16Feb

Laser Top Tips #1: Animal Marking

February 16, 2017 admin

To kick off this year’s series of Laser Top Tips, Tracepack have an interesting application using the Linx SLHP laser to code onto pig skin.

Laser brings many benefits to this application, such as legible traceability and reduced risk of contamination. In most countries it is a requirement to mark on animal carcasses at points during the meat production process. Traditionally this has been done by branding or ink marks; however this does not often create a legible mark.

Lasers offer a precise non-contact hygienic solution, making permanent readable marks; this can help reduce contamination in the food process.

Please click here to view the benefits of the Linx SLHP for the food industry.

13Oct

Functions of Pharmaceutical Packaging

October 13, 2016 admin

Below are the keys functions of pharmaceutical packaging:

Containment – The containment of the product is the most fundamental function of packaging for medicinal products. The design of high-quality packaging must take into account both the needs of the product and of the manufacturing and distribution system. This requires the packaging: not to leak, nor allow diffusion and permeation of the product, to be strong enough to hold the contents when subjected to normal handling and not to be altered by the ingredients of the formulation in its final dosage form.

Protection – The packaging must protect the product against all adverse external influences that may affect its quality or potency, such as light, moisture, oxygen, biological contamination, mechanical damage and counterfeiting/adulteration.

Presentation and information – Packaging is also an essential source of information on medicinal products. Such information is provided by labels and package inserts for patients.

Identification – The printed packs or its ancillary printed components serves the functions of providing both identity and information.

Convenience – The convenience is associated with product use or administration e.g., a unit dose eye drop which both eliminates the need for preservative and reduces risks associated with cross infection, by administering only a single dose.

23Sep

Unpacking tamper-proof labelling in Africa

September 23, 2016 admin

In the UK 49% of their consumers find tamper proof labels a nuisance. African consumers appreciate the technology and see tamper-proof labelling as a necessity. Brand owners operating in Africa rely heavily on tamper-proof technology to ensure that contents of the packaging are safeguarded against counterfeiting. Without compromising the brand identity, tamper proof label technology has to evolve to keep ahead of the growing illicit trade. Arca anti-counterfeit labels are designed not only to ensure an original look for products but also provide package traceability, effectively countering sales fraud and illicit distribution.

When the standard is not enough

Illicit distribution is a well organised, tech-driven and growing industry. It is estimated that 10 of the most common foods consumed are faked to one or the other degree. Whether it is the entire product that is faked or parts of the product substituted by fake components, the fake food phenomenon is growing fast.

Through Arca’s African distribution network and experience in the labelling industry, it has become apparent that brand owners are looking for labelling solutions beyond the norm. Standard of the shelf tamper-proof solutions is adequate enough to fight the battle against highly developed tech-savvy criminals. With Arca’s use of specialised technology and materials, and in some cases cutting edge traceability software, it is now possible to counter a variety of illicit activities:

counterfeiting of brand name products
tampering with packaging
distribution channel and guarantee frauds

TracePack is the licensed African distributed of Arcas’ and specialises in the sale of equipment to mark, code or label any products. What sets TracePack apart from our competition is that we provide a solution from the exit of filler flow wrapper, or form fill & seal machines to palletisation. Technically, we can convey it, code it, mark it, track it, scan it, verify and authenticate it.

Other key differentiating factors about TracePack

Our company’s inkjet and coding systems feature low running and maintenance costs, resulting in a cost-effective solution to FMCG coding. Being the first to bring a 16-head thermal inkjet printer to the African market, gives us the leading edge in experience and problem-solving ability. Our wide range of labellers and print and apply systems ensure that we are able to take care of our clients’ end-to-end marking, identification and coding needs.

When brands are looking for a tamper-proof labelling solution that is above standard, TracePack can assist with customised solutions such as conveyors and customise marking, coding and labelling systems to ensure seamless integration into production lines.

