An expiry date (also called an expiration date) is the last date a product is considered safe to use or consume. It is commonly found on food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and perishable goods. After this date, the product may lose effectiveness, taste, or safety.
Why is an Expiry Date Important?
- Food Safety – Prevents health risks by ensuring food is consumed before spoilage.
- Regulatory Compliance – Required for pharmaceuticals, packaged food, and consumer goods.
- Brand Trust – Ensures customer confidence in product quality and safety.
- Inventory Management – Helps manufacturers track product shelf life and reduce waste.
Types of Expiry Date Markings
Depending on the product category, expiry dates can be labeled in different formats:
- Best Before Date – Indicates peak freshness but safe consumption afterward.
- Use By Date – Defines the deadline for safe consumption.
- Manufacturing Date (MFG Date) – Shows when the product was made.
- Batch Code & Lot Number – Used for traceability and recalls.
How Are Expiry Dates Printed on Products?
Printing expiry dates requires high-precision coding and marking solutions to ensure durability and compliance. The most common technologies include:
1. Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) Printers
- Ideal for high-speed production lines.
- Prints on food packaging, cans, bottles, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
- Uses fast-drying, food-safe inks.
2. Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) Printers
- Delivers high-resolution expiry date printing.
- Best for cartons, labels, and medical packaging.
- Requires minimal maintenance.
3. Laser Marking Systems
- Provides permanent, high-contrast coding.
- Works well on glass, plastic, and metal packaging.
- Ideal for pharmaceuticals and high-end consumer goods.
FAQ: Expiry Date Printing & Compliance
Manufacturers use automated coding systems like CIJ and laser printers to prevent human errors and ensure consistent, readable expiry dates.
Laser marking creates permanent expiry codes that cannot be erased, ensuring regulatory compliance and product authenticity.
• Food & Beverage – Milk, soft drinks, canned goods.
• Pharmaceuticals – Medicines, vaccines, medical devices.
• Cosmetics & Personal Care – Creams, perfumes, lotions.
• Industrial Goods – Chemicals, adhesives, and lubricants.
• CIJ printers are best for flexible packaging, bottles, and cartons.
• Laser marking works well for glass jars and metal cans.
• TIJ printing is ideal for paper labels and cardboard packaging.
Choose Videojet for Reliable Expiry Date Printing
With decades of expertise, Videojet provides industry-leading expiry date printing solutions to help manufacturers meet safety, compliance, and production efficiency needs.
Contact our team today to find the best expiry date coding solution for your business.
Related Articles
Suggested Solutions
Videojet 1650 CIJ Printer | Videojet 3340 CO2 Laser| Videojet 6330/6530 TTO Printer
