In-line Beer Keg Laser Marking System

Returnable Beer Keg Traceability Solution That Also Meets TTB Labeling Requirements

US government compliance requires that breweries label beer kegs with a Government Warning as identified in the 27 CFR Part 16 requirements for alcohol product labeling. Conventional adhesive labeling methods are not good enough due to the risk of label de-lamination and removal. Improper labeling could lead to the brewer receiving heavy fines assessed by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau for labeling non-compliance. Adhesive labeling to meet the TTB requirements can be eliminated by the use of laser marking the beer keg direct with the Government Warning.

Managing returnable beer kegs in the keg float introduces its own set of challenges for the brewer. Firstly, for the keg float to continue its cycle, the beer keg must be returned back to its rightful owner for cleaning and filling. By permanently laser marking the keg with a unique ID using a 2D code, the keg can be tracked and traced as it proceeds through the different stages in the keg float. The unique ID can also be used to identify when keg maintenance needs to be properly scheduled. If keg cycle data metrics are also needed, the placement of a unique ID allows the brewer to monitor fill cycle data to gather important marketing information. Finally, a permanent unique ID on a keg is a valuable feature as part of a plan for product recall allowing the recall to be narrowly targeted, therefore, reducing an unnecessary broader recall.

Matthews Marking Products has designed an in-line beer keg laser marking system that integrates with a KHS keg filling system. This system comes complete with a vision system to inspect and read the returned kegs to provide the track and trace function as well as identifying beer kegs that need to be laser marked. This system can be customized to integrate with a variety of keg filling systems and keg material handling conveyors.

This keg laser marking system is just one example of many that show how Matthews Marking Products can provide solutions for the beverage industry. Matthews also provides laser and inkjet coding solutions for bottle containers, labels, and shipping containers.

Let Matthews Marking Products help you meet your exact marking and coding requirements. Call us on 1-800-775-7775 or e-mail Dean Hornsby at hornsby@matw.com.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Beer Keg
• Keg Marking
• Keg
• Laser
• Marking
• Coding
• Traceability
• Beverage Industry
• Matthews
• Matthews Marking Products
• Beverage
• Date Stamp
• Bar Coding
• Unique ID
• UID
• 2D Code
• 2D Coding
• Metal Marking
• Stainless Steel
• Marking System
• Washdown
• KHS
• Keg Filling
• Beer Keg System
• 27 CFR Part 16
• TTB
• Material Handling
• Track and Trace
• Conveyor System