For further information on TracePack click here

12Aug

Polytij S3 Hazardous environment kits installation instruction

August 12, 2016 admin

To view the latest instructions on installing hazardous environmental kits click here

28Jul

Benefits of barcoding with laser and CIJ

July 28, 2016 admin

Barcodes were used as early as the 1960’s. Then, the main use of barcoding was to mark rolling railway stock. Overtime barcodes became more adaptive and commercially successful. The boom in barcoding came when barcodes were used to automate supermarket checkout systems. A task for which, up until today, they have become almost universally known.

Interestingly the first scanning of the now ubiquitous Universal Product Code (UPC) barcode was on a pack of Wrigley Company chewing gum in June 1974. The 1970’s also saw the creation of a global standard of barcode practice, the GS1 System. This enables international traders a common playing field for pharmaceutical companies distributing products locally and internationally.

Despite the overall increase in bottom-line production costs in South Africa, barcoding still remains a relatively affordable and effective trace packaging solution.

GS1 and Compliancy

GS1’s main goal is to lead the local design and implementation of global barcode standards to improve the supply and demand chain. The creative thinking here is to decrease long-term costs and increase market accessibility by ensuring that international standards are adhered to within the South African, Southern Africa and African markets.

“While the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 10 to 15 percent of the global drugs supply are fake, in Africa fake medicines may account for up to 30% of medicines in circulation.” – health24.com

Counterfeiting, especially in the pharmaceutical market, is prevalent. Through the implementation of these global standards the GS1 assists companies in reducing costs related to counterfeiting. This is done by ensuring that the right equipment in used to ensure optimum traceability.

We take a look at GSI endorsed marking technologies and the benefits if use:

Laser Marking Technology

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are required by law to code the packaging of their products. The specific of the coding is outlined in South African legislation. Manufacturers, deadling with international trade are required to further adhere to global standards for exportation. Laser marking technology is used to apply coding due to their ability to mark paper and board, glass and the plastics typically used in packaging.

Lasers technology is a suitable option for marking high quality, anti-counterfeit data on pharmaceutical products. The laser systems are easily programmable for printing variable data permanently on products, either still on in motion.

The Benefits – Laser marking systems are an attractive alternative to inkjet (continuous and thermal) because they are clean, reliable and low cost. Companies will also benefit from the low operating costs since no consumables are needed. Supplemented with cameras and 2-D codes, the coding can be inspected immediately to avoid faulty batches or product recalls.

Continuous Inkjet Marking (CIJ) and udaFORMAXX

Typical applications for CIJ technology is for printing barcodes, data matrix codes and PPN codes to assist against counterfeiting.

The Benefits – The CIJ inks are fast drying reliable compared to other inks available.

The udaFORMAXX used to create the coding, is ideal for use in coding expiry date, lot, batch number, time, incremental numbering, barcodes, data matrix, shift, price, weight, and logos, addressing and personalisation. Counterfeit medicines are a danger to consumer health and cause considerable financial loss to manufacturers. The udaFORMAXX offline carton coding system gives pharmaceutical companies an easy and fast method of coding their products.

Optimum safety and control conditions are vital in the pharmaceutical production process. For this reason, KBA-Metronic equips the udaFORMAXX optionally with a double inspection and verification device to ensure that skewed cartons or cartons that are stuck together are prevented from getting unprinted through production.

The Benefits – UdaFORMAXX is operational offline and can be adapted to any existing line system. With speeds of up to 1,000 packs per minute, just-in-time orders can be handled efficiently equipped with coding and control systems, the products are clearly assigned and accurately coded for full traceability.

Counterfeiting Kills

Both laser and Inkjet technology has the ability to reduce counterfeiting. www.thetalko.com lists 12 dangers of counterfeiting, with some instance leading to death. Ensuring that your supply chain implements the best trace technology is essential in saving lives. Counterfeiting cannot be ignored, but it can be stopped. From laser marking to CIJ marking using UdaFORMAXX, these products are specifically designed to prevent counterfeiting and keep your product 100% in your sights, leading to complete traceability.

