A batch code can be perfectly printed and still become difficult to use if it is placed in the wrong part of the packaging.

Before confirming a printing position, Malaysian manufacturers and contract packers should consider more than the available empty space. The chosen print zone must work with the packaging material, sealing process, production equipment, normal handling, storage and final presentation of the product.

This guide explains seven practical checks that can help production teams identify a suitable area for batch numbers, manufacturing dates, expiry dates, lot numbers, barcodes and QR codes. It is a planning guide rather than a universal approval: the final position, ink and printer combination should be verified on the actual product or packaging sample.

Why print position matters

A code may look clear immediately after printing but later pass through heat sealing, folding, conveying, carton packing, wrapping, stacking and delivery. Each step can change how easily the information is read or scanned.

Print-zone planning should therefore connect three questions:

• Can the printer apply the code consistently at the selected position?
• Can the ink adhere to the actual surface under the intended working conditions?
• Will the code remain accessible and readable after the complete packaging and handling process?

1. Check whether the surface is sufficiently flat and stable

Thermal inkjet printing generally requires a controlled relationship between the cartridge and the target surface. A flat and stable area can make it easier to maintain the intended printing distance and alignment.

Curves, raised ribs, recessed panels, seams and sudden changes in height may affect consistency. For bottles and containers, the broadest and most stable part of the sidewall may be easier to evaluate than the shoulder, neck or base. This should still be confirmed through an actual trial because container shape and production handling differ.

2. Keep the proposed code away from seals and heat-affected areas

Flexible pouches, sachets and other sealed packaging may have top, bottom or side-seal areas. These areas can experience heat, pressure or material deformation during production.

Where practical, assess a flat panel away from the sealing boundary. The team should also confirm whether the code will be printed before or after sealing, because the packaging condition at the printing station can affect positioning and repeatability.

3. Avoid folds, creases, score lines and carton edges

Folding cartons and corrugated boxes contain score lines, flaps, corners and joining areas. Placing important information across these features may interrupt text or reduce barcode and QR-code readability.

A broad panel away from the edge, glue flap, folding line, tape path or closing seam is often a more practical area to evaluate. For carton applications, visit our Carton & Secondary Packaging Coding Solutions page.

4. Consider contrast and existing packaging artwork

The code should be visually distinguishable from its background. Dark graphics, reflective finishes, transparent packaging and busy artwork can make a code more difficult to locate or read even when the individual dots are clearly printed.

Before production, compare the proposed code with the final approved packaging artwork—not only a blank sample. The team may need to reserve a clear print panel or reassess the ink colour, subject to actual compatibility and adhesion testing.

5. Identify rubbing, gripping and contact points

Operators, guides, belts, rollers, cartons, dividers and wrapping materials may repeatedly contact certain parts of a package. A code positioned in a high-contact area may experience different handling conditions from a code placed on a protected panel.

Observe the real production route and mark where the product is gripped, pushed, guided, stacked or strapped. Warehouse teams should also consider how labels, stretch wrap, tape or handling documents may cover the code later. Related planning examples are available under Warehouse & Logistics Coding Solutions.

6. Keep related information easy to locate

Batch, manufacturing and expiry information should be placed where operators, distributors and users can find it without unnecessary searching. If a barcode or QR code is included, allow sufficient surrounding space and avoid printing across a fold or material transition.

The appropriate information and placement depend on the product, packaging design and applicable customer or regulatory requirements. The product owner remains responsible for confirming all mandatory labelling and compliance requirements.

7. Test the complete process—not only the first print

A useful evaluation follows the sample beyond the printing station. Depending on the application, the production team may check the code after:

• Sealing or closing the package
• Normal conveyor and operator handling
• Packing into secondary cartons
• Wrapping, taping, strapping or stacking
• Storage under the intended conditions
• Representative delivery and handling

The purpose is not to claim that one position works for every material. It is to identify whether the proposed print zone, printer setup and ink remain suitable throughout the intended workflow.

Practical print-zone examples by packaging type

Plastic bottle or container

Evaluate a stable sidewall area with manageable curvature. Avoid assuming that the shoulder, neck, base or moulded ribs will provide the same printing condition. For beverage applications, see Food & Beverage Coding Solutions.

Flexible pouch

Evaluate a flat panel away from the seal, tear notch, zipper, gusset and heavily creased sections. Confirm whether the pouch is empty, supported, filled or moving when printing takes place.

Folding carton

Assess a clear panel away from score lines, glue flaps and closing edges. Check the final artwork and the condition of the assembled carton.

Corrugated shipping box

Assess a flat carton panel away from corners, flaps, tape, straps and transport labels. Corrugated surface condition, board quality and handling should be included in the trial.

Cosmetics and healthcare packaging

Small cartons, bottles, tubes and coated packaging can present limited print areas and different surface characteristics. Review the actual pack under Cosmetics & Personal Care Coding Solutions or Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Packaging Coding Solutions. Customers must independently confirm all product-specific and regulatory requirements.

A simple print-zone review checklist

• Is the proposed area flat, stable and accessible?
• Is it away from seals, folds, edges and sudden height changes?
• Does the background provide sufficient visual contrast?
• Will guides, hands, belts, tape, labels or wrap contact or cover it?
• Can the printing position be repeated consistently during production?
• Can the information be found and read after final packing?
• Has the complete package and workflow been tested using an actual sample?

Plan the application before confirming the print zone

PTS Technology supports Malaysian businesses with BENTSAI handheld and inline thermal inkjet coding solutions. Our application discussion considers the product, surface, required code, printing position and production workflow. Actual results depend on the substrate, coating, surface condition, ink selection, equipment setup and operating environment.

Explore our complete Coding & Marking Solutions by Application guide, or contact PTS Technology on WhatsApp to discuss your product and proposed printing area.