We determined that a tag needed to be developed that was both direct thermally printable and that had metal detectable properties. This would enable the customer to utilise existing hardware and maximise production efficiencies whilst solving the issue.

We chose a high quality, direct thermal, synthetic material that provided an excellent thermal image, moisture resistance, and the ability to withstand high temperatures. Our technical and operations teams developed a process to successfully convert this challenging product construction. The tag was tested by our in-house laboratory to replicate the printing and application process, utilising a metal detector to validate that the tag was detectable. The product was then trialled by our client to confirm suitability.

Whilst we began development of this product to solve a specific client’s challenge, we soon realised the products’ potential across other applications. We found that the ability to withstand high temperatures was a feature that would benefit additional customers as this is a key environmental challenge in many potential end-use applications. Many meat processing and smallgoods plants utilise high temperature water baths and smoke-houses, and if the direct thermal material isn’t rated to this temperature then it will turn black and all identification information is lost.