Food Grade Marker Ink for Wet Food Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional labeling inks are not designed for food contact, and existing marking compositions are not durable enough to withstand the processing of wet and moving food products like meat and poultry, necessitating a safe and durable marking solution for food processing equipment.
Innovation Solution
A food-grade marking composition comprising a terpolymer of vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate, and dicarboxylic acid, combined with a volatile organic solvent and a coloring agent, specifically designed for incidental food contact, and a marker pen that applies this composition to various surfaces, ensuring compliance with NSF International/Nonfood Compounds Registration Program standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional labeling inks are used, then the marking can be applied easily, but the marking is not durable and may wear off during food processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the marking ink by incorporating food-grade polymers (such as polyvinylidene fluoride, polyacrylic acid, or polyethylene-co-acrylic acid) and food-grade solvents (such as water, alcohol, or acetone). This parameter change transforms the marking ink from conventional non-food-grade formulation to a food-grade formulation that maintains durability while ensuring safety during food processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining food-grade polymers with food-grade solvents and coloring agents to create a marking composition that is both durable and safe for food contact. The composite structure allows the marking to adhere to surfaces while resisting degradation during food processing, simultaneously achieving ease of application and long-term durability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional labeling inks are used, then the marking can be applied to various surfaces, but the ink is not safe for incidental food contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by selecting food-grade polymers and solvents that are explicitly approved for food contact. This parameter change ensures that the marking ink is safe for incidental food contact while maintaining its ability to adhere to various surfaces such as plastic, metal, and glass equipment commonly used in food processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts a disposable approach by using water-soluble or alcohol-soluble food-grade polymers that can be easily removed from food surfaces through rinsing. This eliminates the need for permanent, non-removable markings, ensuring food safety while maintaining surface compatibility for various equipment materials.
3Reliability
If the marking composition is made durable for wet and moving food products, then the marking remains permanent, but the composition becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves marking permanence under wet and moving food product conditions by changing the chemical parameters to use food-grade polymers with appropriate molecular weights and cross-linking characteristics. These parameter changes enable the marking to remain permanent on flexible and moving surfaces without requiring complex multi-component formulations or additional curing processes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides durable, food-safe labels that resist removal when exposed to wet and moving food products, alleviating concerns about incidental contact and meeting regulatory requirements for safety and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a volatile organic solvent
Data Source
AI summary
A food-grade marking composition useful for marking and labeling surfaces of food processing equipment includes a food grade base polymer, a coloring agent, and a volatile organic solvent. A marker pen is also provided which includes the food grade marking composition in combination with a delivery instrument. The food grade base polymer meets the regulatory requirements of 21 C.F.R. §175.300 for incidental food contact applications.