15Jul

Barcode History: 5 Things You Didn’t Know about Barcodes

July 15, 2016 admin

To highlight the journey of the barcode from idea to ubiquity we’ve taken a long look at barcode history, and assembled a list of our favorite fun and weird facts we found along the way. Check it out:

1. The first use of the barcode was to label railroad cars

Most of us see barcodes on products such as the food we buy, books, movies, and basically every modern consumer good. The reality is that the use of barcodes on consumer goods came far after its original intended use—the labeling of railroad cars. That’s right, barcodes first came into use to mark railroad cars, although they weren’t universally accepted until grocery checkout systems were developed.

2. The first barcode symbology was patented in 1952 and looks like a bullseye

In the late 1940’s, Bernard Silver and Norman Joseph Woodland began researching solutions to automatically read product information during grocery checkout after a request from the food chain, Food Fair. Silver and Woodland are attributed with patenting the first ever barcode symbology (seen in featured image above), which looks just like a bullseye!

3. The very first scanning of a UPC code was on a pack of Wrigley’s chewing gum

In the summer of 1974 a UPC code was scanned for the first time at a grocery market in Ohio. At Marsh supermarket, a 10-pack of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit gum slid down the conveyer belt to mark the first ever grocery item to be scanned.

4. The Barcode Battler was one of the earliest mobile gaming consoles

Back in the early days of handheld gaming consoles (we’re talking 1991) there were very few players in the marketplace—Gameboy, Gamegear and Epoch’s Barcode Battler. The barcode gaming system came with a variety of cards containing barcodes, each representing a player, enemy or powerup. Players would then swipe the barcodes to initiate battle. The system never took off in North America or Europe, but was hugely popular in Japan where the culture embraced the idea of collecting and experimenting with barcodes.

5. UPC codes and the 666 controversy

No joke. The developer of the UPC code, George J. Laurer has had to make a public statement addressing the accusation that the guard bars on UPC’s are a code for “666”. Guard bars are bit containing patterns at the beginning, middle, and end of each UPC code, which resemble the coding for the number 6. Laurer has responded to accusations on his website by saying “there is nothing sinister about this nor does it have anything to do with the Bible’s ‘mark of the beast.’ It is simply a coincidence like the fact that my first, middle, and last name all have 6 letters.” Having nightmares about UPC codes? Blame George.

Barcodes are truly fascinating. They’ve inspired an entire new way of doing business, enabling seamless interaction with products from around the world. Beyond their everyday uses, barcodes have also inspired artwork, poetry,architecture, and people from around the world to push their creativity. Stay tuned for more posts on the amazing history of barcodes, and their many uses around the globe. – by scandit.com

07Jul

Security printing

July 7, 2016 admin

Security printing is the field of the printing industry that deals with the printing of items such as banknotes, cheques, passports, tamper-evident labels, product authentication, stock certificates, postage stamps and identity cards. Packaging and labeling can be engineered to help reduce the risks of counterfeit consumer goods or the theft and resale of products. Some package constructions are more difficult to copy and some have pilfer indicating seals. Counterfeit goods, unauthorized sales (diversion), material substitution and tampering can all be reduced with these anti-counterfeiting technologies. Packages may include authentication seals and use security printing to help indicate that the package and contents are not counterfeit; these too are subject to counterfeiting. Tracepack is able to provide specialised advice and turnkey solutions on printing and brand protection technologies to help combat product diversion and counterfeiting.

Key features of our solutions are listed below:

Aid in the prevention of forgery, tampering, or counterfeiting.
Supply a wide range of solutions and technologies to ensure the right solution to meet your particular counterfeiting or theft problems.
Some solutions can clearly show whether products have been tampered with since it left production.
Custom seals, tapes, labels, RFID tags are available.
Secure 2D code and track & trace platform also available.

To view, our brochure click here

22Jun

It’s a Kind of Magic

June 22, 2016 admin

Reliable laser marking has long been common practice in the industrial world for the identification and decoration of products. In the printing and publishing industry, on the other hand, it is still in its infancy.

Print experts have different requirements on printing and identification than manufacturers of electrical components, for instance. If laser systems are going to be used in the printing industry on a large scale, real innovation is essential. The advantages of marking lasers are obvious: they are low maintenance, use very little in the way of consumables and offer maximum availability. (read more)

01Jun

Tax Stamping and Revenue Loss

June 1, 2016 admin

The counterfeiting industry is one of the fastest growing industries globally, and Africa is considered a dumping ground for these often sub-standard products. Many legitimate manufacturers are having to ensure that they put strategies in place to stop fake and counterfeit goods from destroying their brand reputation and strength. Funds gained from this illicit trade are known to support serious organised crime and terrorist organisations.

