The Markem-Imaje SPI technology awarded with French innovation prize

Markem-Imaje is proud to announce that our Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) and Super Piezo Inkjet (SPI) division has just been awarded with an important regional French innovation prize, the Public Favorite Trophy. The award is for for the innovation behind the SPI technology which was developed exclusively by Markem-Imaje in France.

The prize was one of five ‘Business Trophies’ awarded for different areas of innovation by the French region of Drôme. It was the only category to be selected by the public, also home to the French offices of Markem-Imaje and our continuous inkjet printer and SPI technology divisions. SPI is a brand new marking and coding technology permitting super-fast and ultra high-quality print on all surfaces, ideal for the upcoming permanent shift away from standard to 2D barcodes like the QR from 2027. It is especially designed for use in producing dynamic codes, namely those used to display data that can be updated on the fly, including traceability information.

Unique 3D coding abilities

SPI is unique in being able to print GS1 compliant unique 2D codes at high contrast on all kinds of surfaces at speeds of up to 100,000 bottles per hour (b/h).  This new technology is highly important for enabling GS1 to shift away from the traditional barcode. This revolutionary shift is already underway due to various factors. These include:

• Demand from the market for more product traceability and visibility beyond mere pricing and inventory information; 
• Acknowledgement that SKU codes are now outdated;
• Increased demand from consumers for more data accessible via smartphones.   

Accepting the trophy at a ceremony in Valence, Product Division Director Cyril Sola, who won the award alongside Product Marketing Manager Rémy Fontanet and Senior Engineer Damien Bonneton commented: "This is finally the fulfillment of the startup spirit that Markem-Imaje has maintained for over 40 years."

“This wonderful technology is going to accompany the transition from the standard barcode, which is over 50 years old, to the QR code. It's going to accompany companies in this important shift for the different markets, mainly the food industry, and our SPI technology is going to be able to make all this change a reality.”

To know more about the Markem-Imaje Super Piezo Inkjet technology don’t hesitate to contact us!