As a market partner for industrial packaging solutions, Duttenhöfer from Haßloch in the Palatinate is one of the first companies in the industry to implement traceability for certain customers, including leading global chemical companies, using a labeling system solution from Herma. At Fachpack 2022 in Nuremberg, Duttenhöfer will be presenting the process to a wider specialist audience.

With this solution, Duttenhöfer is currently concentrating on drums made of thin sheet in the standard size of 216.5 liters. "Our customers use the possibilities of fast and reliable traceability primarily for containers into which food precursors are filled, such as flavorings, or particularly hazardous substances, for example TDI, a foam precursor," says Dieter Niggemeier, Head of Process Engineering and Dangerous Goods Officer at Duttenhöfer. "These are filling goods for which our customers always want to ensure reliable tracking. We have been using the labeling solution from Herma for several months now and are very satisfied. This applies to the handling of the labeling technology as well as the label material, which was developed in accordance with the requirements of VPA 9."

Labeled seawater-resistant

Traceability is based on a QR code that is applied to the lidded drum using a label. It contains a consecutive serial number, information on the container manufacturer and a packaging number assigned by the user. This allows each individual drum to be identified and localized along the supply chain and transport routes. The code also helps the user to ensure at the time of filling that packaging suitable for the product is actually being used. The high reliability of the marking technology is crucial. For example, the label with the QR code must be able to withstand any hot filling without damage. Above all, however, the label, adhesive and the printing inks used must be seawater-resistant in accordance with British Standard BS5609 (Sections 2 and 3).

Herma was able to develop a suitable system solution for these requirements thanks to the experience gained from many years of cooperation with BASF and the comprehensive know-how from its own adhesive material production. It consists of the PA4 print & apply system and the matching labels. It is designed for permanent and tough industrial use, which requires precise label printing. At Duttenhöfer, the system was integrated into the production line for the drums. "The labeling system from Herma is reliable and low-maintenance," confirms Dieter Niggemeier.

Duttenhöfer's sales department also confirms customer interest: "The number of drums that we make traceable in accordance with VPA 9 at the customer's request is now in the six-figure range and continues to increase," says Sales Manager Werner Völkner. "With the Herma solution, we believe we are well prepared for the growing demand from our customers."