• Login
    • Join
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Labels & Packaging
    • Markets
    • Technology
    • Equipment
    • Supplies
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Events
    • Jobs
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Labels & Packaging
  • Markets
  • Technology
  • Equipment
  • Supplies
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Events
  • Jobs
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Columns
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    Rotary Diecutting

    Workforce Challenges

    Label Insights: Wilson innovates for evolving diecutting market

    Flexo Platemaking Update

    Penmar Industries
    Breaking News
    Converter News
    European Label News
    Industry News
    Industry People
    M&A News
    New Products
    Expert's Opinion
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Schreiner's Pharma-Comb IL Label supports clinical trial cancer medication

    First Anytron ANY-JET III digital label press installed in Korea

    FPA announces Kasie Fairbarn as elected ELC co-chair

    Appvion announces new, sustainable coatings for label facestocks

    Epson teams with 5 Gyres Institute to battle plastic pollution
    Blog
    Video Bites
    Beauty & Personal Care Labels
    Beer Labels
    Beverage Labels
    Flexible Packaging
    Folding Carton
    Food Labels
    Glue-Applied
    In-Mold
    Industrial Labels
    Medical Labels
    Pharmaceutical Labels
    Pressure Sensitive
    Prime Labels
    Promotional Labels
    Security Labels
    Shrink
    Smart Labels
    Specialty Labels
    Spirits Labels
    Wine Labels

    Schreiner's Pharma-Comb IL Label supports clinical trial cancer medication

    FPA announces Kasie Fairbarn as elected ELC co-chair

    A global first: Canada to require warning labels on individual cigarettes

    A dancing label

    Constantia Flexibles and SB Packagings commence joint venture
    Africa
    Asia
    Australia
    China
    Europe
    India
    Latin America
    Middle East
    North America

    Schreiner's Pharma-Comb IL Label supports clinical trial cancer medication

    First Anytron ANY-JET III digital label press installed in Korea

    Maxcess opens new facility in India

    Dantex promotes Bruce Davidson to lead digital service engineer

    Mactac addresses recent growth
    Flexography
    Digital Printing
    Prepress
    Finishing
    Sustainability

    First Anytron ANY-JET III digital label press installed in Korea

    Appvion announces new, sustainable coatings for label facestocks

    Epson teams with 5 Gyres Institute to battle plastic pollution

    PPG highlights versatile range of label products

    ACTEGA teams with Makro Labelling to advance Signite technology
    Digital Printers & Presses
    Flexo Presses
    Label Converting Equipment
    Label Finishing Equipment
    Prepress Equipment

    First Anytron ANY-JET III digital label press installed in Korea

    Dantex promotes Bruce Davidson to lead digital service engineer

    Penmar Industries

    Redfern Labels installs new MPS EF 340 flexo press

    Loftware announces NiceLabel Cloud Designer
    Dies And Tooling
    Flexo Supplies
    Ink & Coatings
    Prepress Supplies
    Pressrooom Supplies
    Substrates

    Appvion announces new, sustainable coatings for label facestocks

    Maxcess opens new facility in India

    PPG highlights versatile range of label products

    ACTEGA teams with Makro Labelling to advance Signite technology

    Rotary Diecutting
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Profiles
    Label Converters
    Trade Associations
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Wilson Manufacturing

    Martin Automatic Inc.

    Ashe Converting Equipment

    Meech International

    Delta ModTech
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live from Show Events
    • Magazine
      • Current & Past Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Company Profiles
      • Label Converters
      • Trade Associations
      • Add Your Company
    • Labels & Packaging
      • Beauty & Personal Care Labels
      • Beer Labels
      • Beverage Labels
      • Flexible Packaging
      • Folding Carton
      • Food Labels
      • Glue-Applied
      • In-Mold
      • Industrial Labels
      • Medical Labels
      • Pharmaceuticals Labels
      • Pressure Sensitive
      • Prime Labels
      • Promotional Labels
      • Security Labels
      • Shrink
      • Smart Labels
      • Speciality Labels
      • Spirits Labels
      • Wine Tables
    • Markets
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • China
      • Europe
      • India
      • Latin America
      • Middle East
      • North America
    • Equipment
      • Digital Printers & Presses
      • Flexo Presses
      • Label Converting Equipment
      • Label Fishing Equipment
    • Supplies
      • Dies And Tooling
      • Flexo Supplies
      • Ink & Coatings
      • Prepress Supplies
      • Substrates
      • Pressrooom Supplies
    • Online Exclusives
    • Slideshows
    • Experts Opinions
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • Blog
    • Whitepapers
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live from Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Jobs
    • Resources
      • Supplier Gallery
      • Literature Showcase
      • Homepage Showcase
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Expert's Opinion

    Everything you need to know about printing food labels

    The sector has specific requirements due to stringent safety regulations and demand for high quality at a reasonable cost.

    Everything you need to know about printing food labels
    Filip Weymans08.18.17
    No one label is the same – different applications require different digital technologies, which is precisely why printing is such an exciting business. Whether it is for pharma, wine & spirits, durables, health & beauty, industrial chemicals or beverages, every label comes with its own aesthetic and functional requirements.

