Tetra Pak® and Aseptic Packaging Equipment for Expiration Dates

Aseptic packaging is an invaluable resource for food producers and pharmaceutical manufacturers. Used to prevent any form of contamination, aseptic packaging is a process in which a manufacturer sterilizes both a product and its outer packaging. Through sterilization, food companies are able to preserve product freshness, nutritional value, and flavor. On the pharmaceutical side, aseptic packaging ensures consumers that their medications won’t come into contact with contaminants, like potentially harmful bacteria, for example. 

Since the 1960s, Tetra Pak^® has been at the forefront of aseptic technology developing various packaging solutions and materials. Today, Tetra Pak-produced aseptic containers can be made from paperboard, metal, semi-rigid plastic, and flexible plastic. Of course, like any other packaging that contains food or pharmaceuticals, companies need to mark their Tetra Pak containers with traceable codes and product information. Without these markings, businesses are likely to encounter supply chain issues and possibly violate federal regulations/distributor requirements.

Fortunately, if your company requires aseptic packaging equipment, InkJet, Inc. has everything you need. Read on to learn how our technology can optimize your Tetra Pak coding operation.

The Importance of Coding Tetra Pak/Aseptic Packaging

Aseptic packaging is most commonly used within the food and pharmaceutical industries—two fields that are both highly regulated. Not only are food and drug products subject to regulations set by the FDA and FTC, but distributors also maintain strict packaging requirements. 

If companies violate policies set either by regulatory bodies or their supply chain partners, it can result in fines, recalls, and damages to reputations. 

Although packaging requirements differ based on a specific food or drug type, companies are commonly required to include the following information on their product packaging:

• Title and location of the manufacturer

• Statement of product identity

• Net content quantity

• Expiration dates

• Lot codes/batch numbers

• Serial numbers

• Barcodes

• Data matrices

While elements like manufacturer title/location, product identity, and net quantity can easily be pre-printed onto the label, other codes need to be inscribed on a batch-to-batch basis. For example, expiration dates and lot codes must be changed to reflect when the product was packaged. Consequently, operations need a way to quickly and reliably place batch-specific codes onto their aseptic packaging. 

Here is where the continuous inkjet printer comes in.

Use the Right Ink Formula for the Job

For over 30 years, InkJet, Inc. has been developing ink formulas for general and specialty applications. We understand the chemistry behind what makes ink work well with a porous substrate like paperboard vs. a nonporous substrate like plastic and have assembled a varied ink portfolio as a result. 

When it comes to aseptic packaging, this ink diversity is a great strength. Aseptic packaging can be made from a variety of materials with the most common being:

• Paperboard, for cartons and similar preformed containers

• Metals, for cans, bottles, and jars

• Semi-rigid plastics, for cups, trays, and bottles

• Flexible plastics, for pouches and bags

For all of these substrates and more, InkJet, Inc. offers a variety of ink formulas. Additionally, we have the ability to custom-make inks with specialty properties including:

• Low viscosity

• Moisture resistance

• High-temperature resistance

• Fast drying times

• Color-changing abilities

Whether you require a standard Tetra Pak-compatible ink or a specialty formula, InkJet, Inc. has you covered.