Benefits of Continuous Inkjet Printers in the Pharma Industry

The pharmaceutical industry abides by strict standards and regulations in terms of safety, efficacy, and traceability of products. The medicines must be labeled, not only for their ingredients but also for batch numbers, expiry dates, and, of course, serialization codes, to meet either the country’s standards or global international standards. In order to meet all these requirements, the Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) printers have turned up to be the best option because of its quality speed, versatility, durability, and compliance. This blog focuses on all main benefits which CIJ printers can offer the pharmaceutical industry, data, examples, and emerging trends.

Key Advantages of Continuous Inkjet Printers for Pharma

1. Speed and Efficiency

An environment where pharmaceutical manufacturing occurs is typically time-bound; delays within such an environment can prove costly. CIJ printing technology has earned its reputation for its high-speed and efficacious printing capabilities, particularly when applied in mass production lines. In such a system, its printing speed can amount to about 3,000 characters per second; batch numbers, expiration dates, and barcodes can be produced without interrupting the other processes involved in manufacturing.

• Stat: CIJ printers can handle up to six print lines simultaneously, allowing for detailed information like serial numbers and product identifiers to be included on packaging.

• Example: As one of the major pharmaceuticals, they decreased the downtime of production by 20% after installing CIJ printers  into the high-speed packaging lines.

Uninterrupted production processes are ensured by fast speeds, and CIJ printers become essential to quickly fulfill deadlines in pharmaceutical manufacture.

2. Versatile Printing on Different Materials

Pharmaceutical products are packaged in diverse materials, including glass vials, plastic bottles, blister packs, and metal containers. CIJ printers excel in printing on both porous and non-porous surfaces, offering unmatched versatility. They can also print on curved or irregular surfaces, ensuring that all types of packaging can be marked effectively.

• Example: A pharmaceutical company using CIJ printers reported a 25% increase in production efficiency due to their ability to handle multiple packaging types seamlessly.

• Stat: CIJ printers are compatible with over 90% of packaging materials used in the pharmaceutical industry, making them a versatile choice for manufacturers.

This adaptability is crucial for pharmaceutical companies that produce a variety of products with different packaging requirements.

3. Durable and Legible Markings

Batch numbers, expiration dates, and serialization codes must remain legible throughout the supply chain to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. CIJ printers use fast-drying, smudge-free ink that adheres to various surfaces, producing durable and high-quality markings.

• Stat: Over 90% of pharmaceutical recalls are due to labeling errors, highlighting the importance of accurate and durable markings.

• Example: CIJ printers equipped with advanced ink formulations ensure that markings remain intact even in harsh storage or transportation conditions.

This reliability ensures that pharmaceutical products meet FDA and EMA requirements for traceability and safety.

4. Economical and Low Maintenance

CIJ printers are designed for minimal maintenance, featuring automated cleaning systems that prevent nozzle clogging. This reduces the need for manual intervention and ensures consistent print quality over long production runs. Additionally, unused ink in CIJ systems is recirculated, minimizing waste and lowering operating costs.

• Stat: Companies using CIJ printers report a 20% reduction in maintenance costs compared to traditional printing methods.

• Example: A pharmaceutical manufacturer saved $50,000 annually by switching to CIJ printers with self-cleaning technology.

These cost-saving features make CIJ printers a long-term investment for pharmaceutical companies.

5. Compliance with Regulatory Requirements

The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated, with strict requirements for product traceability and anti-counterfeiting measures. CIJ printers are capable of producing high-resolution, tamper-proof markings, including serialized DataMatrix codes, which are mandated by regulations such as the EU’s Directive 2011/62/EU.

• Serialization Support: CIJ printers can print unique codes for tracking and tracing, ensuring full traceability.

• Tamper-Proof Marking: Permanent and unalterable batch details prevent counterfeiting.

• Supply Chain Visibility: Anti-fraud measures and uninterrupted tracking support all stakeholders.

• Example: A pharmaceutical company achieved 100% compliance with global serialization standards by integrating CIJ printers into their production lines.

Emerging Trends in CIJ Printing Technology

1. Automation and Smart Packaging

CIJ printers now integrate seamlessly into automated production lines, supporting Industry 4.0 initiatives. IoT-enabled printers provide real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and enhancing efficiency.

2. Eco-Friendly Inks

Sustainability is a growing focus in the pharmaceutical industry. New ink formulations for CIJ printers reduce VOC emissions by up to 30%, supporting environmental goals.

3. Live Demonstrations at Trade Fairs

Global events like Achema and Pack Expo showcase the latest CIJ printer innovations, including live demonstrations of high-speed printing and serialization capabilities.

Why CIJ Printers Stand Out

CIJ printers outperform other printing methods due to:

• High-Speed Printing: Ensures rapid production without interruptions.

• Multi-Surface Compatibility: Prints on a wide range of materials and packaging types.

• Ink Efficiency: Delivers high-quality prints with minimal ink usage.

• Non-Contact Printing: Ideal for delicate or irregularly shaped packaging.

Impact on Pharma Manufacturing Efficiency

CIJ printers enhance pharmaceutical production in several ways:

• Boosts Productivity: Prints quickly without slowing production.

• Reduces Labeling Errors: Ensures accurate and readable markings.

• Enhances Brand Protection: Prevents counterfeiting with tamper-proof codes.

• Saves Costs: Reduces maintenance and ink expenses.

Conclusion

Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) printers are indispensable for the pharmaceutical industry, offering fast, accurate, and durable printing solutions. As the industry embraces automation, compliance, and sustainability, CIJ technology remains a critical component of modern manufacturing.

With advancements in printhead technology and eco-friendly inks, CIJ printers continue to meet the evolving demands of pharmaceutical packaging. Their ability to provide reliable, high-quality prints while minimizing downtime makes them a necessity for companies aiming to maintain compliance and ensure product integrity.

• Stat: By 2027, the pharmaceutical packaging market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5%, with CIJ printers playing a pivotal role in this expansion.

Looking for cutting-edge CIJ printing solutions? Contact us today to learn how our printers can transform your production line!