MCS Inc., a U.S.-based supplier of high-speed industrial inkjet imaging systems, is offering an alternative to traditional adhesive labels – high-speed inkjet printing directly onto packaging.
Businesses in industries such as e-commerce, retail and manufacturing are increasingly adopting direct printing technology for secondary packaging, such as boxes and bags, to address environmental concerns and boost branding opportunities. printing spout pouches
Adhesive labels, commonly used for tracking codes, product information and marketing, generate significant environmental waste due to leftover paper, adhesives and chemicals. Most labels are non-recyclable, often contaminating the packaging they are applied to. This prompted MCS to offer a shift toward sustainable alternatives like high-speed inkjet printing directly onto packaging.
David Loos of MCS Inc., which provides services in Canada as well as the U.S., said demand for direct printing on corrugated boxes and shipping bags is growing. “We are already getting quite a few inquiries from logistics and fulfillment companies asking about images that can be printed directly on boxes and bags.”
Direct printing eliminates the need for adhesive labels, making packaging more sustainable and cost-effective. The technology allows for full-colour, variable data printing at speeds of up to 1,000 feet per minute. This capability enables e-commerce companies to integrate barcodes, QR codes, and even promotional messages directly onto packaging without compromising recyclability.
Corrugated boxes can be pre-printed with standard designs or customized using high-speed inkjet printers for promotional messaging, such as special offers or announcements. “High-speed, direct-to-packaging inkjet printers could then be used in defined locations on the box to deliver customized promotional messages,” Loos said.
For shipping bags, MCS has developed systems that can print variable barcodes and other details directly onto bags, offering flexibility for e-commerce and home delivery services. Loos noted the technology’s speed advantage, stating, “We can now digitally print that unique code directly on the bag using the MCS printer. We can print anything the customer wants, including notifications about store openings, special offers, or links to sales.”
The shift toward direct printing aligns with industry efforts to reduce environmental impact. Amazon, for example, has invested in custom-sized packaging to minimize waste and replace single-use plastics.
Looking ahead, Loos believes direct printing will see broader adoption. “The e-commerce retailer or home delivery service can really choose exactly how they want to use it,” he said, highlighting its potential for both sustainability and marketing.
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