New version of Packmark from Datalase

DataLase (formerly Sherwood Technology), the color change technology company, has announced that it’s coding and marking solution, DataLase Packmark (formerly DataLase), offers benefits over other coding and marking techniques. Combining chemistry, substrate conversion and laser energy, this process uses very low power laser light for the high speed printing of variable information on primary packaging. By implementing DataLase Packmark, brand owners could, the company says, ‘enjoy a number of immediate benefits including increased productivity, image stability and a process that is environmentally friendly and low maintenance.’

The company said in a statement: ‘DataLase Packmark is a unique, patent-pending, coding and marking solution for applying on-demand variable information to primary packaging materials. The process uses a robust, inert inorganic additive, DataLase Packmark, which undergoes a color change reaction to form a positive contrast image or code once exposed to a computer controlled low level energy beam emitted from an industrial CO2 marking laser. Due to the stability of the image produced, this innovative solution, which has a wide range of applications relating to coding, marking and tracking and tracing, provides extreme protection for brand integrity.

‘The material to be marked can be treated either by direct doping of DataLase Packmark into the substrate or its existing surface coating, or by a separate coating or printing operation.  The subsequent laser imaging process does not require any ink or ribbons and is virtually maintenance free. The process is equally suitable for any type of primary packaging substrate including flexible packaging, paper, board and plastics. The technology’s versatility makes it ideal for a wide range of coding and marking applications.’

DataLase Packmark is available via a number of DataLase license partners (for example Sicpa, Rad-Cure, Siegwerk, XSYS, Domino), and early market adopters include Mller Dairy and George Weston Foods.

‘There is only one patent-pending process available globally which offers these unique benefits to brand owners,’ commented Andrew Jackson, applications marketing manager of DataLase. ‘By using DataLase Packmark, brand owners are not only able to remove consumables from the production line, increase productivity and efficiency, but also apply a brand protection technique, all in a single process.’  

DataLase was renamed DataLase Packmark following the rebranding of the company in January 2006, in line with its changing market focus from a technology company to a total solutions provider. The rebranding exercise is a precursor to the launch of a significant market-ready product portfolio in 2006.