Top/Bottom labelling of products with flat surfaces: a key requirement in the food industry
Among the many labelling applications required by food producers and machine manufacturers, top/bottom labelling for various types of trays and horizontally transported packages is one of the most requested. Etipack meets this need with the System 4 range, which includes machines designed to handle different labelling requirements with maximum flexibility.
Designed for applying labels on the top and/or bottom of products, these systems can be equipped with a hot stamping unit for simple batch and expiration date printing or a thermal transfer unit for printing barcodes, variable data, and images. They can be integrated into a packaging line or operate as standalone units.
Specific applications for bakery, pastry and confectionery
Pre-formed Trays
System 4 is widely used for labelling pre-formed trays in the food sector, such as ice cream containers. When equipped with a printing unit, it allows for on-demand printing of ingredient lists and other variable texts set by the operator.
Thermo-Sealed Trays
Ideal for thermo-sealed trays of various sizes and formats (e.g., sandwich packs and baked goods), System 4 ensures perfect labelling. For thin products, a high-grip conveyor belt secures the item during top and/ or bottom labelling. For bulkier or uniquely shaped items, such as triangular sandwich packs, a split-belt system holds the product in place, exposing the bottom for efficient labelling on both sides. A printing unit can be added for ingredient lists and other variable data.
Flexible Packaging
System 4 also accommodates flexible packaging, such as trays of cookies, dry pastries, and flow-packed bakery products. These items are conveyed to the labelling area using two side belts covered in soft sponge, which ensures product integrity while maintaining precise label application.
Boxes
As a highly versatile solution, System 4 can handle products up to 500 mm in length, including boxes and bulkpack formats.
Jars and Bottles
Designed to label items of various geometries and sizes, System 4 features adjustable side belts, allowing for width adjustments from 40 mm to 200 mm. This makes it ideal for top and/or bottom labelling of jars and bottles, including multipage labels for recipes, promotions, and contests, applied to either the bottom or the lid.
Empty Trays System
4 can be used in standalone applications to label empty trays and packages before they are used in filling lines. Its ability to accommodate a variety of formats and geometries makes it suitable for contract packaging applications.
Aluminum Trays
The system efficiently labels aluminum trays without deforming them, ensuring perfect label application.
A complete range for the Food Industry: solutions for producers and machine manufacturers
Labelling plays a crucial role in the food industry, where packaging solutions are highly diverse and constantly evolving. To address this dynamic market, Etipack has developed a comprehensive range of solutions tailored to both food manufacturers and machine builders. These solutions cover product labelling and handling, as well as complementary applications that support marketing and packaging activities.
Etipack’s product range includes:
• Self-adhesive labelling systems
• Print-and-apply systems for barcodes, QR codes, and Data Matrix codes
• Tray and package destackers
• Pick-and-place feeders
• Friction feeders
• Bandolier feeders
• Thermal printers and printing units
For more information, visit etipack.it/en/settore/food/
