Case Study – Ringnes AS
Norway’s largest brewery improves coding reliability with Linx printers
Reliable, high-speed coding in the demanding, damp environment of a busy bottling plant.
Ringnes AS, part of the Carlsberg Group, required a reliable coding solution for its high-volume bottling plant in Gjelleråsen, Norway. The plant codes up to 70,000 products per hour, often across several shifts, creating a need for coding equipment that could operate continuously at high speeds in a demanding, damp production environment.
Following significant problems with its previous coding system, Ringnes selected seven Linx Continuous Inkjet printers and two laser coders. The solution provided the reliable performance, simple operation and greater stability needed to support the brewery’s production requirements.
| Industry | Beverage – Brewing and Bottling |
| Printer | 7 – Linx CIJ and 2 – 50W Laser coders |
| Application | Date coding on beverage bottles and cans |
| Outcome | More reliable coding in a high-speed, damp production environment |
The Challenge
The Ringnes bottling plant needed a coding solution capable of operating reliably across a high-volume production environment. The plant handles up to 70,000 products per hour and regularly operates over several shifts
Key Issues:
- Previous problems with coding and labelling equipment
- High production speeds of 15-20 products per second
- Damp conditions with the bottling environment
- Extended periods of continuous operation
- A need to reduce disruption and maintain stable production
Reliability was the key priority. Ringnes needed coding equipment that was easy to operate and maintain while delivering consistent performance in challenging production conditions.
Linx Featured Products and Solutions
The Linx Solution
After experiencing significant problems with its previous system, Ringnes purchased seven Linx Continuous Inkjet printers to apply date codes at production speeds of 15-20 products per second.
With a minimum IP55 rating and robust sealed printheads, the printers were well suited to the damp conditions of the bottling plant. They also proved easy for operators to use and maintain.
What Happened Next:
- 7 Linx CIJ printers were installed within the production environment
- The printers coded dated at speeds of 15-20 products per second
- Their robust construction supported operation in damp bottling conditions
- Operators found the printers easy to use and maintain
- The new equipment provided a more stable and reliable solution than the previous system
Linx laser coding technology was also introduced elsewhere within the plant. Two 50W Linx laser coders were used to code PET bottles for the Imsdal water brand, while additional Linx lasers were used to code green Carlsberg beer bottles.
Results & Business Impact
“We used to have big problems with labelling, and we were compelled to find machines and suppliers that could give us a more stable operation.” – Morten Moen, Ringnes organiser
Since implementation, they have experienced:
- More stable and reliable coding performance
- Continuous coding at high production speeds
- Easier day to day operation and maintenance
- Improved performance in a damp production environment
- A dependable solution for extended production runs
- Robust coding across bottles and cans
Why It Worked
The Linx coding systems delivered:
- Reliable high-speed performance
- Easy operation and maintenance
- Robust, sealed printheads
- A minimum IP55-rated design
- Consistent operation in damp conditions
- CIJ and laser solutions for different beverage applications
Interested in improving coding reliability in your production line?
Conclusion
Linx Printing Technologies, working with Scandinavian distributor ACT Group, provided Ringnes with a dependable coding solution suited to the demanding conditions of its bottling operation.
The Linx CIJ printers delivered reliable date coding at high production speeds, while the 50W laser coders provided a robust solution for PET and glass bottle applications. Together, the technologies helped Ringnes achieve greater stability, easier operation and dependable coding performance in a damp, high-volume production environment.