We Know Beverage
Premium Marking and Coding Solutions for Traceability in Fast-Paced UK Production Lines
In the dynamic UK & Irish beverage industries, where high-speed lines, wet surfaces, and strict hygiene standards demand unbreakable traceability, REA UK provides premium industrial marking and coding solutions that ensure every bottle, can, or carton is compliant and trackable. Our German-engineered systems—built for robustness with lifespans often exceeding 10 years—handle challenges like condensation, vibration and high throughput, delivering contact-free coding for GS1-compliant labels and direct marks.
What sets us apart?
As an independent subsidiary, our UK engineering team enhances these with bespoke sub-solutions, such as camera vision for real-time verification, PLC integrations for seamless line control, and custom applicators for curved surfaces, helping producers reduce downtime and meet regulations like EU FIC while optimizing efficiency in a premium market.
Application List:
- High-Speed Bottling and Canning: Inkjet and laser coding for serial numbers, expiry dates, and QR codes on glass, metal, or plastic at speeds up to 1,000 units/min.
- Packaging and Labelling: Print-and-apply systems for tamper-evident labels on cartons or shrink wraps, ensuring traceability from filling to distribution.
- Batch Tracking and Serialization: DPM on caps or bases for end-to-end supply chain visibility, integrated with your ERP via UK-developed software.
- Promotional Coding: Variable data printing for marketing campaigns, with camera vision checks to verify accuracy on wet or textured surfaces.
- Compliance Marking: GS1 barcodes and lot codes on multipacks, supported by offline cleaning stands for minimal maintenance in humid environments.
Industry Challenges List:
- Wet and Condensation-Prone Surfaces: Solutions must adhere without smudging—our robust inkjet formulations and laser etching provide high-contrast, durable marks.
- High-Volume Production Speeds: Coding needs to keep pace without halting lines—REA has the fastest marking solutions in the industry across a number of product lines.
- Hygiene and Regulatory Compliance: Strict food safety rules require non-toxic, verifiable marks—our inks are certified safe for food packaging and our inline camera systems can check every mark.
- Varied Packaging Materials: From glass to flexible pouches, marking must be versatile and robust—our movement automation adapts print heads dynamically.
- Downtime and Maintenance: Harsh conditions demand long-lifespan tech—our designs, with over 50,000 global installs, minimize interruptions via features like stainless steel build and IP65 rating.
Beverage Applications Gallery
Frequently asked questions
How does REA UK handle wet surfaces in beverage coding?
Our inkjet systems use specialised inks and our IP65 laser solutions are designed for such applications.
What solutions fit high-speed beverage lines?
REA Label Applicators with integrated HR heads for in line printing of variable date on the label at point of application, our lasers for permanent marks at 1,000+ units/min or our SC2.0 for date coding directly onto curved glass surfaces or underside of cans.
Can REA ensure GS1 compliant 1D & 2D codes for beverages?
Yes—we have a host of GS1 Approved solutions for 2D code marking and verification.
How do we minimize downtime in humid environments?
Invest in our range of IP65 solutions designed to operate in these environments with 99.9% uptime.
What bespoke features does REA UK offer for beverages?
Custom sub-solutions like print head automation for variable packaging and vision checks for print data validation.
We’re here to help
Hi! My name is Josh, I’m the Solutions Engineer at REA UK.
Do you have any questions about what we do? Would you like to learn more about our products?
Get in touch today!
