Carton Marking From Product Information to Traceability

Precision, Speed, and Reliability in Carton Marking

Achieving consistently clear and durable codes on cardboard packaging is essential for supply chain integrity. Manufacturers need versatile solutions that can handle varied materials, from porous to coated, without sacrificing production speed.

Koenig & Bauer offers a range of coding & marking systems designed specifically for these demands. Discover how our technology provides reliable, high-quality marking for batch codes, dates, and graphics to ensure your traceability, compliance, and brand trust.

Applications for Carton Marking 

 

Types of Marking:

  • Product Information – Name, ingredients, usage instructions
  • Serial Numbers & Batch Codes – For traceability and quality control
  • Expiration Date (MHD) – Especially important for food & pharmaceuticals
  • Barcodes & QR Codes – For warehouse management, shipping & automated logistics
  • GHS/Hazard Symbols – Marking of chemicals & hazardous goods
  • Branding & Marketing – Logos, advertising messages & customized designs
  • Recycling & Environmental Labels – Sustainability symbols, FSC or RESY logos

 

Types of Carton Packaging & Their Marking:

  • Shipping Cartons – Barcodes, QR codes, shipping information, logos, recycling notices
  • Folding Cartons (Cosmetics, Pharma, Electronics) – Product name, ingredients, serial number, expiration date
  • Food Cartons – Nutritional values, expiration date, production date, recycling labels, QR codes for product info
  • Corrugated Packaging (Transport & Storage) – Supplier information, handling symbols, hazardous goods marking
  • Luxury Packaging (Perfume, Spirits, Gifts) – High-quality color printing, logos, holograms, brand identification
  • Medical Packaging – Dosage instructions, serial numbers, safety & anti-counterfeit marks
  • Industrial Transport Packaging (Machinery & Spare Parts) – Product specifications, storage & shipping codes, warning labels

Challenges in Carton Marking      

  •  Material Variety & Adhesion

Different carton materials (coated, uncoated, recycled) require specific inks or marking methods for optimal readability.

  • Durability & Environmental Factors

Labels must resist abrasion, moisture, and UV exposure. Fast-drying inks or thermal transfer printing ensure longevity.

  • Efficiency & Speed

High-speed, contactless labeling is essential. Inkjet and laser systems integrate seamlessly into production lines.

  • Variable Data & Digitalization

Real-time labeling of text, barcodes, and QR codes requires digital printing with ERP/MES integration.

  • Regulatory Requirements

Legal mandates for food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals demand tamper-proof markings with traceability data.

  • Sustainability

Eco-friendly technologies, like solvent-free inks and laser marking, support sustainable carton packaging.

Solutions for Carton Printing – Which Technology is Right?

Here you will find our solutions for Carton Printing: 

Continuous Inkjet Printers

Flexible and Versatile

Advantages

  • Contactless carton labeling with fast-drying ink
  • Works on porous and non-porous carton surfaces
  • High printing speed for fast production lines
  • Ideal for variable data such as expiration dates or serial numbers
Continuous Inkjet Systems

Thermal Transfer Printing (TTO)

High-Quality & Durable Marking

Advantages

  • Excellent print quality with high resistance to abrasion, heat, and moisture
  • Works for both labels and direct printing on cartons
  • Particularly suitable for fine details like logos, symbols, or high-resolution barcodes
Thermal Transfer Systems

Laser Marking

Sustainable & Tamper-Proof

Advantages

  • Permanent, abrasion-resistant carton labeling that does not fade or wear off
  • Eco-friendly as no ink or consumables are required
  • High speed and precision for detailed markings
Laser Marking Solutions

Drop on Demand Inkjet (DOD)

  • Prints large characters, logos, or barcodes directly onto corrugated or folded cartons
  • Uses pigmented inks for high contrast and readability on brown or recycled surfaces
Drop on Demand Solutions

Print & Apply

  • Prints and applies labels with product info, barcodes, or shipping data to cartons
  • Ideal for variable data and high-speed packaging lines
Print & Apply Solution

Hot-Foil Marking

  • Uses heat and pressure to stamp permanent codes or logos onto coated cardboard surfaces
  • Creates high-contrast, metallic or colored markings without using ink
Hot-Foil Marking Solution

Reasons why you should choose Coding Koenig & Bauer


Industry leader with tradition

Wide product portfolio

Custom solutions


High-speed solutions

Sustainable technologies

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