HP Indigo has developed an end-to-end label and packaging printing system that includes streamlined label, carton and blister pack production and full integration with radio frequency identification (RFID) systems.The system, developed by the firm's research arm, HP Labs, uses a seven-colour HP Indigo ws4500 digital press and will be available from March 2008.
The firm said it would enable label and packaging printers to meet Californian ePedigree serialisation laws, which are due to come into force in 2009.
These requirements state that all pharmaceutical packages must carry an electronic tag so that they may be traced throughout the supply chain. This may be done with either a 2D or RSS barcode, or through an RFID tag underneath the label on the drug packet or embedded in the package.
HP said serialisation in pharmaceutical label and packaging production was the first digital application to use the variable-data printing capabilities of its industrial presses.
The technology has been trialled by US pharmaceutical packaging supplier Nosco, which integrates RFID tags into labels and folding cartons.
Nosco vice president of marketing Joe Tenhagen said printing labels and packages with 2D barcodes on HP Indigo presses was the easiest way for brand owners to meet ePedigree requirements.
"Most of our customers are interested in solutions that integrate RFID tags for the pallet and case level of the supply chain, complemented by the HP smart labels and packaging solution at the item level," he said.
Source: packagingnews
1 comment:
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