PPWR and DPP - the right coding and marking technologies for every application

Mühltal, April 07, 2026 - "The EU packaging regulation (PPWR) and the digital product passport (DPP) are currently driving all of our customers," says Frank Debusmann, Sales Director National at REA Elektronik, an expert in industrial coding and marking and code verification. "This is because their implementation also puts coding and marking technologies to the test." At Interpack 2026, full-range supplier REA Elektronik will be showcasing its innovations for these and many other applications.

"The innovations don't make us nervous. We have hardware and software expertise and the corresponding ink know-how. With our verification systems (REA Verifier) for print quality control, we are the leading supplier in Europe," says Debusmann.

As the market leader in pharmaceutical serialization, REA is now also an experienced partner to the industry in the introduction of the Digital Product Passport. With REA's database-driven systems, companies can ensure that each code is used only once - no matter how many production lines or sites they have. REA's coding and marking technologies integrate seamlessly into existing production. "And with the standard-compliant quality assurance provided by the code verification systems in the REA Verifier product line, it's a well-rounded solution for manufacturers," says Debusmann.

Advantages that will also help with the introduction of the 2D Code. It is expected to replace or supplement the classic EAN barcode in retail by 2027 - with versatile benefits for retailers, traceability and consumer information.

Numerous innovations for marking and code verification

Direct marking is a possible solution if, on the one hand, packaging has to be resource-saving and therefore recyclable as far as possible from summer 2026 in line with the PPWR and, on the other hand, more and more product groups have to be marked with the DDP. At Interpack 2026, REA Elektronik will be showcasing numerous innovations from its versatile REA JET, REA LASER, REA LABEL and REA Verifier product lines.

Plastics, foils and, in particular, the new monomaterials, which can be disposed of by type but to which ink does not adhere as well, are permanently marked by the new REA UV LASER through color change. Without the addition of any additives, the newcomer works the marking razor-sharp into the plastic itself by photochemical reaction, the properties of which remain unchanged.

At 100 watts, the new REA LASER CL 100 is even more powerful than the standard models for the highest marking speeds in REA's CO2 Laser series. Using the ablation process (color removal), it applies QR codes to up to 60,000 products per hour.

The REA JET HR NX is especially designed for the requirements of the Digital Product Passport and expands the series of high-resolution Inkjet Printers with HP printing technology. Thanks to its 1-inch cartridge (22.987 mm), it can print codes at a sufficient height.

The low migration, UV-curable inks for high resolution marking with REA JET Systems (REA JET HR and REA JET UP) enable high-quality printing on plastics, especially monofoil. This makes them suitable for marking packaging in food production and all other industries that have to ensure that the coding is permanent and that the ink does not migrate through the plastic into the product.

The all-round carefree REA Print-Inspect package combines the three steps of code creation, high resolution printing and reliable result control - either in the form of individual components or as a turn-key solution with conveyor belt and ejection. The code is first created using special software via the user interface of a panel PC, then the printing system, such as the high-performance Inkjet Printer REA JET HR, is controlled and the integrated camera is used for immediate inspection of the high-resolution printed images.

At Interpack 2026, REA Elektronik will also be showcasing the first prototype of a new development from the REA Verifier product line, which is likely to be launched at the end of the year. REA promises that it will set new standards in measuring code verification.

Whether the information is to be applied directly to the material, permanently printed on the product or with plastic labels on plastic packaging or linerless paper labels on cardboard boxes - "We find the right coding and marking technologies for every application," says Debusmann about the marking of primary, secondary or shipping packaging.

The REA expert will be sharing his knowledge in a presentation at the SPOTLIGHT Forum at Interpack 2026, near the North Entrance: on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 1.20 p.m., he will be speaking on the topic of "PPWR: OPPORTUNITIES & RISKS. Between efficiency & responsibility".

Visit REA at Interpack from May 7 to 13, 2026 in Duesseldorf: Hall 8b/C17