Frequently Asked Questions
About Elmark Packaging
Q: What does Elmark Packaging do?
Elmark Packaging is a full-service provider of product identification and packaging line solutions. Founded in 1980 and based in West Chester, PA, we supply, install, and service equipment for labeling, code dating, industrial marking, shrink sleeving, and secondary packaging. We also produce custom printed labels and supply inks, ribbons, and spare parts. Our goal is to keep your production line moving with the right equipment and expert support.
Q: How long has Elmark Packaging been in business?
Elmark has been adding information to products and packages since 1980 — over 40 years of experience in marking, coding, and labeling. That longevity means we’ve worked across virtually every industry and packaging challenge, and our team carries deep institutional knowledge that benefits every client.
Q: What industries does Elmark serve?
We work with manufacturers and distributors across a wide range of industries including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, industrial manufacturing, distribution, apparel, and snack foods. Whether you need a date code on a flexible pouch or a high-speed fully automatic label applicator for a busy production line, we have solutions built for your environment.
Q: Where is Elmark Packaging located?
Elmark Packaging is located at 901-J South Bolmar Street, West Chester, PA 19382. We serve clients nationally across the United States. Our team is reachable by phone at 610-692-2455 or toll-free at 1-800-670-9688, and by email at info@elmarkpkg.com.
Label Applicators
Q: What types of label applicators does Elmark offer?
Elmark carries a full range of label applicator types to match any production scale: tabletop label dispensers for manual, low-volume work; semi-automatic label dispensers for mid-volume applications; fully automatic label applicators for high-speed production lines; print & apply applicators that print and place in one step; labeling heads for integration into existing equipment; custom labeling systems for unique packaging geometries; and Rx pharmacy print & apply applicators for prescription labeling.
Q: What is a print & apply label applicator?
A print & apply applicator combines an on-demand label printer with an automatic applicator in a single unit. It prints a unique label — such as a barcode, lot number, or shipping address — and immediately applies it to the product or case. This eliminates pre-printed label inventory and enables variable data labeling at line speed, making it ideal for logistics, warehouse, pharmaceutical, and food production environments.
Q: Can Elmark build a custom label applicator for an unusual product shape?
Yes. Elmark specializes in custom labeling applicators designed for products that don’t fit standard equipment — unusual shapes, fragile items, round containers, or applications requiring labels in hard-to-reach positions. Our engineers assess your product and packaging line to design a solution that applies labels consistently and at the required speed.
Q: Does Elmark offer label applicators for round products like bottles or jars?
Yes. We carry semi-automatic and fully automatic label applicators for round products such as bottles, jars, tubes, and cans. These systems rotate the container as the label is applied to ensure smooth, bubble-free placement — a common requirement in food, beverage, and personal care manufacturing.
Coding & Marking
Q: What is code dating and why does my product need it?
Code dating is the process of printing date, time, lot, batch, or expiration information directly onto a product or its packaging — without a label. It’s required for regulatory compliance across many industries, especially food, beverage, and pharmaceuticals. Common examples include ‘Best By’ dates on packaging, lot numbers on containers, and shift codes on cartons. Elmark offers multiple technologies to accomplish this depending on your substrate, speed, and information requirements.
Q: What coding technologies does Elmark offer?
Elmark offers four primary code dating technologies: Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) — small character printing on products at high speed; Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) — clean, low-maintenance printing for variable data; Drop-on-Demand (DOD) large character printers — for bold codes on cases and cartons; and Laser coders — permanent, ink-free marking ideal for glass, metal, and certain plastics. We help you choose the right technology based on your substrate, line speed, and budget.
Q: What is a CIJ printer and when should I use one?
A Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) printer uses a pressurized stream of ink droplets to print codes on products as they move along a production line — without touching the surface. CIJ is the most widely used coding technology for printing expiration dates, lot codes, and barcodes on bottles, cans, cartons, and flexible packaging at high speeds. It works on curved, uneven, and porous surfaces where other technologies struggle.
Q: What is thermal transfer overprinting (TTO)?
Thermal Transfer Overprinting (TTO) uses a heated printhead to transfer ink from a ribbon onto flexible packaging — such as pouches, flow-wrap, and lidding films — at line speed. It delivers high-resolution text, barcodes, and graphics directly onto packaging materials and is popular in food and pharma for printing variable data like best-by dates, lot codes, and GS1 barcodes. Elmark carries Linx coders and thermal transfer systems for this application.
