Multi-brand technical service, on-site and remote
+34 941 265 066 ES EN
Tidirefi
Request a quote
Pharma and cosmetics

Coding and marking for pharma and cosmetics

Sharp, legible 2D codes and small text on folding cartons, bottles, tubes and glass and plastic containers.

Get adviceView printers

What is marked and where

In pharma and cosmetics, folding cartons, leaflets, bottles, tubes, ampoules and plastic or glass containers are coded. The usual data are batch, expiry and DataMatrix or QR codes for traceability, in small sizes that call for good resolution and a well-contrasted code.

Typical challenges

  • Small 2D codes that must read first time: resolution and contrast.
  • Varied surfaces: varnished or coated board, glass, plastic or aluminium tubes, curved bottles.
  • Frequent format and data changes, with short runs.
  • The need to check that the code reads correctly on the end reader.
  • Security or authenticity marks on the pack.

Recommended technologies

High-resolution TIJThe usual choice for 2D codes and small text on folding cartons and labels, with easy-to-change cartridges and simple data changes.View printers UV laserFine, permanent marking on plastics and delicate packs, with no ink or solvent. A sample test is required.View printers CIJ on bottles and tubesNon-contact marking on bottles, tubes and curved plastic or glass containers at line speed.View printers Hi-ResHigh definition for sharp codes and text on cardboard and flat surfaces, with UV or LED curing inks.View printers

Inks for this sector

A starting point: we always confirm the ink with a test on a sample of your product.

Security TIJ inksInvisible security inks, fluorescent under UV light, for authenticity verification.View ink Solvent-based TIJ inksSolvent-based TIJ for non-porous surfaces: plastic, metal, glass and varnishes.View ink Water-based TIJ inksWater-based TIJ for cardboard and paper (porous and semi-porous).View ink Hi-Res UV and LED curing inksUV and LED curing Hi-Res, on porous and non-porous surfaces.View ink Special CIJ inksSpecial CIJ for glass and other demanding materials.View ink

Frequently asked questions

What resolution do I need for a small DataMatrix?

It depends on code size and reader. High-resolution TIJ is usually the right choice; we confirm it by printing on your pack and checking the read.

Can invisible inks be used?

Yes. Security TIJ inks turn fluorescent under UV light and can be used to verify pack authenticity. They come in red and blue, with versions for different materials.

Do you mark on glass and plastic?

Yes: with solvent-based TIJ inks, special CIJ inks or laser, depending on the material. We always recommend a sample test.

Can you validate the result before I buy?

Yes. We run marking tests on samples of your product and tell you which technology and ink fit.