Coding & marking solutions from Leibinger: Label smarter to increase productivity

LEIBINGER, the global pioneer in continuous inkjet printing technology (CIJ) unveiled its full range of coding and marking systems to trade visitors at ProPak Asia this year.  At this event, FoodPacific Manufacturing Journal sat down with Christophe Lopez, Chief Commercial Officer of Leibinger, to discuss the company’s technological advancements in sustainability-driven ink technologies, smart packaging integration, as well as his insights into strategic expansion across Asia’s food and beverage markets.

Mr. Lopez spearheads global commercial strategy, focusing on market expansion, channel development, and customer-centric innovation. Under his leadership, the company has reinforced its global footprint, particularly in industries where precision and industrial resilience are critical.

Please tell us about Leibinger and its key products. 

Leibinger is a market leader in Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) technology, widely used for printing variable data across FMCG, industrial, and pharmaceutical sectors—including food, beverages, wire and cable, pipes, and electronics. Our printers handle everything from lot numbers and expiration dates to 1D and 2D barcodes.

At ProPak Asia 2025, we are showcasing our full CIJ product range, including the IQJET—our latest innovation and recipient of the 2024 German Innovation Award. IQJET is designed to overcome the traditional limitations of CIJ printers, delivering unmatched productivity and reliability. It is currently the only CIJ printer on the market offering five years of maintenance-free operation.

Features on the IQJET continuous inkjet printer include a plug & play system that runs continuously without manual cleaning or calibration, and IQPRINT technology which maintains airtight ink conditions during pauses to prevent drying and clogging.

Are there new developments in ink technology (e.g., pigmented, food-safe, or eco-friendly inks) being presented at this year’s event?

Absolutely. Ink innovation is a core part of our R&D strategy. We’ve been investing over the years to provide the largest portfolio of ink. While some competitors offer only a handful of ink options, our portfolio now exceeds 100 ink formulations, including dye-based, pigmented, black, colored, MEK-free, and specialized inks for harsh environment.

This year we’re showcasing several new inks developed for challenging environments, such as high humidity and difficult substrates. Notably, we’ve introduced inks that print effectively on the latest recyclable materials like PE and PP.

Thanks to technologies like EcoSolve and Sealtronic™, our systems also offer the lowest solvent consumption in the market—just 2.7 ml/h for MEK-based inks, which is about 50% lower than our all competitors.

How does Sealtronic™ benefit users of CIJ printers?

Customers today expect maximum productivity with minimal operating costs. Sealtronic™ is unique in the CIJ printing technology – it automatically seals the nozzle when idle and continuously circulates ink in a closed loop. This eliminates the need for regular printhead cleaning, reduces solvent consumption during downtime to zero, and allows for immediate start-stop production.

In contrast, traditional CIJ printers leave the nozzle exposed to air, leading to ink drying, much like leaving a can of paint open, and requiring frequent maintenance. Sealtronic™ eliminates this inefficiency.

This technology has been widely adopted in FMCG and industrial sectors, including food, beverage, electronics, and wire and cable. Over the past two years, we’ve seen double-digit growth in sales of our printers.

Leibinger’s JET3 UP PI is a high-performance continuous inkjet (CIJ) printer specifically engineered for pigmented inks, which are essential for creating high-contrast marks on dark surfaces.

What other features add to the appeal of Leibinger’s printers for FMCG production?

Several key features contribute to our success in FMCG production. Aside from Sealtronic™ and IQJet, Leibinger printers are truly "plug and print”, meaning operators can start a production run and maintain consistent output from the first print to the last, without unnecessary delays or waste. Every customer who has implemented our solution sees a significant improvement in efficiency and reliability.

How are the latest trends like smart packaging, QR code traceability, and Industry 4.0 shaping your R&D?

Industry 4.0 and 2D code traceability are no longer conceptual; they are actively being implemented across our customer base. These trends are already shaping our current offerings. Leibinger is at the forefront of this transformation, delivering practical, integrated solutions. Our IQJet printer is fully compatible with Industry 4.0 environments, supports OPCUA for seamless integration and comes with Leibinger Connect, a cloud-based monitoring system that gives users remote control and visibility.

We’re also actively supporting the GS1 Sunrise 2027 initiative, which promotes 2D barcode adoption. With the highest drop frequency in the market, our printers are already capable of printing 2D codes—such as QR and DataMatrix.

What is your current strategy for expanding Leibinger’s footprint across Asia?

Our strategy combines direct presence with a robust network of experienced local distributors. As a family-owned business, we prioritize customer intimacy and long-term partnerships. We deliberately work with partners who have a deep understanding of local markets and strong relationships with end-users.

What sets us apart is our human approach—our customers aren’t speaking to automated systems or far-removed call centers. They’re engaging with nearby experts who know their challenges and care about their success. This localized, high-touch model has fueled rapid growth across region in the last two years.

Finally, any message to companies who have not experienced Leibinger technologies?

To anyone using conventional coding systems or planning new production lines: there’s a better way. Don’t settle for "good enough." Try Leibinger—see the results for yourself. The difference in reliability, operating costs, and overall productivity is significant. You will see a BIG difference!