Pharmaceutical Coding: Why CIJ's are Essential for Compliant Packaging

Why Is Coding Important in the Pharmaceutical Industry?

The blister packets of pills we see daily are produced on high-speed pharmaceutical production lines, where clear and accurate coding is non-negotiable. Regulatory bodies worldwide require that medicines are identifiable with unique labels applied to both packaging and ingestible products.

If you've ever noticed small codes or printed data on a box of medicine, you've seen the result of industrial printing in action—but how does that information get there, and why is it so critical?

The Role of Inkjet Printing in Pharmaceuticals

Inkjet printing solutions, particularly Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) and Thermal Inkjet (TIJ), are widely used for pharmaceutical product marking. These technologies are capable of printing:

• Alphanumeric characters

• 2D barcodes and QR codes

• Lot numbers, expiry dates, and batch codes

• Multi-line text and graphics

CIJ and TIJ printers ensure consistent, high-contrast, high-resolution printing even on curved, coated, or heat-sensitive substrates—essential for packaging integrity and regulatory compliance.

CIJ is typically better for high-speed, continuous production, while TIJ may suit smaller batch operations or more delicate environments.

Common Applications in Pharma

Cyklop Needham's CIJ technology is used for:

• Carton coding and inspection

• Foil blister packet marking

• Capsule and tablet surface printing (with food-grade ink)

• Bottle and vial identification

• Sterilisation pouch coding

• Single-use packet and oral gel labelling

Is It Safe to Print on Ingestible Products?

Yes—when using the right ink. Cyklop Needham supplies food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade inks that are safe for direct application to pills, capsules, and other ingestible products.

Each ink formulation is developed to suit the surface and coating of the substrate. With so many coating types in use today, it's essential that the ink used doesn’t react negatively with the packaging or product.

We offer:

• Edible inks for ingestibles

• UV-readable inks for anti-counterfeit measures

• Solvent- and water-based inks for a wide range of surfaces

Why the CM750 CIJ Printer Is a Pharmaceutical Fit

The CM750 CIJ printer by Cyklop Needham is built for high-speed environments, making it ideal for pharmaceutical production lines that require both efficiency and accuracy.

Key benefits:

• Microscopic ink droplets for sharp, small prints

• Instant drying to prevent smudging on high-speed lines

• Reliable substrate coverage across blister foils, cartons, and plastic

• Supports food-grade ink for direct product contact

• Easy integration with automated packaging systems

CIJ printers like the CM750 are particularly suited to expiration dates, lot codes, and serialized tracking, making them perfect for compliance-driven pharma operations.

How Cyklop Needham Can Help

At Cyklop Needham, we understand the complex demands of pharmaceutical manufacturing. Our complete coding solutions include:

• CM750 printers tailored for speed, precision, and traceability

• Inks developed in-house for compliance, safety, and performance

• Expert engineers ready to assist with integration and setup

• Support for all major code formats, including GS1, barcodes, and logos

Whether you’re a contract packer or a pharmaceutical manufacturer, we’ll help you deliver high-quality, regulation-compliant printing with minimal downtime and maximum clarity.

Ready to Upgrade Your Coding Capability?

📞 Call: +44 (0)1948 662629
📧 Email: enquiries@needham-ink.com
🌐 Visit: www.needham-ink.com