Apparatus and method for producing microperforated patches and labels applicable to modified atmosphere packaging

A system for producing breathable patches or labels suitable for application to packaging materials for modified atmosphere packaging of fresh produce, the system comprising:

• a web comprising patch material, wherein the patch material is either pre-cut or is suitable for cutting into a plurality of patches;
• a web advancing system configured for continuous advancement of the web in an advancement direction of the web across a web processing region;
• at least one laser;
• and
• a controller configured to activate the at least one laser and to control application to the web of at least one laser beam from the at least one laser as the web is advanced in the advancement direction so as to drill microperforations in a plurality of locations distributed across the web in a transverse direction that is approximately perpendicular to the advancement direction, thereby drilling a plurality of separated rows and/or columns of microperforations in the web of patch material;
• wherein the system further comprises a plurality of beam splitters configured to be impacted simultaneously by one of the laser beams, each of the beam splitters being configured to direct a drilling portion of the laser beam onto the web, while allowing a transmitted portion of the laser beam to continue beyond the beam splitter;
• and
• wherein at least one of the beam splitters is rotatable, and is configured to direct the drilling portion of the laser beam onto the web in a variable direction.