KGK Jet CIJ, DOD, and Laser Marking Technologies: Enhancing Serialization and Traceability in Pharmaceutical Packaging

Serialization and traceability are vital for the pharmaceutical packaging industry to ensure product safety, regulatory compliance, and to combat counterfeiting. Technologies like Continuous Inkjet (CIJ), Drop on Demand (DOD), and Laser marking, offered by companies like KGK Jet, play a crucial role in supporting these processes.

Here’s how each technology contributes to serialization and traceability:

1. Continuous Inkjet (CIJ)

• Technology: CIJ uses a continuous flow of ink droplets to mark packaging materials. This non-contact method is fast and ideal for high-speed production lines.
• Contribution to Serialization:
• High-Speed Coding: CIJ printers can print serial numbers, barcodes, and batch information at high speeds without slowing down the production line, which is critical in pharmaceutical packaging.
• Versatile: CIJ works on various substrates like glass, plastic, metal and paper, ensuring traceability across different types of pharmaceutical packaging.
• Small Character Printing: CIJ is ideal for printing small, clear characters on compact packages, blister packs, or vials.

• Advantages of KGK Jet CIJ Technology:
• Suitable for high-volume, high-speed production lines.
• Small footprint ideal for clean room environment.
• Provides durable, legible marks on different substrates.

2. Drop on Demand (DOD)

• Technology: DOD printers release ink droplets only when required, making it highly efficient for precise marking. This method is also non-contact, but with more controlled droplet placement compared to CIJ.
• Contribution to Serialization:
• Precision and Flexibility: DOD can print variable data, including unique serial numbers, 2D codes, and lot numbers, with high precision. This supports the requirement for unique identifiers in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
• High-Resolution Printing: 600 DPI high-resolution printing with height up to 520mm makes DOD ideal for placing scannable barcodes, QR codes, and detailed product information directly on packaging.
• Print for ruff use: DOD oil based ink withstand dust, prolonged sun light and resistance to moisture.
• No Labels: DOD carton coding eliminate labels, provide more secure & efficient printing directly on cartons.  
• Advantages of KGK Jet DOD Technology:
• Excellent for small to medium-sized batches.
• Reduce inventory of pro-printed cartons.
• Provides high-quality printing of complex data on a range of substrates.

3. Laser Marking

• Technology: CO2, UV and Fiber Laser marking as per substrate is preferred permanent, contact-free method for pharmaceutical products & packaging.
• Contribution to Serialization:
• High-Speed Coding: Laser marking and coding can efficiently apply serial numbers, barcodes, and batch information at high speeds, maintaining production line efficiency without causing any slowdowns.
• Permanent and Tamper-Proof Marking: Laser marking creates indelible codes that cannot be erased or tampered with, which enhances product security and compliance.
• High Durability: Since no ink is used, laser-marked codes remain intact even in harsh environments (e.g., high temperatures, moisture), ensuring traceability through the product's lifecycle.
• Detailed Data: Laser marking can create highly detailed, machine-readable codes like 2D Data Matrix or QR codes that are essential for track-and-trace systems.
• Advantages of KGK Jet Laser Marking Technology:
• No need for consumables like ink or solvents.
• Permanent marking that is resistant to fading and tampering.

How They Support Serialization and Traceability in Pharma

• Regulatory Compliance: CIJ, DOD, and Laser marking technologies help pharmaceutical companies comply with regulatory frameworks like the India Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), US Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) or EU Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD). These regulations require serialized packaging for full traceability throughout the supply chain.
• Anti-Counterfeiting: By ensuring unique, traceable codes on every product, these technologies help combat counterfeiting and ensure only authentic drugs reach consumers.
• Supply Chain Visibility: Serialization codes, such as unique serial numbers or 2D Data Matrix barcodes, help track products at each stage of the supply chain, from manufacturing to end-use, improving overall visibility.
• QA & Recall Efficiency: Ensuring customer safety as well product recall, serialized packaging allows for faster identification of affected batches, ensuring patient safety and reducing financial losses.

Conclusion

In the pharmaceutical packaging industry, CIJ, DOD, and Laser marking technologies offered by companies like KGK Jet are indispensable tools for ensuring serialization and traceability. Their ability to print unique, scannable codes and batch information on a wide variety of substrates at high speeds, while maintaining precision and durability, makes them ideal solutions for meeting the strict regulatory and safety demands of the sector.