    In a series of blogs, we dive deeper into the characteristics of each of these labels, and advice which digital printing technology is best suited. There are many decisive factors and one could easily get confused and feel lost with all the options out there. We will explain exactly which digital printing technology is recommended to achieve the optimal results, taking into account quality, substrates, look & feel and functionality, among other technical specialities.

    First up in this article, is food label printing and its specific requirements due to stringent food safety regulations and demand for high quality at a reasonable cost.

    Food safe digital label printing and the concept of migration
    A crucial concept in the discussion of food safety is “migration” – the transfer of substances from the packaging to the packed foods. In order to measure the likeliness of substances migrating through packaging and thus contaminating the food migration thresholds are defined. The so-called Specific Migration Limit (SML) is the maximum permitted amount of a given substance that can be released from a packaging material or printed layer into food.

    Here are some of the most important factors contributing to migration:
    • size of the ink/toner molecule: the larger the molecule, the less its tendency to migrate
    • temperature: migration is faster at higher temperatures
    • nature of the food: fatty foods are more prone to migration then dry foods
    • nature of the packaging materials
    • type of coating
    Food safety and dry toner
    When it comes to food safety, dry toner clearly has an advantage over other technologies, such as liquid toner and inkjet, both in terms of migration and chemical composition. For example, the colorant used to produce dry toner is a pigment, which isn’t considered a migrant. There is no liquid substance involved and surrounding the pigment particles is a polyester resin, which is a polymer with a high molecular mass, also highly unlikely to migrate.

    Liquid toner is less suited for food label printing as it requires a carrier liquid. Usually a mineral oil is used, which evaporates during and after the electrophotographic process. However, if the residual carrier liquid isn’t allowed enough time, some particles still may be present.

    Inkjet food label printing and cost
    Water-based inkjet consists mainly of pigments that have no tendency to migrate and neither have the dispersing agents – very high molecular weight compounds. The only potential migrants present in water-based inkjet prints are humectants residing in the substrate prior to full evaporation. However, water-based inkjet is rarely used since adhesion to polymeric substrates is problematic.

    UV curable inkjet is prone to penetrate paper substrates due to its low viscosity (six times lower than UV flexo). The low viscosity is required to ensure that the ink can be jetted through the small inkjet nozzles so this is an intrinsic issue of the technology. When the ink penetrates the substrate you cannot properly cure the ink, leaving dangerous components exposed to migrate - this is a risk you simply cannot take.

    A primer can reduce the penetration problem but not overcome it. Anyhow a primer is required when printing on paper based materials to achieve good solids and proper color gamut. However, this increases the cost. Dry toner, on the other hand, can print on standard paper label materials without any primer, making it by far the best choice for food label printing.

    Food labels and print quality
    Food sells when its packaging triggers the appetite of the consumers. In other words, packaging and labels have to look their best on shelf. Therefore, image quality is an important aspect.

    The dry toner process qualifies for food labels, both in terms of print resolution and consistent dot positioning. It makes for very reliable and consistent printing. Inkjet is less used because it is prone to dot positioning errors, thus inherently vulnerable to variations between the target location of a drop and its actual landing spot. Again, a primer can overcome this.

    Considering all points, a dry toner digital press is undoubtely the best option for those who want to print food labels digitally and respect market demands. If you want to find out more on food label printing, or learn more on the different technologies available in the market, make sure to check Xeikon’s White Paper: Digital Label Printing Technologies. No one size fits all. It’s free for download from the Xeikon website, and provides in-depth analysis of digital label printing technologies: dry toner and liquid toner electrophotography, UV-curable inkjet and water-based inkjet.

    Or visit Xeikon at Labelexpo Europe 2017, where we’ll be sharing our expertise on food label printing, and much more in Hall 5. On our stand, we’ll display our full portfolio of digital label printing solutions, including both dry toner and UV-inkjet, and unleash our two fast felines – Panther and Cheetah.


    Filip Weymans is VP Global Marketing for Xeikon. For more info, visit www.Flintgrp.com/Labelexpo.
    Related Searches
    • website
    • UV flexo
    • Digital printing
    • durables
    Suggested For You
    Xeikon Xeikon
    Xeikon Café comes to North America in October Xeikon Café comes to North America in October
    Flint Group Narrow Web and Xeikon to collaborate at Label Summit Latin America Flint Group Narrow Web and Xeikon to collaborate at Label Summit Latin America
    PeterLynn installs Xeikon CX3, increasing capacity 50% PeterLynn installs Xeikon CX3, increasing capacity 50%
    Xeikon brings Folding Carton Suite to interpack Xeikon brings Folding Carton Suite to interpack
    Xeikon Café 2017 Xeikon Café 2017
    Xeikon Café 2017 sets new records Xeikon Café 2017 sets new records
    Xeikon reveals the Panther, a UV inkjet platform for labels Xeikon reveals the Panther, a UV inkjet platform for labels
    Michelman to spotlight new press primer at Xeikon Café Michelman to spotlight new press primer at Xeikon Café
    What does Xeikon have up its sleeve? What does Xeikon have up its sleeve?
    Conference program announced for third Xeikon Café Conference program announced for third Xeikon Café
    Michelman to highlight IML technology at Xeikon Café Michelman to highlight IML technology at Xeikon Café
    Xeikon helps Finnish packaging printer go all digital Xeikon helps Finnish packaging printer go all digital

