In a significant breakthrough for the food packaging and preservation industry, the renowned global company Videojet has a revolutionary thermochromic ink that changes color during the retort process, offering not only an effective solution for food preservation, but also contributing to more sustainable labeling practices.


The innovative red ink developed by Videojet has the unique thermochromic ability to transition from a dark red to a vibrant bright red during the retort process. This method, which uses steam to sterilize cans at high temperatures, has proven effective in preserving a wide variety of foods, from vegetables and fruits to complete meals such as soup, sauce, meat, fish and even pet food.


The highlight of this ink is its compatibility with continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers, allowing its application prior to the retort process. In addition, it has been observed that this ink has a significantly lower consumption compared to other MEK-based inks, which not only improves process efficiency, but also reduces operating costs.


The scope of this innovation extends beyond food preservation, as Videojet’s thermochromic ink can also be used on aluminum containers intended for edible oil, vinegar and mineral water, as well as on plastic closures.