Domino Printing Sciences' Laser Academy has collaborated with packaging providers to develop and identify laser coding solutions for use on alternatives to multi-material flexible plastic packaging. Over the past few years, many innovative packaging materials have been introduced to the market. These new materials require testing by technology providers to ensure that any change in packaging substrate does not cause issues with production, supply, or consumption of products. To this end, Domino is committed to strategic sample testing of new packaging materials to provide options for coding and marking the latest substrate developments.
As part of this work, Domino's material science experts at the Domino Laser Academy in Hamburg have been involved in various projects examining alternatives to multi-material flexible plastic packaging to determine the suitability of existing laser coding technology and develop new solutions where necessary. Domino partnered with several packaging providers to conduct suitability studies on new alternatives to flexible plastic packaging. Recent projects include collaborating with Futamura, producers of home compostable cellulose film, to determine the suitability of their NatureFlex film products.
As part of this project, Domino conducted spectroscopic analysis to determine which wavelength of light had the best interaction with NatureFlex films. Domino's D-Series CO2 laser coders were identified as a possible solution. Following initial suitability testing, Domino's D-Series laser was used to code the NatureFlex film, achieving a clean, crisp, white code. Subsequent testing was carried out using 3D microscopic imagery to look at the effect of the laser on the total thickness of the substrate and ensure that packaging integrity was not compromised. In addition, FT-IR spectroscopy verified that the laser reaction did not result in any chemical reactions resulting in additions to the material. The films were then returned to Futamura for barrier testing, which confirmed that moisture barrier properties were unaffected.
Domino also collaborated with Sappi, a leading global provider of fiber-based packaging products, to determine the suitability of laser coding for Sappi's functional barrier papers – a fully recyclable, paper-based alternative to flexible plastic. The Sappi project followed a similar pattern to the Futamura project, with spectroscopic analysis carried out to determine a suitable laser (D-Series CO2 laser), followed by coding, and follow-up testing to confirm that the laser did not compromise the integrity of the packaging or create any chemical reactions resulting in additions to the material. Barrier testing from Sappi established that the water, moisture, and mineral oil barrier properties were unaffected.
Furthermore, in 2022, Domino launched a new laser coder for coding on color-printed, mono-material flexible food packaging films, for use in applications including snacks and confectionery. Mono-material recyclable plastics can prove challenging to code using traditional fiber or CO2 laser coders, necessitating a UV laser solution. Domino developed the U510 UV laser to offer manufacturers a reliable laser coding solution for these new packaging solutions.