10 things egg producers need to know about egg printing

The average human eats around 200 eggs a year. Every year therefore, an amazing 1.6 trillion eggs are produced, weighing over 90 million tonnes. And if they are to be sold commercially, all of them (or the boxes they are sold in) need to bear an information code.

Egg printing is an important function – and here are ten key facts that producers should know about the egg printing machines they use. 

1. Egg printing is mandatory in most countries

Government regulations in many countries mandate that eggs carry specific information, such as expiry dates, production dates, traceability data and supplier specific information, to ensure transparency and food safety. By marking eggs with unique identifiers, producers can trace products back to their source, facilitating swift responses to any quality or safety issue.

2. Regulations are not the same everywhere

Many countries take their lead from the US, where egg marking is regulated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), also working with the WTO to harmonize food standards around the world. US eggs (and the cartons they are sold in) typically carry information that identifies the producer and a three-digit code that represents the date when they were packed (001 = 1 January). In the EU, eggs are stamped with a mark indicating the farming method, country of origin, and a unique producer identifier.

Other countries follow similar patterns, but changing regulations can be hard to follow and producers should always check with local authorities. In Brazil, for example, regulatory changes in November 2024 led many producers to believe, falsely, that every individual egg had to be coded.*

3. Egg codes are there for consumers too

Egg printing is also reassuring to consumers. Not only is the date of packaging an indication of freshness, but additional marks – such as the Lion mark in the UK – is a further guarantee of quality. You should therefore choose egg printing machines that are able to legibly print entire logos as well as letters and numbers.

4. Continuous inkjet technology (CIJ) is the fastest and most reliable technology for coding

The specialist demands of the egg industry have led to the domination of continuous inkjet technology. As a contactless printing method that directs tiny droplets of fast-drying ink onto the eggshell or the container, inkjet printers are perceived as not only the most suitable but also the most cost-effective and reliable print technology.

5. Coding and marking requirements differ by producer

Producers around the world need egg coding systems that adapt to the way they work and the eggs they need to print. LEIBINGER produce different coloured inks like red, blue and green inks in order to ensure contrast with different coloured eggshells, and standard inks for printing on various packaging materials, including plastic, cardboard, foam and shrink wrap. 

The most efficient coding and marking systems are ones that can be used to print both on packaging and the eggs themselves, removing the complication of running different types of coding machines.

6. Printers need to be easily integrated into production systems

All commercial egg production companies invest heavily in the specialist automated production systems used to sort and package eggs. It is therefore crucial that coding and marking systems integrate easily and effectively with them. LEIBINGER egg printing machines can be synchronized with egg packing machines, allowing for efficient sorting and marking processes. This integration ensures that eggs and their containers are accurately coded according to grade and destination, ensuring traceability throughout the supply chain. To make integration easier, LEIBINGER provides out-of-the-box connectivity with leading egg grading and packing systems, providing all necessary interfaces as well as ancillary equipment like specific cables and connectors. The Jet3UP EP and JET2 NEO EP egg printing machines integrate easily with:

• MOBA 2500/3000/100
• MOBA ‘OMNIA” Series
• DIAMOND Innova Series
  
   

7. Printers need to work in small spaces

Bear in mind also that egg machines offer a relatively small installation space for the print heads. This is why LEIBINGER has designed key features such as special shorter and angled print heads for the specific needs of egg printing that can print on the top of eggs in the tightest of spaces.

8. Inks must be food-safe

For safety and hygiene reasons, only certain inks can be used for printing directly onto the egg shell. However, the regulations surrounding inks for use on egg shells are sometimes misunderstood. LEIBINGER’s ink expert, Dr. Bastian Klose explains: “The FDA does not directly approve any inks, but they do state which ingredients are approved. This is why LEIBINGER is confident that its food inks are fully compliant for printing on eggs.”

9. Egg printing machines need to work quickly and reliably

LEIBINGER high capacity coding solutions work quickly, with the JET 3UP EP printer marking 30,000 eggs every hour. But there is another important consideration: the ink dries quickly, which can mean that print heads on cheaper automatic systems become clogged. Not so with LEIBINGER automated sealing system, which ensures that ink is not exposed to the air when the printer is not in operation. Unlike other machines, they don’t clog. Which means the production line doesn’t stop and there are no delays for cleaning.

10. Egg production costs need to be minimized

Like all industries, egg production companies work hard to keep costs to a minimum and the equipment they use can make a big contribution to those savings. LEIBINGER printers are designed to be as frugal as possible by using less solvent and less power, while also minimizing maintenance costs.

Reliability is also important, especially given the harsh operating environments that egg coding and marking systems have to endure. LEIBINGER printers are 100% German manufactured to very high quality standards with rugged stainless steel housing and optional IP65-class protection.

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* According to LEIBINGER’s South American expert, Cesar Denadai Rugero, only the smallest commercialized portion needs marking. If eggs are sold individually, it goes onto each egg; if eggs are sold in a box of six, it goes onto the packaging. A good example of why professional advice should be sought to ensure compliance.