Coding and marking has become far more than simply printing a batch number or expiry date on a product.

As manufacturers face increasing demands for traceability, product identification, automation and supply-chain visibility, the technology responsible for putting information onto products and packaging is becoming an increasingly important part of the production line.

At Propak Cape Town 2026, Goldpack will bring the capabilities of Squid Ink to the African manufacturing market, providing visitors with an opportunity to discuss their specific coding and marking requirements and explore technologies designed for real-world production environments.

Squid Ink is a US-based manufacturer with more than three decades of experience in industrial printing and ink development. Its portfolio encompasses high-resolution piezo printing, continuous inkjet (CIJ), thermal inkjet (TIJ), drop-on-demand printing, laser marking, UV curing, coding software, specialty inks and print validation systems.

For Goldpack, the breadth of the portfolio is important because there is no single coding technology suited to every application. The objective is to understand the product, substrate, production environment, code requirements and line conditions before selecting the appropriate solution.

Printing Technology for Real-World Production

Squid Ink's roots are in ink development. The company began manufacturing inkjet fluids in 1992, initially identifying an opportunity to provide higher-quality fluids at a significantly lower cost than those available at the time.

That focus on ink technology has remained an important part of the business as the company has expanded into industrial coding and marking equipment.

Today, the combination of printer and ink development remains a key part of the Squid Ink proposition.

Its high-resolution CoPilot range, for example, is designed to produce sharp text, logos, barcodes and variable data across substrates including corrugated cases, plastics, glass, metals, wood and films. Depending on the model, systems can deliver resolutions of up to 360 dpi, while the CoPilot Max LT offers an extended 10–12 mm throw distance for applications involving overfilled cases, recessed surfaces or inconsistent product handling.

For applications requiring small-character coding, the JetStream CIJ range offers printing speeds of up to 1,000 feet per minute, with automatic start-up and shutdown and quick-disconnect components designed to simplify maintenance.

Thermal inkjet systems provide another option for applications where high-quality variable information is required, while Squid Ink's laser portfolio provides permanent, non-contact marking without the need for traditional ink or solvent consumables.

The laser range includes CO₂, fibre and UV systems for different materials and applications, giving manufacturers another option where permanent marking, durability or reduced consumable requirements are priorities.

Reliability Is More Than the Printer

In a production environment, a printer is only valuable if it continues to print when the production line needs it.

Reliability, maintenance and uptime therefore form an important part of the coding and marking decision.

Squid Ink has developed several practical innovations aimed at reducing maintenance and improving system availability.

The JetWash automated cleaning system, for example, is designed to clean or backflush JetStream printheads automatically. Controlled from the printer's console, the system provides hands-free cleaning intended to maintain print quality while reducing manual intervention and downtime.

The same philosophy extends into print verification.

SquidCheck can be integrated with Squid Ink printing systems to verify that printed barcodes are present, scannable and accurate. For manufacturers increasingly dealing with retailer requirements, traceability and variable product information, being able to verify the code rather than simply print it can add another level of control to the production process.

Preparing for the Next Generation of Traceability

The move towards greater product traceability is changing what manufacturers expect from coding and marking systems.

Squid Ink is a GS1 US Solution Partner, supporting the implementation of GS1 standards including GTINs, 2D barcodes and GS1 Digital Link. Its systems are designed to produce GS1-compliant barcodes and variable data across a wide range of substrates.

For African manufacturers, this is becoming increasingly relevant as global supply chains become more data-driven and retailers demand greater visibility from suppliers.

E-commerce adds another dimension. Products moving through increasingly automated fulfilment and distribution networks need reliable identification, readable codes and accurate variable information throughout the supply chain.

Coding and marking therefore becomes more than a compliance requirement. It becomes part of the information infrastructure connecting the product, manufacturer, retailer, logistics provider and ultimately the customer.

Bringing Squid Ink Technology to Africa

The opportunity in Sub-Saharan Africa is significant.

While advanced coding and marking technology is already established in many major manufacturing operations, there remains a substantial market for manufacturers looking to upgrade older equipment, replace unreliable systems or move away from lower-cost machines that can create problems through inconsistent printing, excessive maintenance or limited technical support.

This is where Goldpack's role extends beyond simply supplying equipment.

As Squid Ink's Sub-Saharan African partner, Goldpack combines access to the Squid Ink technology portfolio with local technical knowledge, application support and an established service infrastructure.

The focus is not simply on selling another printer.

It is on helping manufacturers identify the right technology for their application and supporting that technology throughout its working life.

For manufacturers operating in demanding production environments, that distinction can be significant. A coding system needs to produce the required information accurately, consistently and reliably, while fitting into the realities of the production line around it.

Let's Talk Coding and Marking at Propak Cape Town

Propak Cape Town 2026 provides manufacturers with an opportunity to engage directly with the Goldpack team and discuss their coding and marking requirements.

Whether the requirement is high-resolution case coding, CIJ, TIJ, laser marking, barcode verification, traceability or a more integrated approach to production-line identification, the focus will be on understanding the application first and then identifying the appropriate technology.

The opportunity extends across FMCG, agriculture, food production, packaging, logistics and other industries where accurate and reliable product identification is essential.

Your product may only need coding. Your production line needs a coding system you can rely on.

Visit Goldpack at Propak Cape Town 2026 to discuss your requirements and discover how Squid Ink technology can be applied to your production environment.

PROPAK CAPE TOWN 2026

Goldpack — Stand A51
27–29 October 2026
Cape Town International Convention Centre
Email: sales@goldpack.co.za

About Goldpack

Established in 1987, Goldpack supplies packaging machinery, technology and consumables to customers throughout South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.

The company provides solutions across printing and coding, strapping, wrapping, bag closing and other packaging applications, supported by an experienced technical team focused on helping customers improve efficiency, reliability and overall packaging performance.