Q: What is a DOD large character printer used for?
Drop-on-Demand (DOD) large character printers print bold, highly readable text and logos on the outside of cases, boxes, and pallets — typically at shipping or distribution stages. Common uses include pallet codes, case weights, addresses, warehouse routing codes, and promotional graphics. Elmark carries DOD systems capable of printing on corrugated, kraft, and other secondary packaging materials.
Q: What is direct-to-pouch printing?
Direct-to-pouch printing allows brands to print graphics, text, and variable data directly onto flexible pouches or stand-up bags — eliminating the need for pre-printed packaging or adhesive labels. Elmark offers the PouchMark system for this application, which is ideal for short-run production, product personalization, promotional packaging, and situations where inventory flexibility is critical.
Custom Labels
Q: Does Elmark print custom labels?
Yes. Elmark’s label printing and converting services produce custom printed labels for a wide variety of products and packaging types. We work with customers on design specifications, material selection (paper, film, foil), adhesive requirements, and finishing options. Whether you need pressure-sensitive labels for retail products, specialty food labels, or industrial tags, our team handles the entire process.
Q: What kinds of label materials does Elmark work with?
Elmark produces labels on a wide range of substrates including paper, polypropylene (BOPP), polyester (PET), vinyl, foil, and specialty films. We match the label material to your application — considering factors like surface adhesion, temperature exposure, moisture, UV resistance, and regulatory requirements. Our labels are available in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and finish options including gloss, matte, and textured.
Shrink Sleeving & Tamper-Evident Banding
Q: What is shrink sleeve labeling?
Shrink sleeve labeling is a full-body label application method where a printed plastic sleeve is placed over a container and then shrunk tightly to its contour using heat. Sleeves provide 360° branding coverage, conform to unusual shapes, and can cover entire containers from top to bottom. They’re widely used in beverage, personal care, food, and nutraceutical packaging for their dramatic shelf presence.
Q: What is tamper-evident banding?
Tamper-evident banding uses a narrow shrink sleeve applied around the cap or closure of a container to signal if a product has been opened. When the band is broken or removed, it provides visible evidence of tampering. This is required or strongly recommended for pharmaceuticals, supplements, food products, and any item where consumer safety and product integrity are paramount.
Q: What speeds are available for shrink sleeving equipment?
Elmark offers shrink sleeving systems across three speed tiers: low speed systems for startup, craft, or low-volume production; mid-range systems for growing manufacturers; and high-speed systems for large-scale production lines. Our team helps you select the right throughput level based on your current volume and anticipated growth.
Service & Support
Q: Does Elmark provide installation and training for equipment?
Yes. Elmark’s technical team handles installation, commissioning, and operator training for all equipment we supply. We begin with applications engineering to confirm the right solution, then support the full deployment. Our goal is to get your line up and running quickly and ensure your team is confident operating the equipment before we leave.
Q: Does Elmark offer on-site service and technical support?
Yes. Elmark provides on-site technical support for equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair. Our fully trained engineers and technicians travel to customer facilities. On-site service can be scheduled by calling 610-692-2455 or emailing info@elmarkpkg.com. We also provide phone and email support and publish maintenance videos for common service procedures.
Q: Does Elmark sell inks, ribbons, and spare parts?
Yes. Elmark stocks inks, printer ribbons, and universal spare parts for the equipment we sell. Having access to consumables and replacement parts from your equipment supplier reduces downtime and simplifies procurement. Visit the Inks & Ribbons and Spare Parts sections on elmarkpkg.com, or contact us directly with your model number and requirements.
Q: What brands and manufacturers does Elmark partner with?
Elmark is an authorized partner for leading equipment manufacturers including Squid Ink, Linx, Matthews, Universal, Take-A-Label, GSI, Eastey, BestCode, PouchMark, Tourmaline, and FlexPackPro, among others. These partnerships mean we’re trained and certified on the equipment we sell, and we can source genuine parts and manufacturer support when needed.
Q: How do I request a quote from Elmark?
The easiest way to get a quote is to contact Elmark directly. You can call 1-800-670-9688, email info@elmarkpkg.com, or submit the contact form at elmarkpkg.com/contact-us/. To prepare an accurate quote, it helps to share your product type, packaging material, line speed, what information you need to apply or print, and whether you’re replacing existing equipment or building a new line.
