Date, batch, lot, barcode, QR code, and traceability printing for food products, beverage containers, packaging, and production lines.
Application overview
Food and beverage manufacturers print essential production and supply-chain information on bottles, cans, cups, caps, pouches, cartons, labels, and films. The correct technology depends on the product shape, material, line speed, code size, cleaning process, and required ink documentation.
CIJ is widely suited to high-speed date and batch coding on bottles, cans, caps, and curved packaging. TIJ is effective for cartons, boxes, labels, and suitable films when the correct cartridge is selected. UV inkjet is valuable for high-resolution QR codes, variable data, premium packaging, labels, and flat materials requiring immediate curing. Laser can provide permanent marking when the material and production process are compatible.
Typical products
- Beverage bottles
- Glass containers
- Metal cans
- Caps and closures
- Cups
- Food pouches
- Flexible packaging
- Cartons and boxes
- Labels
- Trays and secondary packaging
Common print content
- Manufacturing date
- Expiry or best-before date
- Batch and lot number
- Production time and line
- Barcode and QR code
- Promotional code
- Traceability code
- Product and factory identification
Technology matching
| Requirement | Recommended technology |
|---|---|
| High-speed coding on bottles, cans, or curved containers | CIJ |
| Cartons, boxes, and absorbent packaging | TIJ |
| High-resolution variable QR codes on labels or flat packaging | UV inkjet |
| Permanent marking on a compatible container or closure | Laser |
| Unique-code campaigns and database printing | TIJ or UV with variable-data software |
Ink considerations
Ink selection depends on PET, PE, PP, glass, metal, paper, coated board, film, drying time, condensation, refrigeration, pasteurization, washing, and required documentation. A food-grade or regulated-use statement may only be made for the exact documented ink and approved use condition.
What Inkjetwell needs to evaluate
- Product and package material
- Line speed and conveyor stability
- Code location and size
- Condensation or moisture
- Cleaning and processing conditions
- Direct or indirect food-contact requirements
- Variable-data and traceability needs
Related content
- TIJ Cartridges
- CIJ Inks and Fluids
- UV Inks
- Printer & Ink Matching
- Variable Data Printing
- Traceability
- Production Date and Batch Coding on Cups case draft
Call to action
Send the package sample, line speed, code layout, production environment, and required ink documentation. Inkjetwell will recommend the appropriate printer, ink, and integration.