Invisible ink ensures traceability and authenticity

A leading rigid plastics packaging manufacturer is ensuring authenticity and traceability with an unusual product: invisible ink.

RPC Containers Llantrisant is using special UV-readable ink from Linx Printing Technologies on its range of bottles. The Linx Clear UV-readable ink goes on clear and is used to code both the bottles and their caps inline using Linx 4900 continuous ink jet printers. The code includes a batch number, date and time, and the line on which the bottle was produced.

“The ink produces a completely invisible code which is nevertheless very clear and easy to read under the appropriate conditions,” said Jon Bedgood, RPC Llantrisant’s manufacturing manager

In the event of any problem or quality issue, the complete pack can be traced back through the entire filling, supply and manufacturing chain using the ink code.

RPC Llantrisant manufactures bottles in eight sizes, from 25 to 200 mL. The bottles are injection blow moulded and then fed into a capping machine. Both the cap and bottle are coded simultaneously by two Linx 4900 printers.

“We have been delighted with the performance of both the Linx 4900s and the UV-readable ink,” said Bedgood.

RPC selected the Linx printers based on their speed and reliability. The 4900s can easily cope with line speeds of around 3200 bottles/h. RPC operates two lines, with a third line available to meet peaks in demand. The portability of the Linx 4900 means the printer can easily be moved as required, depending on production requirements.

“The printers have been extremely reliable and we have had no issues since they were installed - we literally only have to start them up and away they go.  Our operators like them and Linx provided full training, which means everyone is familiar with how they work,” Bedgood said.