“Markem-Imaje has developed special printers with efficient washdown properties and high IP protection (water and dust resistance) for businesses operating in the flour and bakery products sector, which involve dusty production environments. In addition, Markem-Imaje’s product range includes lasers alongside inkjet and TTO printers that can meet high production capacity speeds. We not only provide the capability for coding and labeling from the initial stages to pallet shipment points in flour and bakery product manufacturing but also offer communication systems that can be fully integrated into a 100% automation system”
Alper Yurdakul
Sales Deputy Manager
Projet Elektronik
In industries such as food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, chemicals, plastics, cables, automotive, metals, and packaging, coding and marking technologies are widely used to create an identity for each product, alongside advancing technology. Coding and marking fulfill important functions such as tracking, identification, and quality control, thus enhancing the reliability of products and brands. Projet Elektronik A.Ş., which has been operating as the official distributor of the leading industrial coding and marking technology pioneer Markem-Imaje for over 30 years in Turkey, has been discussing the company’s work and industry developments with Sales Deputy Manager Alper Yurdakul.
Alper Yurdakul stated that the company focuses on providing more reliable, environmentally friendly, and human health-compatible solutions for businesses with advancing technology. “We not only provide our customers with high-performance coding devices but also offer services with eco-friendly materials and sustainable production processes. As we move towards the future, we will continue to use the power of technology to enhance the competitiveness of businesses and build a better future for the environment,” said Alper Yurdakul, answering our questions as follows:
Hello Mr. yurdakul, could you provide us with information about yourself and the work of Projet Elektronik?
Projet Elektronik, as the official partner of Markem-Imaje in Turkey, has been successfully providing sales and technical support services of industrial coding and marking equipment and consumables for more than 30 years.
Markem-Imaje is a leading global leader in the coding industry, providing reliable solutions for a wide range of coding needs from packaging to pallets with various printers such as large and small character Continuous Inkjet printers, Thermal Transfer Overprinters, Laser Marking, and Print&Apply Labeling Systems.
I have been working at Projet Elektronik for 17 years, serving as a Deputy Sales Manager. I continue to provide new and innovative solutions tailored to the evolving needs of our customers and various industries.
Could you provide information about the size of the Turkish market in which you operate in the field of Coding and Branding technologies?
Industrial coding and marking technologies encompass various technologies as I mentioned, including continuous inkjet printers for both large and small character printing, laser marking, thermal transfer coding, barcode, and labeling systems. These technologies are essential in almost all industries, particularly in sectors such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics & personal care, chemicals, plastics, cable & wire, automotive, metals, and packaging industries, where they are widely used. Applications in these sectors fulfill important functions such as tracking, identification, and quality control of products, thereby enhancing product and brand reliability.
You have been operating in the field of Coding and Branding technologies in Turkey for over 30 years. How do you perceive the changes in the sector?
Previously, customers’ demands were limited to merely printing production and expiration dates on their products. However, with the development of new technologies and software, products can now be identified and tracked, enhancing traceability. As a result, the coding sector has evolved beyond printers that only print dates; it now offers new systems that communicate with ERP systems, minimizing human errors and enhancing efficiency.
In addition, advancements in flexible film packaging and increasing demands for transparency from consumers play a critical role in today’s distribution chains. As a sustainability and environmental goals have increased, trends such as smart packaging solutions, eco-friendly packaging, and the use of recyclable materials have also become evident in the industry.
With evolving technology, how do you see the future of the sector?
With advancing technology, smart coding printers similar to smartphones are now finding their place in the market. Moreover, these smart printers can recall past data and provide detailed reporting upon request, enhancing their functionality and utility.
The coding sector now needs to integrate with software programs because, for efficiency and effectiveness, the highest level of performance in the production process is somewhat dependent on it. More efficient production lines are essential for manufacturers to work faster, minimize errors, and respond to increasing consumer demands. This necessitates rapid factory changes. In the future, the widespread adoption of smart packaging solutions will further enhance product tracking and tracing capabilities.
How has the revitalization in the packaging sector, particularly with increased importance and high demand post-pandemic, affected you?
Despite creating adverse effects globally, the pandemic has highlighted the importance of social distancing and packaged products for people. Changes in consumer shopping behaviours have led to the rise of e-commerce and a shift in purchasing habits towards packaged products. Increasing customer demands have led existing packaging manufacturers to develop innovative solutions and resulted in a rise in the number of new machine manufacturers, while OEMs have also seen a significant increase in demands from us.
