Food Sicker Printing: Everything You Need Know Part One

Every sticker is unique - various applications necessitate various digital technologies, which is why printing is such an interesting industry. Every sticker has its own aesthetic and functional needs, whether it is for pharma, wine & spirits, durables, health & beauty, industrial chemicals, or drinks.  
 
In a series of articles, we will go deeper into the properties of each of these stickers, as well as provide advice on which digital printing method is most suited. There are several deciding criteria, and it is easy to become confused and disoriented with all of the available possibilities. We will explain which digital printing method is best for achieving the best results, taking into account quality, substrates, appearance and feel, and functionality, among other technical considerations.  

The Notion of Migration and Food-Safe Digital Sticker Printing: 

 Migration — the transfer of chemicals from packaging to packed foods – is a critical subject in the subject of food safety. To assess the likelihood of chemicals migrating through packaging and contaminating food, migration thresholds are established. The Specific Migration Limit (SML) is the maximum amount of a certain ingredient that can be discharged into food from a packing material or printed layer.  

Dry toner and food safety: 

In terms of migration and chemical composition, dry toner outperforms other technologies like liquid toner and inkjet when it comes to food safety. The colorant needed to make dry toner, for example, is a pigment that is not considered a migrant. There is no liquid component involved, and the pigment particles are surrounded by a polyester resin, a polymer with a large molecular mass that is likewise exceedingly unlikely to move.  

Because it requires a carrier liquid, liquid toner is less suitable for food digital sticker printing. Mineral oil is typically utilized, which evaporates during and after the electrophotographic process. However, if the remaining carrier liquid is not given adequate time, some particles may remain.