Printing on plastic rigid containers

Printing on plastic rigid containers, such as bottles, jars, and molded packaging, requires precise, durable codes that withstand handling, moisture, oils, abrasions, and other challenges throughout production and the distribution chain. Manufacturers rely on industrial coding technologies to print batch codes, expiration dates, barcodes, 2D codes including GS1-powered QR and DataMatrix codes, and traceability data directly onto plastic substrates like PET, HDPE, and PP.  

Videojet provides coding and marking solutions designed to handle plastic rigid containers, helping manufacturers achieve consistent print quality, regulatory compliance, and efficient production.

Industrial coding and marking for rigid plastic containers 

The choice of coding technology depends on the packaging material and the surface characteristics of the coding area. Continuous inkjet (CIJ) and laser marking are both widely used across rigid plastic materials such as PET, HDPE, PP, and PVC, with performance determined by how each technology is matched to the substrate. 

CIJ provides reliable coding on a range of plastics when the appropriate ink is selected, including inks designed for low-surface-energy materials such as HDPE and PP. Laser marking also supports these substrates, producing permanent codes through a controlled surface change, typically resulting in color change based on the material’s properties and the selected wavelength. 

Surface condition and product handling are just as important as material. Irregular and curved surfaces, such as molded containers, are well suited to CIJ, which applies codes without contact and accommodates variation in position and motion. Laser systems are also designed to mark products in motion, using non-contact marking to create permanent codes with high precision and repeatability where the coding area is stable and well controlled. Consistent code quality depends on proper integration with the line, synchronized with product movement, and verifying that codes are present and readable after application. 

Ideal printing and marking technologies for rigid plastic containers

CIJ and laser marking are the primary technologies used for coding rigid plastic containers, with selection based on material properties, surface conditions, and production requirements. 

Application need	Commonly used technologies	Why
High-speed production lines	Continuous inkjet (CIJ), laser marking	Both support reliable coding on products in motion and variable data. CIJ handles surface variations, while laser provides permanent codes with lower consumables.
Flexible or uneven surfaces	Continuous inkjet (CIJ)	Non-contact coding accommodates movement and irregular shapes.
Low-surface-energy plastics (e.g., HDPE, PP)	CIJ with specialized inks; laser (contrast depends on material composition	CIJ inks can support adhesion; laser depends on material formulation to achieve contrast.
Permanent codes/durability	Laser marking	Produces permanent, high-contrast codes that resist abrasion, moisture, and handling.

Continuous inkjet (CIJ) coding on plastic containers 

Continuous inkjet (CIJ) is an ink-based coding technology widely used across plastic packaging applications. It supports both flat and curved surfaces and is well suited to high-speed production lines. Code durability depends on selecting the appropriate ink formulation for the specific plastic substrate and product-use environment. 

CIJ is commonly used for coding variable data such as lot numbers, best-by dates, and expiration dates on bottles, containers, and lids. It is used across applications including PET beverage bottles, HDPE dairy containers, household chemical bottles, and personal care products, particularly where messaging requirements may change frequently. 

Laser marking on plastic containers 

Laser marking creates permanent codes on plastic by inducing a material reaction such as color change. Laser systems can be used to mark products in motion when integrated with production lines and are often selected where durable, high-contrast codes are required without the use of consumables. 

CO₂, fiber, and UV lasers are used across a range of plastic applications, depending on the material and marking requirements. These systems produce high-quality, permanent codes on rigid containers, closures, and other components made from materials such as PET, HDPE, PVC, and engineered plastics. Performance depends on the substrate’s response to the laser and may be influenced by material formulation or additives. 

How to choose the right coding technology for rigid plastic 

Choosing the right coding solution is best done with a Videojet coding expert, who can assess your materials, production conditions, and code requirements. 

Key considerations include: 

• Material and surface condition (surface energy, color, additives) 
• Code requirements (text, barcodes, logos, and required resolution) 
• Line speed and product movement 
• Production environment (moisture, oils, abrasion, etc.) 
• Regulatory and traceability requirements 

Thermal inkjet (TIJ) printing on plastic containers

Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) printing is an advanced ink-based coding technology that provides high-quality, precise printing on plastic containers. This solution is ideal for applications requiring high-resolution text, barcodes, and logos on a wide range of plastic surfaces, including bottles, containers, and jars.

With its versatility and superior print quality, TIJ is perfect for low and medium-speed production lines in the food, beverage, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and household goods industries.

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