (Domino) is pleased to announce the suitability of its D-Series CO₂ laser coder as a coding and marking solution for food manufacturers utilizing Sappi’s sustainable, fibre-based barrier papers for flexible packaging.

Domino has collaborated with Sappi, a leading global provider of fibre-based packaging products, to determine the ideal laser-coding solution for global food brands requiring high-quality codes on barrier paper packaging. Following extensive suitability testing, Domino’s D-Series CO₂ laser coders were used to code a range of six different Sappi products and, in all cases, achieved a clean, crisp code without affecting the barrier properties.

“We are truly excited to be able to offer Sappi’s food-packaging customers an effective laser coding solution that makes their recyclable product packaging a truly sustainable alternative to plastic composite materials,” says Dr. Stefan Stadler, Team Lead at the Domino Laser Academy. “The market for sustainable product packaging is growing, and demand for alternatives to hard-to-recycle flexible plastics, such as Sappi’s barrier papers, are only set to increase. We were delighted to work with Sappi to explore these new materials to help find the right coding solution for their customers’ individual requirements.”

Coding requirements for barrier papers 

Sappi has developed a range of barrier papers to replace conventional, unrecyclable multi-material plastic composites. The product range includes water-based barrier coatings for protection against moisture, oxygen, aroma, grease, and mineral oil.

Typical applications include:

• block bottom bags for dried ingredients such as sugar and pasta;
• flow wrappers for snacks, chocolate, and confectionery; and
• pouches and lids for fresh and processed foods.

Exact coding requirements vary depending on the specific customer application; however, all food packaging lines typically require printing of compulsory best before and use by dates, as well as standard batch and product codes. In addition, many food and beverage manufacturers are now looking for more sophisticated coding solutions, including the application of 2D codes to facilitate data sharing and traceability.

“We are noticing an increase in the number of brands looking to add 2D codes onto their finished packs – often this is to facilitate traceability of products, but also, as a response to consumer demand for more information of the origin of the packed products,” says Mike Zywietz, Product Application Engineer, Sappi.

“It’s not possible to add this kind of information as part of the original packaging design as traceability codes necessitate new information for each batch or individual product,” he continues. “With a laser, our customers can add a 2D code right at the end of the process without necessitating any changes to the printing image or the product packaging design – a new code can be added alongside compulsory code requirements in milliseconds with no additional cost.”

Developing the solution

CO₂ lasers are the most suited laser application for paper packaging, so the first step was determining which type of CO₂ laser would be most effective. To identify the ideal laser wavelength, Domino’s specialists performed spectroscopic analysis on six different barrier papers from Sappi to identify which laser wavelength had the best interaction with the substrate material.

“Through this initial analysis, we identified our D-Series blue tube CO₂ laser as a possible solution for Sappi’s barrier papers,” says Stadler. Further suitability testing identified the D320i blue tube laser as the optimal solution.

In code quality testing, the D320i created crisp, clear codes on the barrier papers for simple messages, such as best before dates and batch codes, and more complex designs, including graphics and scannable 2D codes.

Domino then used 3D imaging to check the depth of the laser engraving to ensure that the substrate was not perforated or compromised; analysis which was confirmed by Alexander Schröder, Product Application Engineer at Sappi’s R&D centre, who performed additional barrier testing on the Domino coded materials.

“We were very impressed with the results of the barrier testing,” says Zywietz. “This, combined with the quality and clarity of the codes, make Domino’s D-Series a good choice for Sappi’s customers.”

Collaborative investment

The project with Sappi is another excellent example of how Domino is working to support manufacturers on their sustainability journey. It follows an equally exciting recent development in laser coding: the Futamura and NatureFlex compostable film project.

As a coding and marking provider, Domino is always looking to collaborate with innovative packaging providers to identify solutions for new sustainable packaging types.

“We want to remain at the forefront of developments in new and emerging packaging materials to ensure that we can continue to meet the needs of our customers in all industries,” concludes Dr. Stefan Stadler.

Please get in touch to find out more about Domino’s coding solutions for recyclable materials or to arrange a visit to the Domino Laser Academy.

About Domino

Since 1978, Domino Printing Sciences (Domino) has established a global reputation for the development and manufacture of coding, marking, and printing technologies, as well as its worldwide aftermarket products and customer services. Today, Domino offers one of the most comprehensive portfolios of complete end-to-end coding solutions designed to satisfy the compliance and productivity requirements of manufacturers across many sectors, including food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and industrial. The company’s core technologies include innovative inkjet, laser, print and apply, and thermal transfer overprinting systems designed for the application of variable data, barcodes, and unique traceability codes onto product and packaging.

Domino employs over 3,000 people worldwide and sells to more than 120 countries through a global network of 25 subsidiary offices and more than 200 distributors. Domino’s manufacturing facilities are located in China, Germany, India, Sweden, Switzerland, U.K., and the U.S.A.

Domino’s continued growth is underpinned by an unrivalled commitment to product development. The company is the proud recipient of six Queen’s Awards in several categories, including innovation. Domino has also been recognised with many industry awards, including the ‘Supply Chain Excellence’ and ‘People and Skills’ accolades at The Manufacturer MX Awards 2019.

Domino became an autonomous division within Brother Industries Ltd. on June 11, 2015.

For further information on Domino, please visit www.domino-printing.com