Efficiency on all sides: Digital printing from Mondi optimises logistics at KOMSA

How KOMSA uses digitally printed barcodes to deliver 35,000 parcels per day 

Shipping up to 35,000 parcels per day requires peak efficiency, particularly when customers expect next-day delivery. Based in Hartmannsdorf, Germany, KOMSA is one of the leading distributors of digital infrastructure in Germany. The company addresses this logistical challenge with innovative solutions throughout its entire packaging line. 

A key milestone was the integration of digitally printed, sequential barcodes directly onto the corrugated packaging, supplied by Mondi. This innovation has eliminated the time-consuming step of manual labelling. 

Previously, a label dispenser would have applied barcodes printed on white paper to the corners of each box. Today, barcodes are printed directly during the packaging production process, precisely and reliably on all four sides of the packaging. This saves us valuable time every day and significantly reduces the potential for errors.

- Harald Josef Ollinger, Corporate Spokesperson at KOMSA

Digitally printed sequential barcodes – directly on the packaging 

Thanks to Mondi’s digital printing technology, packaging can now be equipped with sequential barcodes at the manufacturing stage. The challenge was to ensure that the barcodes remained high-contrast and perfectly legible on the brown outer layer of the corrugated board regardless of their orientation. Accurate positioning and scaling of the print data were essential, and this had to be achieved without affecting the high scanning speed required in ongoing operations. 

Every package with a printed barcode saves us time and resources. The quality is excellent – our processes are demonstrably more efficient. Our logistics are designed for maximum speed and precision. Sixty scanners along the packing line continuously read the barcode on every package. This ensures that the contents, such as products, delivery notes, promotional materials, or repair instructions, are automatically and accurately assigned.

- Harald Josef Ollinger, Corporate Spokesperson at KOMSA

An additional benefit is that, since the barcode is printed on all four sides of the packgaing, even rotated parcels can be reliably identified at any time. “One source of error less,” says Ollinger. “And best of all, there are no labels, no sticking and no additional consumables.” 

Efficiency meets sustainability 

The solution optimises processes and supports sustainability. By eliminating labels, KOMSA reduces material usage and waste, taking another step towards more resource-efficient logistics. 

Our collaboration with Mondi has been cooperative and solution-driven from the outset. We provide the numbering sequences, and Mondi delivers perfectly printed packaging. We are extremely satisfied with the quality. 

- Harald Josef Ollinger, Corporate Spokesperson at KOMSA

Thanks to Mondi’s digital printing solution, KOMSA has made its packaging processes more efficient and future-proofed its position as a leader in logistics and customer service. 

Mondi’s high-performance digital printing unlocks new possibilities 

When it comes to packaging printing, Mondi uses high-performance digital printing, which is currently the most flexible and sustainable technology on the market. This method produces vivid, multi-colour prints at high speed, even on brown outer surfaces or open fluting. No clichés or printing plates are required, and only water-based, food-safe inks are used. 

High-performance digital printing opens up new marketing opportunities that are limited with traditional flexo or offset printing. Medium to large volumes of identical packaging formats can easily be split and customised with different print designs, whether for seasonal, regional or event-based promotions, or for targeting specific audiences. Sequential barcodes and QR codes can also be printed directly onto the packaging, eliminating the need for labels. Shorter lead times enable faster time-to-market and allow for last-minute changes to packaging designs.