Nowadays, more and more companies choose to print the variable information directly on their cartons (product name, expiration date, lot number, barcode, weight, pieces, production codes, etc.), rather than using pre-printed cartons. This tactic is called Generic Carton Printing and offers significant cost reduction benefits as discussed in this article. The coding of the cartons is one of the most important processes in the operation of a business in order to properly operate the supply chain, the operation of erp inventory systems and the information of the final recipients of its products.

Until now, most companies used pre-printed cartons and printed with inkjet printers directly on the carton or affixed labels with the variable information of each batch such as expiration date, production date, lot number, number of pieces, weight, etc. This mode requires Existence of pre-printed cartons with the logo, the type of product and the barcode FOR EVERY SEPARATE PRODUCT. This results in a number of DISADVANTAGES such as:

1. Large quantity required to order carton supplier for carton for each product code. 2. Freezing of the company's funds due to the need to order large quantities of cartons. 3. Large storage spaces for all these cartons. 4. Time consuming and complicated process until the right carton is found for each product. 5. Commitment of many human resources in this process. 6. Delays in production 7. Risk for the company to run out of the right carton if it does not order on time 8. Risk of a batch of cartons becoming useless if a component of the product changes (name, barcode, etc.). On the opposite side we have the Generic Carton Printing tactic which is based on the use of unprinted cartons and the installation of online ink jet printers for the direct marking on the carton of all the required information.

The printers of FAM INTERNATIONAL Italy can be installed with great ease in new and existing production lines. Their installation is very simple as they can be easily mounted directly on a conveyor belt, on a carton closure or even on their own floor base. They can print using 1-4 heads and print height up to 100 mm: • Shift Codes • Automatic part counter • Automatic date calculation with a specific function • Date & Time • Fixed text • Barcodes • Logos • Multiple fonts • Real-Time printing

The ADVANTAGES offered by Generic Carton Printing are: 1. No pre-printed cartons required 2. Minimization of production stops 3. Great flexibility in processing production information 4. High print resolution even for barcodes 5. Ability to print with color inks (blue / red / yellow / purple / white) 6. Immediate configuration of the information to be printed 7. Eco-friendly, as inks that do not spill on the floor are used and only the cartons needed 8. Easy installation 9. Extremely low cost of obtaining and using consumables 10. Indelible printing and fast drying ink for each surface 11. Minor requirements and maintenance costs (no need for service, solvents, etc.) Watch a related video below