Ink Raises Standard of Continuous Inkjet Coding for Fast-Moving Consumer Goods

Published: March 04, 2021

Markem-Imaje’s new ink enables better performance and sustainability, with no overall cost increase. Paired with the company’s flagship 9450 coder, the EB588 ink sets the new standard for FMCG inkjet coding.

MEK-based inks generate Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions, contributors to greenhouse gases. This new MEK-free alternative, made of Methyl Isopropyl Ketone (MIPK), supports product sustainability by generating 40 percent fewer VOCs under comparable operating conditions at 20 degrees Celsius. It also promotes a safer work environment for workers.

The multi-purpose, black ink reportedly codes many different packaging types including metal, glass, cardboard and several types of plastic. Ordering, logistics and stock management are thus easier as there are fewer items to store and oversee.

Designed for use in Markem-Imaje’s 9450 continuous inkjet (CIJ) coder, the ink also streamlines inventory and reduces waste. Furthermore, as MEK-free inks use fewer consumables than MEK-based inks, manufacturers will have 40 percent fewer bottles and cartridges to throw away.

Waste is further minimized, as is rework, through the ink’s smart consumable management system which reportedly enables quick, mistake-free coding. All operators need to do is insert the EB588 ink cartridge. The coder takes it from there to check and set up parameters automatically, no further human intervention required.

For even greater efficiency and productivity, all consumable-related operations can be directly monitored on the user interface. Touch screen menus provide access to previous maintenance and production history, including data on availability rates and consumption. An accurate, consumable level display, bolstered by real-time warnings, lets users know the precise quantity of prints remaining, so production time is not lost due to the ink or additive running out.

This is in addition to the marketing and quality-enhancing capabilities already available through the 9450 coder itself. Markem-Imaje is currently the only major supplier to offer built-in promotional coding, serialization and ‘mark & read’ code checking in a CIJ printer. And, with a large graphical printing capacity, QR code printing is easy and efficient.

For more information, visit https://www.markem-imaje.com.