Labelling specialist Sinclair Systems has revealed that its variable print system (VPS) is now commercially available, and has said that it expects the technology to 're-shape the future of produce labelling'.
The group said that the VPS is geared towards produce packer-shippers looking to reduce inventory costs by stocking fewer multiple label designs, instead replacing them with a common 'blank' label, where variable data is printed onto the label during application.
According to Sinclair, the system prints DataBar codes, PLUs, lot numbers and brands – essentially, any combination of images or data that uniquely identifies attributes associated with loose fruit.
Sinclair has been operational on an eight-lane apple line at Auvil Fruit in the US since September, with plant operations manager Walt Hough praising the difference the VPS has made.
'We've seen a real, tangible difference with the VPS truly minimising downtime and changeovers,' he explained. 'This is an operational advantage in packing multiple varieties, like we do.
'We've also been able to consolidate 14 different PLUs down to one common label so we're managing – and reducing – our label inventory more effectively,' Mr Hough added. 'Overall, the system works great.'
The Virtual Print System is used in conjunction with Sinclair's RM6 technology, as well as its food-safe micro-thin polythene labels.
'This truly 'disruptive technology' is the level of innovation and quality the industry has come to expect from Sinclair,' noted Rick Goddard, senior vice-president of sales and marketing at Sinclair. 'Of course this state-of-the-art system is supported by our global team of technical service experts.'
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