Food Labeling with Inkjet Inks from BOWA
Food labeling with compatible inkjet inks: BOWA offers solutions for variable labeling, such as lot numbers, best-by dates, barcodes, and 2D codes on food packaging and other suitable surfaces.
The Right Ink for Every Labeling Task
Inkjet Inks for the Food Industry
Whether it’s direct food printing, best-by date printing, or variable labeling on packaging, the requirements for ink, surface, and production process vary significantly.
BOWA offers specialized inkjet inks for porous, semi-porous, and non-porous surfaces. Depending on the application, solutions are available that are edible, food-safe, waterproof, highly adhesive, or extremely fast-drying.
Our ink experts evaluate the material, printing system, production speed, and desired durability, and recommend the right ink for labeling food and packaging.
Suitable solutions for:
- Printing on Food
- Labeling food-contact packaging
- Printing best-by dates
- Marking batch and lot numbers
- Applying barcodes and 2D codes
- Paper, cardboard, films, and coated surfaces
- High-speed packaging machines
The Right Solution for Every Surface
The Right Ink for Every Food Labeling Application
Different inkjet inks are used depending on the packaging material, printing system, and labeling requirements. BOWA offers solutions for direct food labeling, packaging labeling, and the printing of batch numbers, best-by dates, barcodes, and variable product information.
Food Ink – Food-Safe Ink for Direct Printing
Food Ink was developed for direct printing on suitable foods with porous surfaces. This edible, food-safe inkjet ink is ideal for logos, symbols, and variable product labeling.
Edible · quick-drying · precise print quality
Food Pack – Food-Safe Ink for Packaging
Food Pack was developed for porous food packaging that may come into contact with food. This edible inkjet ink is suitable for best-by date labeling, lot numbers, and other variable product information.
Edible · quick-drying · for porous packaging
Solitaire Black – for codes, lot numbers, and best-by dates
Solitaire Black is ideal for barcodes, 2D codes, lot numbers, and best-by date markings on semi-porous and clear-coated surfaces. Its long open time ensures reliable printing results even during production interruptions.
Waterproof · non-toxic · long open time
Pigment Black Premium – for absorbent packaging
Pigment Black Premium was developed for porous and highly absorbent surfaces such as paper and cardboard. The pigmented ink produces a high-contrast print image with sharp edges.
Smudge-proof · water-resistant · UV-stable
Black Pearl – for films and coated cardboard
Black Pearl is suitable for product information on non-porous surfaces such as films, coated packaging, and painted cardboard. Its excellent adhesion and extremely long open time support reliable production processes.
Excellent adhesion · extremely long open time · for smooth surfaces
Black Falcon – for high-speed packaging machines
Black Falcon was developed for high-speed packaging machines used on porous and semi-porous surfaces. Its extremely fast drying time ensures clearly legible markings even at high production speeds.
Extremely fast-drying · smudge-resistant · high contrast
Personalized Ink Advice
Not sure which ink to choose?
Send us details about the material, surface, and printing system. Our ink experts will evaluate your application and recommend a suitable inkjet ink—including sample prints upon request.
Variable Labeling in the Production Process
Labeling of Food and Packaging
In industrial food labeling, various types of information must be reliably applied to products and packaging. This includes both information required by law or for process purposes, as well as variable production and traceability information.
With the right inkjet inks, a variety of marking tasks can be integrated directly into production and packaging lines, depending on the application.
Best-by Date & Consumption Information
Accurately and reliably label shelf-life and usage information.
Batches & Production Data
Reliably apply batch numbers and production information.
Barcodes & 2D Codes
Apply machine-readable codes to packaging with precision and reliability.
Precise Marking During the Production Process
Printing on Food Products with Thermal Inkjet
Food and food packaging can be marked precisely and without contact using thermal inkjet technology. Depending on the ink used, variable information such as lot numbers, best-by dates, barcodes, or product information can be applied directly during the production or packaging process.
The appropriate ink solution depends on the material to be printed, the printing system, and the requirements for adhesion, drying, and durability.
Label securely and clearly
Reliably printing best-before dates
Printing best-by dates is a key component of food labeling. For reliable best-by date labeling, these dates must be clearly legible, reproducible, and applied in a manner suitable for the respective packaging material.
Using a suitable inkjet ink, best-by dates can be printed directly within production and packaging lines. Depending on the application, batch numbers, production dates, and other variable information can also be marked.
Ready for the Next Generation of Barcodes
Print GS1 2D codes with precision and reliability
With the new GS1 2D codes come higher demands on print quality. BOWA offers inkjet inks that allow GS1 DataMatrix and QR codes to be printed precisely, with high contrast, and reliably on food packaging.
Whether it’s a GTIN, lot number, best-by date, or other variable product data: With the right ink, you lay the foundation for reliable machine-readable data capture—even at high production speeds.
This ensures you’re already prepared today for the increasing shift to the new generation of barcodes in retail. GS1-compliant 2D codes will be able to convey significantly more information than the classic EAN code in the future and are expected to be processed at all checkout counters by the end of 2027.
Personalized Ink Consultation
Which ink is right for your product?
Do you want to print on food products, print a best-by date, or reliably mark packaging?
BOWA can help you select the right inkjet ink for food products, packaging, and industrial production lines. Send us details about the material, application, and printing system, or have a sample tested.
BOWA Specialty Inks
Custom ink solutions for specialized applications.
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SPTS inks
HP 45-compatible, fast, accurate, reliable.
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Accessories & Spare Parts
Everything you need for your TIJ printing—perfectly coordinated.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Food Labeling
What is food-safe inkjet ink?
A food-safe inkjet ink is intended for specific applications in the food industry. Whether it can be printed directly onto food or onto packaging that comes into contact with food depends on the specific ink formulation and the intended application.
What type of ink is suitable for food labeling?
That depends on the surface and the application. Food Ink is suitable for direct food printing, while Food Pack is designed for porous packaging that comes into contact with food. For other packaging materials, BOWA offers products such as Solitaire Black, Pigment Black Premium, Black Pearl, and Black Falcon.
What kind of ink can be printed directly onto food?
Food Ink was developed for direct printing on food items with porous surfaces that are suitable for this purpose.
What type of ink is suitable for high-speed packaging machines?
Black Falcon was developed for high-speed packaging machines and has an extremely short drying time.