    Related Buyers Guide Companies

    • Xeikon

      Xeikon

      ...
      Donna Covannon, Director, Marketing North America 04.17.20

    • Beverage Labels | Digital Printers & Presses | Digital Printing | Finishing | Folding Carton | Glue-Applied | Label Finishing Equipment | North America | Pressure Sensitive
      Xeikon Café comes to North America in October

      Xeikon Café comes to North America in October

      Activities will take place at the Westin Chicago Northwest hotel and Xeikon’s newly-renovated demo facility.
      07.21.17

    • Digital Printing | Latin America | Prepress

      Flint Group Narrow Web and Xeikon to collaborate at Label Summit Latin America

      Flint Group Narrow Web will present its best-in-class solutions and latest innovations in low migration and UV LED.
      05.11.17


    • Beauty & Personal Care Labels | Beer Labels | Beverage Labels | Digital Printers & Presses | Digital Printing | Europe | Food Labels | Pressure Sensitive | Prime Labels | Spirits Labels | Wine Labels

      PeterLynn installs Xeikon CX3, increasing capacity 50%

      The UK converter installed its first Xeikon machine back in 2012 and has since enjoyed tremendous growth.
      04.27.17

    • Digital Printing | Europe

      Xeikon brings Folding Carton Suite to interpack

      Xeikon will educate visitors about the value of going digital in folding carton production with a complete solution.
      04.19.17

    Loading, Please Wait..

    Trending
    • BlueStone Label Adds Two Mark Andy Performance Series Presses
    • Mactac Addresses Recent Growth
    • Channeled Resources Installs New Coater In Marathon
    • Beontag Launches Global Rebrand
    • SATO America Acquires Stafford Press
    Breaking News
    • Schreiner's Pharma-Comb IL Label supports clinical trial cancer medication
    • First Anytron ANY-JET III digital label press installed in Korea
    • FPA announces Kasie Fairbarn as elected ELC co-chair
    • Appvion announces new, sustainable coatings for label facestocks
    • Epson teams with 5 Gyres Institute to battle plastic pollution
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    April 2023

    • Slitter-Rewinders
    • Ink Innovation
    • CELAB striving to curb industry’s recycling issue
    • Nutraceutical Labels
    • Narrow Web Profile: Apogee Industries
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    Stefan Pasiakos, PhD, Selected to Lead NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
    Verdure Sciences Receives Award for Sustainable, Ethical Turmeric Sourcing
    BGG Receives Patent for Saw Palmetto ID Method
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Indorama Ventures and Carbios Reaffirm Partnership to Build PET Biorecycling Plant
    AkzoNobel Powder Coatings Enhances Digital Services with Launch of My Interpon Portal
    PPG Opens Color Creation Lab with Chery Automobile in China
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    MPO's Most-Read Stories This Week—June 3
    CardioRenal’s TENOR Device Receives Breakthrough Device Designation from FDA
    LifeQ Unveils New 24-Hour Sleep Solution
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Terran Biosciences, Pierre Fabre Ink Exclusive Licensing Deal for Idazoxan
    ASM Research Chemicals Launches Development Packs for API Manufacturing
    WuXi Increases Manufacturing Capacity in Germany
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    L'Oréal North Asia President Discusses China's Consumer Sector Recovery & Premium Beauty Trends
    Kiehl’s Celebrates Pride by Supporting The Trevor Project
    L’Oréal & UNESCO Announce 2023 Laureates of the For Women in Science International Awards
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    An Eco-Friendly & Stylish PET Dropper for Cosmetic Products New from Epopack
    Color Street Celebrates Pride Month with Limited-Edition ‘Over the Rainbow’ Nail Strips
    Olay Rolls Out Sensitive Skin Line
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Weekly Recap: INX Digital, hubergroup and HP Top This Week’s Stories
    Mactac Acquires Canadian Roll Label Distributor Label Supply
    WestRock Advances its Commitment to a Sustainable Future
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Schreiner's Pharma-Comb IL Label supports clinical trial cancer medication
    First Anytron ANY-JET III digital label press installed in Korea
    FPA announces Kasie Fairbarn as elected ELC co-chair
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Harper Hygienics Launches Hemp-Based Intimate Care Wipes
    What You’re Reading on Nonwovens-Industry.com
    Biodiapers Signs Agreement with Sicam
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    ODT's Most-Read Stories This Week—June 3
    Augmedics Debuts New Features, Indications for xvision Platform
    Artelon Closes $20M Series B Funding
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    Weekly Recap: Francisco Melo, Smart Skis, onsemi Top This Week’s Stories
    DIC Acquires Photoresist Polymers Manufacturer PCAS Canada
    Arkema Collaborates with Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia

    Copyright © 2023 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login