Premade pouches
Date and batch coding before filling or on a controlled finished-pack panel.
Pouches, films & sleeves · UK
Flexible packaging
coding systems.
Date, batch, text and 2D code printing for pouches, films, sleeves and labels, selected around web control, ink adhesion and downstream handling.
TIJ on moving packaging
Control the material.
Then prove the print.
Short answer: TIJ can code many flexible packaging applications when the film, pouch, sleeve or label passes the printhead at a close and repeatable distance and the chosen ink dries before the mark contacts rollers, guides or product.
Some wrapper applications are better suited to thermal transfer overprinting, while TIJ can be effective on prepared webs, labels, sleeves, pouches and selected film processes. The decision should be made from real samples and line motion rather than material name alone.
Reviewed by Oxford Traceability · Updated 25 August 2026
PouchesFormed or flat applications
FilmsProve movement and adhesion
TIJ or TTOSelect by process
01Film and pouch assessment
Ink and movement
A flexible surface
needs stable presentation.
Wrinkles, flutter, stretch and changing web tension can move the surface outside the printhead’s working gap.
The printer position should be assessed where the material is supported and controlled. Fast-dry ink must bond to the finished treatment or coating and dry before any contact that could smear the code.
- Exact film structure, coating and surface treatment
- Web speed, tension, registration and movement
- Printhead gap and mechanical support at the print point
- Dry time before rollers, forming, sealing or packing
Test finished production material
Similar-looking films can have different surface treatments, additives and coatings, so supplier descriptions are not a substitute for a print trial.
02Technology selection
TIJ or thermal transfer
Choose around
the packaging machine.
TIJ is non-contact and cartridge based. TTO transfers ink from a ribbon onto film using a printhead and platen or roller.
The stronger option depends on whether the web stops or runs continuously, available mounting space, code size, substrate, required durability and existing wrapper design. A clear comparison should include consumables and changeover as well as print quality.
- Intermittent or continuous packaging-machine motion
- Required code area, resolution and variable content
- Available mounting position and film support
- Ink-cartridge versus ribbon operating model
Do not force the technology
If TTO provides the more reliable result for a particular wrapper, it should remain in the comparison rather than selecting TIJ only from purchase price.
Flexible-pack applications
Code across varied
packaging formats.
Every format still requires its own material, movement and dry-time assessment.
Flow wrap
Coding on the web where motion and print gap can be kept repeatable.
Sachets
Compact variable codes on small flexible packs and multi-lane processes.
Lidding films
High-contrast codes selected around the coating and sealing process.
Sleeves and labels
Print before application where web control and drying can be proved.
Flexible laminates
Application trials for treated, coated or multi-layer materials.
Application checklist
Details that determine
the right technology.
A short production video plus finished film and artwork can quickly expose the key variables.
Pack formatPouch, sachet, flow wrap, sleeve, label, lidding film or roll-fed web
MaterialPolymer, laminate structure, coating, surface treatment, colour and finish
Machine motionContinuous or intermittent, web speed, tension, registration and dwell
Code requirementDates, batches, text, logo, barcode, QR or DataMatrix and maximum area
Print locationAvailable support, product gap, orientation and distance from sealing areas
After printingRoller contact, forming, filling, sealing, cooling, handling and resistance need
Frequently asked
Direct answers
for production teams.
For application-specific advice, call 01865 362785.
Can thermal inkjet print directly onto plastic film?+
It can on suitable films with a compatible fast-dry ink and controlled web path. The exact finished film should be tested for adhesion, dry time, contrast and resistance.
Is TIJ better than TTO for flexible packaging?+
Neither is universally better. TIJ can offer compact cartridge-based non-contact printing, while TTO is established for many intermittent and continuous film applications. The packaging-machine motion and material determine the fit.
Can TIJ print on premade pouches?+
Yes when a pouch can be presented flat and repeatably at the print position. Wrinkles, gussets, closures, filled-product shape and movement must be considered.
Will the code smear during forming or sealing?+
It may if the ink has not dried or does not bond to the surface. Test the full time between printing and contact with rollers, guides, product or sealing equipment.
Can flexible packaging carry QR or DataMatrix codes?+
Yes, but code size, distortion, contrast, quiet zones, print position and scanner presentation require careful control. Test using the real pack and downstream process.