Can you provide information about your company’s efforts in the frozen products sector, which is one of the shining stars of recent times?
In recent times, with the increasing variety and sector-specific demands for frozen products, our company has undertaken various initiatives to better serve our customers in this area. Especially formulated for cold chain packaging lines, inks with high resistance to friction have been developed, varying according to the product to be printed, ambient temperature, and ink drying speed.
Additionally, within our extensive product range, we offer printers specifically designed to meet the needs of frozen food producers capable of withstanding challenging environmental conditions. These printers, with exceptionally high IP protection ratings, can be safely used due to their water and dust resistance features.
When we talk about coding and labeling, it brings to mind labels related to expiration dates and product contents, especially in food products. How would you explain the inability to read or the erasure of production and expiration dates on some products?
With the increase in production in Turkey, demand continues to rise proportionally. However, this increase has affected the demand for consumables such as ribbons and ink used in the coding and marking field. Some manufacturers have turned to cheaper and unbranded consumables to reduce costs. This situation not only leads to the erasure of the printing but can also cause serious and costly damage to the coding printes. Additionally, similar issues can be encountered with consumables that are not resistant to external factors such as light, humidity, temperature, and chemicals.
Can you provide information about your efforts in the bakery products sector?
Markem-Imaje has developed special printers with efficient washdown properties and high IP protection (water and dust resistance) for businesses operating in the flour and bakery products sector, which involve dusty production environments. In addition, Markem-Imaje’s product range includes lasers alongside inkjet and TTO printers that can meet high production capacity speeds. We not only provide the capability for coding and labeling from the initial stages to pallet shipment points in flour and bakery product manufacturing but also offer communication systems that can be fully integrated into a 100% automation system. We have a robust technical service network capable of intervening in any part of Turkey within 24 hours. Additionally, thanks to our machine, spare parts, and consumables stocks, our customers do not experience any interruptions in production.
Turkey is one of the world’s leading exporters of flour and pasta. What recommendations do you have for Turkish companies to strengthen their presence in foreign markets?
I have extensive experience in the industry and closely monitor the development of flour and pasta manufacturers. I have witnessed small-scale businesses transitioning from limited production in constrained conditions to automating their processes, thereby increasing their capacities and reducing costs. As a result, businesses have experienced significant progress in terms of capacity and profitability. Companies that have automated their production processes have naturally enhanced their competitiveness in the international market.
What are the characteristics that distinguish you from your competitors in the sector? Why should a company choose you?
One of the most significant features that sets us apart from our competitors in Turkey is the superior performance printers produced by the world-leading brand Markem-Imaje, which we represent. However, the reason why our customers choose us is not limited to our quality printers alone. In addition to our expertise in the coding sector for over 30 years and our customer-focused approach, our established network of experienced technical service and sales teams in Turkey’s leading industrial cities such as Istanbul, Izmir, Bursa, Eskişehir, Konya, Gaziantep, and Adana enables us to provide quick solutions and immediate intervention in case of any problem or need our customers may encounter. This also holds a significant place among the reasons why our customers choose us.
What environmental and public health initiatives do you have? What are your sensitivities as a company in these areas?
In the Coding & Marking sector, the inks used are solvent-based consumables, which contribute to higher Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions, contributing to greenhouse gases. While these materials were previously sold in bulk form, nowadays they are marketed as fully sealed cartridges, minimizing the risk of spillage.
This approach significantly reduces the risk of contamination to nature and the environment. Additionally, as part of a broader sustainability program, Markem-Imaje has differentiated itself from competitors by offering its customers an environmentally friendly MEK-Free ink option.
Furthermore, Markem-Imaje does not use carcinogenic substances in its ink formulations. The company’s product range also includes edible inks that are safe for human consumption, even if accidentally ingested, posing no harm to human health.
Is there any other topic you would like to add aside from these?
Although there are numerous alternatives on the market for coding and marking, it is crucial for manufacturers to select the equipment that best meets their application needs. To ensure quality and reliability, I recommend working with internationally recognized brands and avoiding non-original materials. Otherwise, costly product returns or production downtime may be unavoidable due to the Coding & Marking equipment failures caused by not using genuine materials. We are always here as a reliable and compliant solution partner to prevent such problems.
I wish everyone a successful year and prosperous business initiatives. Thank you.