The effects of organised crime and terrorism on industries as a whole and the businesses that operate within them can be devastating. These losses in tax revenue for governments equates to a reduction budgets and leads to slower economies. Alcohol, cigarettes, and pharmaceuticals are just three of the many products that are often counterfeited or smuggled across borders without the required tax being paid. Since an effective strategy to fight this crime includes item level identification, authentication and track and trace, TracePack is well positioned to help many manufacturers with fighting organised crime. High-security tax stamps combine overt and covert security features to enable consumers and customs officials alike to confirm that products are authentic. Combined with security print, serial numbers and/or bar codes, these tax stamps provide effective protection available against counterfeiting.

TracePack can assist legitimate manufacturers by offering the following solutions:

Consulting on anti-counterfeit solutions and comprehensive brand protection strategies, providing marking technologies for item level identification. Supplying a secure and patented 2D code that cannot be recreated by counterfeiters. Provide a track and trace platform that tracks their product from manufacturer to consumer, as well as detects round tripping and diversions. Provide a solution to ring-fence products supplied. Authentication and security printing solutions

The main products and solutions on offer include:

• Highly secure Pelta 2D code – an authentication and verification solution
• Holograms/de-metalised films
• UV and IR inks
• DNA inks
• Security printing solutions
• Track and trace software platform

Marking hardware, TracePack offers a range of labelers with 6 models that can be equipped, depending on the type of application, with various peelers for “contact“ labeling or with pneumatic applicators for air-blast labeling, all of these can be furnished with printing devices and are available in various widths. Our 4 print and apply models can be configured for employment of the best thermal transfer print modules. Our range of machines can be integrated into a production line alternatively we have labelling systems available as well.

01Jun

Poor packaging hampers Ghana’s exports – by Fast Moving

June 1, 2016 admin

Ghanaian products are unable to penetrate the international market due to poor packaging, labelling, and the inability of export-oriented companies to meet local and international export specifications.

These challenges, according to the Executive Director of the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI), Mr Lukman Abdul-Rahim, continued to militate against the growth of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in the country.

Speaking at a workshop on food safety and quality management in Accra, Mr Abdul-Rahim said despite efforts to improve the regulatory environment for quality of food products, most SMEs had little or no exposure to product quality, improvement, and standardisation.

“Most SMEs are ignorant of domestic and international standards and quality requirements and are, therefore, unable to meet same when they attempt to export their products. This weakness eventually limits their access to certain markets,” he said.

The two-day programme, organised by NBSSI with funding from the European Union (EU), is aimed at enhancing the knowledge base and skills of participants on food safety and quality management.

Participants were made up of personnel from NBSSI, including business advisors, project officers and business development officers, and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from the 10 regions of Ghana.

According to Mr Abdul-Rahim, one efficient means MSEs could use to boost their businesses and penetrate the international markets was to invest heavily in improving the quality of their products.

“In a rapidly changing global environment, companies all over the world are not just producing their goods and services to meet local demands but are increasingly focusing on consumer demands in other markets they are selling to. Quality has therefore become a crucial element in entering high-income markets,” he said.

Mr Abdul-Rahim observed that in order for SMEs to achieve product consistency, management of such entities must invest in their products, especially food, and engage the services of technical experts.

The Project Coordinator, Ms Habiba Sumani, said under the Trade Related Assistance and Quality Enabling (TRAQUE) programme, NBSSI had developed the project to upgrade the skills of stakeholders.

According to her, the project was divided into two components, namely: the capacity building on food safety and quality management and support to MSEs in quality upgrading.

On capacity building on food safety and quality management, Ms Sumani said about 199 participants would benefit, adding that participants would discuss the latest developments regarding best practices and international standards

Tracepack News

Tracepack is a division of the Mitas Corporation

Our Divisions

Contact the Mitas Corporation