Flexible packaging is revolutionizing the packaging landscape across industries\u2014from food and beverages to pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Its lightweight structure, sustainability, and branding flexibility make it the go-to choice. But printing on flexible packaging isn\u2019t always straightforward. Different substrates, regulatory pressures, and production demands require precise, reliable coding solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To meet these challenges head-on, MapleJet\u2019s Hx printer range\u2014featuring the Hx Nitro and Hx Ultro Bulk Ink\u2014offers reliable, high-performance solutions tailored for flexible packaging.<\/strong> In this blog post, we explore flexible packaging coding by industry and guide you to the ideal Hx printer that can optimize your workflow, improve compliance, and support scalable growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Flexible packaging is essential across industries\u2014from food<\/strong> and pharmaceuticals<\/strong> to cosmetics<\/strong>, household goods<\/strong>, and e-commerce<\/strong>. Each sector uses flexible materials like pouches, sachets, tubes, and films to meet packaging demands, but faces unique coding challenges\u2014from high-speed hygiene compliance in food, to serialization in pharma, to premium branding in cosmetics. Understanding these industry-specific needs is key to choosing the right printer for reliable, high-quality coding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Flexible packaging in the food industry includes pouches, flow wraps, sachets, and resealable films. These formats are often exposed to refrigeration, grease, or moisture and are typically part of high-speed production environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common Challenges:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Recommended Printer: <\/strong>Hx Nitro<\/a> for SME | Hx Ultro<\/a> for Large Company with High Volume Production Line<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why It Works:<\/strong> Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products must comply with strict serialization and traceability standards like Sunrise 2027<\/strong>, making accurate, reliable coding essential for compliance and patient safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common Challenges:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Recommended Printer:<\/strong> Hx Ultro Fully Automated Bulk Ink + MapleJet Track & Trace Software + Hx Console<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why It Works:<\/strong><\/strong> MapleJet\u2019s printers are designed to integrate easily with third-party Track & Trace systems<\/strong>, making them a future-proof option for manufacturers already running serialization platforms. For complete traceability, MapleJet’s own Track & Trace solution<\/strong> offers seamless connectivity from coding to verification and reporting\u2014ensuring full compliance with Sunrise 2027<\/strong> and other global mandates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, Hx Console<\/strong> allows production or operations managers to centrally monitor, manage, and update multiple printers across several lines\u2014ideal for facilities with high throughput or complex serialization workflows. It enhances efficiency, reduces manual input errors, and simplifies compliance reporting by giving teams real-time oversight from a single dashboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This industry relies on premium packaging\u2014glossy, laminated, curved, or custom die-cut formats\u2014to communicate brand identity. As a result, product coding must be sharp, precise, and aesthetically aligned with the packaging’s visual appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common Challenges:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Recommended Printer:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Why It Works:<\/strong> Hx Nitro<\/strong> is perfect for SMEs or contract manufacturers<\/strong> that need flexibility and cleanliness without sacrificing print quality. Its compact footprint, no-odor solvent cartridge system, and fast cartridge swaps make it ideal for short-run or seasonal product launches where space and efficiency matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, Hx Ultro Bulk Ink<\/strong> is tailored for high-volume production environments<\/strong>. Its large ink reservoir supports uninterrupted, long-duration runs\u2014reducing cartridge changeouts and improving line efficiency during mass-market or export campaigns. Together with Hx Console<\/strong>, operations managers can centrally manage multiple printers, even across different packaging lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This segment often involves printing on flexible packaging made from PE, PET, or foil laminates\u2014materials that demand long-lasting, abrasion-resistant, and chemically stable codes. Applications span across cleaning wipes, detergent refills, and industrial products that must endure harsh handling and environmental exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common Challenges:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Recommended Printer:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Why It Works:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00a0In the household and industrial goods sector, print durability is essential\u2014not only for regulatory and logistics purposes but also to maintain brand credibility. Both Hx Nitro and Hx Ultro Bulk Ink printers deliver crisp, smudge-resistant prints that stand up to moisture, chemicals, and rough handling. Hx Ultro\u2019s high-capacity ink supply is perfect for large-scale operations that demand uninterrupted production, while Hx Nitro offers an economical, space-saving solution with fast setup and low maintenance. Both models integrate easily into VFFS or HFFS systems and can be managed centrally via Hx Console for multi-line environments<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the explosive growth of e-commerce, packaging must accommodate high-speed fulfillment, on-demand printing, and diverse materials like kraft paper, bubble mailers, and flexible polybags. Whether for return pouches or delivery labeling, efficiency and accuracy are critical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common Challenges:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nIndustry Use Cases and Ideal Hx TIJ Printer Solutions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Food Packaging (Snacks, Pouches, Ready Meals)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The Hx Nitro and Hx Ultro Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) technology deliver high-resolution, non-contact printing, making them an ideal choice for coding in hygienic environments. These printers are particularly well-suited for food-grade flexible packaging, where frequent washdowns and contamination control are necessary. Unlike CIJ printers, the Hx printer uses sealed cartridges\u2014eliminating ink leaks and solvent odors that could otherwise pose a risk to food safety. Its compact, maintenance-free design fits easily into narrow or space-constrained production lines, giving operations teams more flexibility on the floor. Built for speed, Hx printers can keep up with fast-moving production lines and surge demands during peak seasons. Paired with Hx Manager<\/strong> software and Hx Console<\/strong>, production managers can oversee multiple printers from a single interface\u2014streamlining operations, minimizing human error, and improving overall efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPharmaceutical & Nutraceutical Products (Blister Packs, Sachets)<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The Hx Ultro Bulk Ink printer offers high-resolution, durable printing on pharmaceutical substrates such as blister films and sachets. It ensures precise placement of GS1 2D barcodes, lot numbers, expiry dates, and serialized codes that meet stringent global compliance requirements. Thanks to its bulk ink system, it supports high-volume production with minimal interruptions\u2014ideal for pharmaceutical environments with continuous output demands.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPersonal Care & Cosmetics (Tubes, Laminates, Flow Wraps)<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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For cosmetics and personal care brands, every detail\u2014from packaging finish to printed codes\u2014impacts consumer perception. Both Hx Nitro<\/strong> and Hx Ultro Bulk Ink<\/strong> use solvent-based inks<\/strong> designed to adhere effectively to laminated and non-porous materials, ensuring that printed logos, batch codes, and expiry dates remain sharp and smudge-resistant.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHousehold & Industrial Products (Wipes, Detergents, DIY Supplies)<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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E-Commerce Packaging (Return Pouches, Flexible Labels, Bubble Mailers)<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n