Linx printers are providing the ideal solution for the coding of both primary and secondary packaging at London-based brewery Fourpure Brewing Co. A Linx 8900 Continuous Ink Jet (CIJ) printer is printing three lines of code onto the base of aluminium cans. These are subsequently packed into boxes, onto which two Linx TJ725 Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) printers apply product information text and a barcode. The Linx 8900 is currently running at 12,000 cans per hour, with the Linx TJ725 coding 20 boxes per minute. The arrival of the Linx TJ725 has enabled the coding of boxes to be carried out in-line for greater efficiency, delivering important cost and time savings compared to the previous method of hand applying labels to boxes on pallets off-line. The Linx 8900 meanwhile delivers high quality codes, printing vertically against gravity. The conveyor sits higher than the printer and a 2m conduit has been supplied to enable the printhead to be positioned directly underneath. Linx Black fast-drying ink 1240 has been selected for the Linx 8900 as it is able to deal effectively with typical filling conditions such as dampness, humidity and water vapour while ensuring excellent adhesion and high clarity codes. A particular benefit of both printers for Fourpure is their ability to deliver excellent quality codes from the moment they start up, even if they are run intermittently. The Linx 8900 features Linx’s proven autoflush system which thoroughly cleans the printhead every time it is shut down for a fast and clean startup when next required. The Linx TJ725’s innovative Active Cartridge Care System® slows the nozzle drying process to give good consistent prints every time. Both printers incorporate intuitive touch screens for easy set-up and product changeovers. The cartridge system on the Linx 8900 makes changing fluids a fast and simple process, while the Linx TJ725 features a replaceable ink cartridge with integral printhead that can be removed and replaced in a matter of seconds. “We particularly like the ease of use of the Linx 8900,” confirms Steve Morris, Fourpure’s Head of Packaging. “Changing fluids is really simple with the printer’s cartridge system, and setup and selection of codes are equally user-friendly.” Aluminium beverage cans have now been certified as the world’s most recycled drinks container at the recent Smithers Pira Sustainability in Packaging Europe Conference in Barcelona. Seven out of 10 drinks cans sold in the UK are recycled and 75% of all aluminium ever produced is still in use today. Metal, particularly aluminium, has long been a leader in recycling because it is a permanently available material that can be recycled again and again, without losing any quality of its structural integrity. But it’s not just aluminium - steel for packaging recorded an average European recycling rate of 78% in 2015, a record performance, which included five countries exceeding 85%. With greater focus being placed on packaging, consumers are now more concerned about waste produced and want to be informed of the most up-to-date recycling statistics. Martin Constable, Chairman of the Can Makers, says, “The news that aluminium cans are now confirmed as the most recycled drinks packaging in the world is great news for environmentally concerned consumers. The can is the ideal packaging of choice for brands to meet their own sustainability targets as well as meet customer demand for ‘greener’ packaging.” Whilst these numbers are encouraging, there remains much to do to reach the 2020 metal packaging industry ambition of an 80% European average rate. Metal packaging must be fully recognised in the consumers’ eyes as the model for real recycling. To reach this objective, consumer engagement campaigns, like EveryCanCounts and MetalMatters, are crucial. It’s not just down to conscientious consumers however, there is a need for the right legislative framework to create a functioning Circular Economy. It is inherent in a circular economy that it starts and ends with a new product that can be recycled again and again. Recycling rates are a good indicator of whether or not recyclates are used for new applications. Packaging and packaging waste policies should be based on sound life-cycle assessments. In a Circular Economy this means the focus should be on multiple-life-cycles. 70 BREWING & BEVERAGE INDUSTRIES BUSINESS www.linxglobal.com For more information visit: Aluminium drinks can ‘is the most recycled drinks container in the world’ Linx provides solution News CONTAINERS 70_Layout 1 12/02/2018 15:17 Page 1