If you’re still using Thermal Transfer Overprinting (TTO) to code your flexible film packaging, it’s time to rethink your strategy. TTO has long been the go-to for printing on flow wrap, pouches, and sachets, but with growing demand for higher speeds, better sustainability, and less maintenance, laser technology is proving to be the smart long-term solution. 

Enter the MPERIA® UV and MPERIA® Fiber Film laser systems from Matthews Marking Systems—two advanced coding solutions purpose-built for flexible packaging lines. Whether you’re marking expiration dates, batch codes, or traceability data, these systems offer fast, permanent, and consumable-free printing that keeps up with modern production demands. 

The Problem with TTO on Flexible Films 

TTO systems work by using heat and pressure to transfer ink from a ribbon to the surface of a film. While they can deliver crisp prints, they’re not without their problems: 

• Ribbon changeovers slow down production
• Printheads wear out and require frequent maintenance
• Used ribbons = ongoing waste and higher operating costs
• Printing errors and smudging from misalignment or film wrinkling

In short, TTO printers are a consumable-heavy solution that’s falling behind the needs of high-speed, high-efficiency packaging lines—especially for companies prioritizing sustainability and uptime. 

Why MPERIA® Lasers Are the Upgrade Your Line Needs 

The MPERIA platform powers both UV and Fiber Film laser systems and offers centralized control, an intuitive interface, and scalable integration. With MPERIA, you’re not just getting a laser—you’re getting a smarter, more reliable coding solution that delivers: 

• Zero consumables
• 99.9% uptime
• Crystal-clear, permanent codes
• Low maintenance
• Seamless integration into any packaging line

But which laser is right for you: MPERIA UV or MPERIA Fiber Film? 

When to Use MPERIA® Fiber Film Lasers 

Best for: High-speed printing on flexible packaging films and foils like polypropylene, polyesters, OPP, and aluminum-coated substrates. 

MPERIA Fiber Film lasers are engineered to handle ultra-high-speed lines while producing durable, permanent marks on thin, flexible materials. Because they mark by reacting with the top layer of the film (without adding any ink or material), there’s no risk of smudging, fading, or contaminating recyclable packaging. 

Use MPERIA Fiber Film if you: 

• Need to replace a TTO system on a fast-moving production line 
• Mark lot codes, expiration dates, and variable data on food or beverage pouches 
• Want a clean, maintenance-free solution with zero consumables 
• Care about preserving recyclability in sustainable packaging materials 

When to Use MPERIA® UV Lasers 

Best for: Delicate, specialty plastics and medical or high-end packaging requiring high contrast or covert codes. 

UV lasers use a “cold marking” process, which means they don’t create heat damage on sensitive films. They’re perfect for applications where material distortion or thermal effects are a concern. UV lasers can also create invisible or micro-coded marks, making them a go-to for pharmaceutical and anti-counterfeiting applications. 

Use MPERIA UV if you: 

• Work with specialty plastics or sensitive films 
• Need high-contrast, high-resolution codes (even microtext) 
• Require covert or security marks for traceability or authentication 
• Operate in industries like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or medical packaging
  

MPERIA®: One Platform, Total Control 

Both UV and Fiber Film laser systems are powered by the MPERIA controller, which gives you centralized control of multiple lines, marking technologies, and even third-party systems—all from a single interface. That means: 

• Fewer operator errors 
• Faster setup and changeovers 
• Easy remote access and diagnostics 
• Reduced training time for new staff 

You get a smarter, future-ready marking solution that grows with your business. 

Conclusion: Time to Ditch the Ribbon 

TTO systems may still get the job done—but they’re costly in the long run, wasteful, and prone to downtime. MPERIA UV and Fiber Film lasers offer a modern, efficient, and sustainable alternative for flexible packaging. Whether you need blistering speed or delicate precision, there’s an MPERIA laser solution ready to help you level up.