Why Fluid Management is Critical to High-Quality Inkjet Packaging Printing

The packaging industry is evolving fast. Shaped by shifting consumer expectations, sustainability targets and a growing demand for customisation, packaging has become far more than just protecting goods. It now serves as a branding tool that helps enhance products and make them stand out on shelves and connect with consumers in new ways. It can also incorporate security, safety and traceability features that can differ from package to package.

Digital inkjet packaging printing is playing a key role in helping brands and converters meet these new requirements. It offers faster turnaround times, endless design options and high-quality results. Whether it’s personalised labels, specific promotions or more functional elements, inkjet makes it possible to respond quickly and creatively to the trends in a changing market.

But behind the printhead lies a critical component that often goes unnoticed: fluid management. Without it, even the most advanced inkjet packaging printing technology is not able to deliver the consistent, high-quality output that modern packaging requires.

Why fluid management matters

At Megnajet, we focus on one core thing – making sure inks and fluids are always in the right condition to perform at their best, so our fluid management systems are designed to do more than just prepare the fluid for the printhead. They condition, stabilise, and precisely control fluids ready for jetting.

In inkjet packaging printing, small fluctuations in temperature, pressure or viscosity can cause major issues. Ink that isn’t properly mixed or conditioned can lead to poor drop formation, nozzle blockages and inconsistent print results. Our systems recirculate ink to prevent settling, regulate temperature to maintain consistent viscosity and manage flow and meniscus pressure with precision. The result is more stable inkjet packaging printing, fewer maintenance issues and better overall results.

This is why it’s important to use well-designed, reliable fluid management systems that condition and control the fluid throughout the process, ensuring it is always in optimal condition before it reaches the printhead.

One example is our OmniFlo fluid management system, which was specifically designed for the reliable, consistent delivery of all types of fluids – including highly viscous inks and those with high particle loadings, that deliver the high impact colours and textures needed for today’s packaging.

With this in mind, the OmniFlo features a unique vortex chamber and high recirculation rate to maintain fluid homogeneity, keeping particles evenly suspended without the need for mechanical stirring. This preserves optimal ink properties throughout the print process. The system combines precise fluid control with a user-friendly, easy-to-integrate design, making it a dependable choice for maintaining print quality across a range of packaging applications.

OmniFlo fluid management system

Meeting the needs of a changing market

Packaging needs to be agile as brands now juggle a growing number of SKUS, seasonal campaigns, impactful branding and short-run promotions, all while aiming to cut waste and boost sustainability. Digital inkjet is supporting this shift with on-demand production, rapid changeovers and customisation.

New-generation printheads, such as the Xaar Aquinox, are built to support these needs. With its Ultra High Viscosity Technology, it can handle water-based inks with viscosities up to 1000cP at ambient temperature (approximately 100cP at jetting temperature), which allows for dense, vibrant colours and finishes at flexo quality. When paired with high performance water-based inks, like those developed by Nazdar, colours are vibrant and whites more opaque, meaning inkjet packaging printing results are sharp, consistent and visually impressive.

But even with the best printheads and inks, without stable fluid properties like the right temperature, viscosity and a bubble-free consistency, even the most advanced inkjet technology will struggle to deliver the results required.

A range of packaging applications

Corrugated packaging, in particular, presents unique challenges. Variations in surface texture, absorbency and thickness can affect print consistency. Even a small change in the substrate or the environment can throw off ink performance. However, with Megnajet systems working to ensure ink is correctly prepared before it reaches the nozzles, the fluid is stable, conditioned and ready to perform.

The same applies to premium packaging and labelling, where complex fluid formulations are often required to be used. Metallics, coatings and richly pigmented colours all require precise control during delivery. Maintaining these properties throughout the inkjet packaging printing process is what enables high-end, repeatable results – especially in demanding production environments.

Advances in high viscosity inkjet technology are also unlocking new possibilities for tactile packaging effects. From visual, luxury textures that enhance brand appeal to accessibility features like Braille, inkjet packaging printing can now deliver both aesthetic and functional enhancements in a single pass. This opens new creative and inclusive avenues for converters aiming to differentiate their products on-shelf while meeting diverse consumer needs.

At Megnajet, we support high performance digital printing by ensuring that fluids are always optimised. Whether you're working with corrugated boxes, decorative cartons or premium labels, our systems are expertly designed to provide the stability and control needed to deliver consistent, high-quality results every time.

If you have an inkjet packaging printing or labelling project in need of reliable fluid management, let’s talk: https://www.megnajet.com/contact