As of 2023, the restaurant industry is seeing significant growth in demand for high-quality, reliable packaging solutions for bulk food items. One leading chain restaurant, renowned for its bulk soup packaging, faces unique challenges in ensuring that their labeling process is efficient and compliant with food safety standards

The Challenge

The chain restaurant needs a reliable Thermal Transfer solution for labeling large bags filled with very hot soup. The labels must withstand the initial high temperatures of the soup, followed by a rapid flash-freezing process, all while maintaining legibility and preventing ink transfer.

The following are the specific requirements listed by the restaurant for their labeling needs: 

• Heat resistance - The labels must endure the high temperatures of the freshly prepared soup without the ink transferring to the bag.
• Cold resistance - The labels must maintain their integrity and legibility after the flash-freezing process.
• Smudge resistance - To ensure expiration dates, lot numbers, and nutritional information remain clear and readable.
• Compliance - The labels must comply with food safety regulations, including clear and durable print.
• Short lead-time - The solution should be readily available and quick to implement.
• Traceability - The labels should allow for easy tracking and traceability throughout the supply chain

The Solution

After thoroughly evaluating the specific needs and conducting multiple printing studies, our Thermal Transfer experts recommend the ACE8371 resin Thermal Transfer ribbon as the ideal solution. The ACE8371 ribbon was chosen for its superior performance in extreme conditions.

How does ACE8371 excel in this application?

• Heat resistance - The ACE8371 ribbon is designed to withstand high temperatures without causing the ink to transfer from the label to the back of the bag, ensuring the label remains intact and legible.
• Cold resistance - The ACE8371 maintains print quality and durability even after undergoing the flash-freezing process, ensuring that all critical information remains readable.
• Smudge resistance - The ACE8371 ribbon offers high smudge resistance, ensuring that expiration dates, lot numbers, and nutritional information stay clear and crisp.
• Compliance - The ACE8371 meets all food safety labeling requirements, providing peace of mind that all regulatory standards are met.
• Short lead-time - With ACE8371, implementation is quick and efficient, minimizing downtime and ensuring the restaurant can maintain its packaging schedule.
• Traceability - The ACE8371 ensures that all information on the label, such as expiration dates and lot numbers, is easily traceable throughout the supply chain, enhancing overall food safety and quality control.

By choosing ACE8371, the restaurant can ensure their bulk soup packaging is clearly labeled and compliant, even under extreme temperature conditions.