Bopack introduces labels with laser-sensitive inks

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Demand for razor-sharp and true reproduction of a still image exists in all sectors, but nowhere is it more important than the pharmaceutical industry. To cater to market demand, Bopack, a label printer in France and Benelux, has expanded its product offering to include labels coated with laser-sensitive inks and lacquers.


Bopack applies a thin film of laser-sensitive ink containing the patented DataLase pigment onto paper or plastic media. This layer is then machined by a laser beam. After exposure to laser light, the DataLase pigment changes color and the desired information appears.


This makes the displaying of variable information simple. Barcodes, data matrices, batch numbers or expiry dates: this information needs to be printed quickly and reliably onto the product. The electronic ‘watchdog’ circuit transmits signals in order to immediately remove, from the production line, any packages that were erroneously printed.


In addition, the EFPIA (European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations) recommends the implementation of a standardized and unique 2D-coding system for medicines in Europe. This laser technology is the most secure solution to meet this requirement, says the company.


‘To ensure the best possible result, the quality of the labels is thoroughly tested before shipping out product to the customers. This is because every customer has his own unique requirement and expectations about the product, which we need to focus on,’ said Grete Devooght, label adviser at Bopack. 


For example, in a first test phase, the ink containing the special, laser-sensitive pigment is uniformly applied to the labels. In a second phase, a mini-laser makes a trial impression on the labels.


Thanks to this printing process, Bopack can produce labels in an efficient, environmentally responsible and eco-friendly way. Because the printing is no longer done using consumables, such as printer ribbons, there’s less waste: which is good news for the environment and less raw materials are needed per print run. The use of laser-sensitive inks also means less downtime compared to other printing methods.


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