Laser marking edibles

new DataLase Edible is a new system that allows a safe, high contrast image to be formed directly onto edible products such as fresh produce, hard shelled confectionery as well as pharmaceutical tablets.

The process uses a unique additive which is applied to the surface of the food product via a spray system or by tumble coating; the product is then marked by a low power CO2 laser. Once marked, the coating then undergoes a safe colour-change, creating a high contrast, stable image that is produced from 100% edible components.

Due to the sensitivity of the coating to the laser light, only a fraction of the laser energy that would be required to etch or burn an image into the surface is used, preserving the integrity of the surface of the edible material being marked.

Aside from eliminating the need for traditional labels, the new technique also eliminates the energy cost associated with running such systems.

“DataLase Edible is set to revolutionise the marking of edible products, particularly fresh produce and pharmaceuticals”, comments Andrew Jackson, Applications Marketing Manager at Sherwood Technology. “Our preferred route to market is via direct licensing agreements, thus we are currently working with a number of partners in order to develop DataLase Edible into a complete solution for laser marking edible products.”