Label Solutions
Oli-Tec is an intelligent label technology that mirrors the decay cycle of the product being labelled. The firm has now developed a new smart label technology for products that are temperature as well as time sensitive.
These highly innovative smart labels can be applied to any product with a shelf life of between five and 15 days. They are superior to traditional labels because they feature an integrated, technologically advanced visual indicator that is sensitive to time and temperature. It gradually transitions from yellow to red, changing more slowly in cool temperatures and more quickly in warm conditions – both at predictable, repeatable rates. This simple colour changing indicator provides a clear, highly visible ‘call to action’ that both retailers and consumers can understand at a glance.
The time and temperature sensitive Oli-Tec technology can be tailored to whichever product is being labelled, using customisable expiration periods and personalised graphics. The labels are made from standard recyclable label stock materials and can be activated and automatically applied using traditional high speed label applicators.
Why is the introduction of Oli-Tec time and temperature sensitive smart labelling so timely? Because currently one third of all food produced globally goes to waste, and this food waste generates 10% of the world’s greenhouse gases (GHG). It follows that reducing the amount of food wasted can make a significant contribution to the achievement of net zero goals. Food waste occurs at every stage of the supply chain and in the home, with 40% generated by producers and 60% by consumers.
Can the new Oli-Tec smart labels make a difference? A study conducted in Denmark suggests so. It demonstrated that the use of smart labels reduced in-store food waste by 20%. It is believed that similar reductions could be achieved in consumers' homes if they had smart labels with a ‘call to action’ visual indicator instead of having to rely on labels carrying ‘use by’ or ‘best before’ dates.
Nik Richardson, CEO of Oli-Tec, explained: ‘We developed the Oli-Tec label technology with converters, retailers and consumers in mind. We wanted to make it a technology that is easy to integrate into the complex processes in the supply chain and in-store, so each label could play some part in reducing waste. We have also strived to develop a simple visual indicator that will help consumers to see when food is going off. They can then decide whether to use it, freeze it or cook it.’
Oli-Tec has completed initial validation of the label technology. It is now actively seeking partners to assess and trial the efficacy of the technology across the retail, manufacturing, pharma, supply chain and logistics industries.
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