Videojet develops V476 and V521 for retort applications

Food manufacturers utilize the retort or autoclave process typically to help preserve vegetables, beans, fruit, soup, sauces, baby food, meat/fish, ready-to-eat meals and pet food.  To meet code requirements before, during, and after the retort process, Videojet has developed V476 and V521 for use with its 1000 line of CIJ printers. Codes produced with these new inks are designed to provide a noticeable color change from dark red to light red when exposed to heat and moisture during the retort process. The color change occurs after the material has been retorted for several minutes at 240-250 degree F (116-121 degree C). This allows processors to determine whether or not a particular item has been properly exposed to the retort process.

MEK and methanol-free, Videojet V476 and V521 inks provide a clear color change from dark red to light red and offer reduced bleeding of the code as compared to other thermochromic ink offerings. Primary uses for V476 and V521 inks are for processed food containers such as flexible pouches, metal cans, glass jars, plastic bowls and trays. These inks may also be used in food or pharmaceutical applications where the goal is to reduce certain solvent plant emissions, including MEK.

V476 is qualified for use in Videojet’s standard 1000 printers and V521 for use in 1000 ultra-high speed models.

‘These new inks are an example of Videojet innovation in fluids for ink jet technology,’ said Heidi Wright, business unit manager for supplies at Videojet. ‘We are continually looking for ways we can deliver unique fluids formulations to meet customer needs and are very excited to bring these products to the industry.  These new inks are a result of our dedicated research and development initiatives. Working closely with our customers to determine their production needs, we collect application data that can be used in creating formulations for a specific set of production requirements.’