Batch & lot
Production identifiers generated from recipes, schedules or manual entry.
Primary and secondary packaging
Inkjet printing on
cartons & labels.
High-resolution batch, date, barcode and 2D code printing on corrugated cases, folding cartons and paper or coated labels.
Print at the line
Variable information
without pre-printing it all.
On-line TIJ coding lets manufacturers keep common packaging artwork while adding product, batch, date, destination or serial data as each pack is produced.
Absorbent board can be a straightforward surface, but recycled fibres, coatings, varnishes, dust, texture and product movement still affect print clarity. Labels require the face material and coating to be tested—not only the backing sheet.
CasesCorrugated and kraft board
CartonsFolding board and sleeves
LabelsPaper, coated and synthetic
01Carton and case coding
Porous packaging
Code the carton
as it travels.
Aqueous TIJ inks are commonly used on uncoated paper and board, where the liquid is absorbed into the fibres. This can support fast drying and strong contrast.
Product guides and sensor position should keep the carton face flat and the print gap consistent. Warped cases and flaps must be considered before fixing the printhead location.
- Outer-case date, batch and product information
- Variable barcodes and routing data
- Logos, symbols and handling instructions
- Single or multiple lines of human-readable text
Recycled board
Colour and texture can vary. Test representative light and dark samples to confirm contrast and readability.
02Label face materials
Label coding
Match the ink to
the label face.
Paper labels may accept aqueous ink, while varnished paper, polypropylene and other synthetic labels often require a fast-dry solvent ink.
Coding can take place before label application, directly onto the labelled product, or onto a print-and-apply label. Each route creates different handling and integration requirements.
- Paper and thermal-transfer-compatible label stocks
- Varnished or coated faces
- Synthetic PP, PE and PET labels
- Labels on curved bottles, jars and containers
Test the finished construction
Adhesive, liner and application tension can affect how the label sits. Use labelled products when curvature or movement matters.
Coding content
Turn common packs into
variable products.
Add changing information late in the production process while keeping the core packaging design consistent.
Dates
Best-before, use-by, manufacture and packing dates with controlled formats.
Product variants
Flavour, size, language, market or customer-specific data added on demand.
Barcodes
Variable linear codes for cases, logistics and internal identification.
2D codes
QR and DataMatrix for product data, serialization and digital links.
Graphics
Handling symbols, certification icons and compact monochrome logos.
Application details
Information that leads
to a sound trial.
Provide finished packaging samples and the full message requirement wherever possible.
Pack materialBoard grade, coating, varnish or exact label face stock
Product controlFlatness, spacing, skew, vibration and guide contact
Print locationAvailable area, distance from edges and changes between SKUs
Message sizeMaximum number of lines, code dimensions, logo and quiet zones
Post-print handlingBelts, guides, labelling, case closing or stacking before full dry
InspectionVisual check, code reader, vision inspection or formal verification
Frequently asked
Useful answers
before you specify.
For application-specific advice, call 01865 362785.
Can TIJ print directly onto corrugated cardboard?+
Yes. Uncoated corrugated board is a common porous TIJ application. Board colour, texture, recycled content, dust and product stability should still be assessed.
Can the same ink print on a paper carton and plastic label?+
Not always. Absorbent paper commonly suits aqueous ink, while a synthetic or coated label may require a fast-dry solvent formulation. Test both finished surfaces.
Can a printer code a moving label before it is applied?+
Yes, with suitable web control, triggering and mounting. The web speed and repeat position must be stable, and the ink must dry before contact with rollers or the product.
How do we avoid code position moving on cartons?+
Use consistent carton spacing and guides, a well-positioned trigger sensor, stable conveyor speed information and rigid printhead mounting.