Food Packaging Coding Trends: How CIJ, TIJ, and Laser Marking Support Modern Food Production

1.Digital Coding Becomes More Important

Food packaging has traditionally relied on simple date and batch coding. However, as traceability requirements become more demanding, manufacturers increasingly need to apply more detailed and variable product information.

Modern coding applications may include:

• Production and expiration dates
• Batch and lot numbers
• Barcodes and QR codes
• Product identification information

This information needs to be printed accurately while keeping up with production-line speeds.

As a result, coding equipment is becoming an increasingly important part of automated packaging lines.

2.CIJ and Tij for Flexible Packaging Applications

Different production environments require different coding technologies.

Cij Printers are widely used for high-speed, non-contact coding on bottles, cans, plastic packaging, and other products. They are suitable for applications requiring continuous printing of dates, batch numbers, and other basic product information.

Tij Printers offer high-resolution printing and can be used for clear text, barcodes, and 2D codes on suitable cartons, boxes, films, and other packaging materials.

At DANA Marking, we work with different packaging materials and production requirements to help customers select suitable coding solutions. Factors such as line speed, substrate, printing content, and required resolution are considered before recommending the appropriate technology.

3.Laser Marking for Permanent Identification

Laser marking provides another option for food packaging and product identification.

Instead of using ink, laser marking creates a mark directly on the material surface. Depending on the substrate, fiber, CO₂, or UV lasers can be selected for different applications.

Laser marking can be particularly useful when manufacturers require durable identification and want to reduce dependence on traditional ink-based consumables.

DANA Marking provides fiber, CO₂, and UV laser marking solutions for different industrial materials and applications. The appropriate laser source depends on the material, marking content, required durability, and production environment.

4.Choosing the Right Coding Solution

There is no single coding technology suitable for every food packaging application.

Manufacturers should consider:

• Production speed
• Packaging material
• Code content
• Print resolution
• Mark durability
• Production-line integration

CIJ, TIJ, and laser marking each have their own advantages. The most suitable solution depends on the specific application and production requirements.

At DANA Marking, we can also provide sample marking and printing tests to help customers evaluate the actual marking result before selecting a solution.

5.Conclusion

The trends highlighted at foodpro 2026 reflect a wider shift toward smarter and more connected food production.

As digitalization and traceability continue to develop, food packaging coding will become an increasingly important part of automated manufacturing.

From high-speed CIJ printing to high-resolution TIJ coding and permanent laser marking, different technologies will continue to provide manufacturers with flexible options for product identification.

For food manufacturers planning to upgrade their production lines, choosing the right coding technology based on actual materials, production speed, and marking requirements can help create a more efficient and reliable packaging process.

DANA Marking will continue to provide coding and marking solutions for manufacturers looking to improve product identification and production-line efficiency.