A sustainable yet cost-effective marking solution for recyclable packaging

Over the past decade sustainable packaging has increasingly become a top priority for brand owners. Traceability Solutions’ iCON 3 laser can create permanent yet sustainable and affordable coding and marking on environmentally friendly packaging.

Throughout 2021, there have been relevant and effective activities taking place that address consumer hunger for brands that respect the environment. Consumers’ increased awareness continues to drive the sustainable packaging mission of brand owners. Around 74% of consumers say they are willing to pay an additional amount for products in sustainable packaging. Recyclable packaging seems to matter most to consumers because recycling is something they can personally do to help the planet.

TECHNOLOGY PROVIDES PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS TO A MAMMOTH TASK

There is no quick fix for the damage that’s already been done, short of a mammoth worldwide cleaning task force that would cost billions. But new technology has provided practical solutions that could help phase out or dramatically decrease plastic consumption in SA and worldwide.

Traceability Solutions’ iCON 3

Marking on sustainable packaging

When we buy fruit or veg at a supermarket, we either pick them up in a pre-packed box, which is sealed in a film of plastic, lift them off the shelf in a ready-packed plastic bag, or pick the produce we want off the shelf, tear off a plastic bag and have a shop assistant weigh it so that we can take it to the till to be scanned. In all these instances, some form of packaging is necessary because it needs a barcode, which is generally attached to the packaging, for the product to be scanned. Similarly, at the supply chain level, produce needs to be marked to be tracked and traced enroute to the retailer and at every stage of the production process.

Did you know?

Around 74% of consumers say they are willing to pay an additional amount for products in sustainable packaging. (Source: www. packagingdigest.com)

FOOD WASTE

Aside from being bad for the environment, packaged produce is also one of the root causes of food waste. Food wastage statistics in South Africa are frightening, with around 30% (10 million tons) of our food wasted annually. Of that, agricultural products like fruit, veg and cereals make up 70%. And 25% of wastage occurs at the processing and packaging stage of the value chain. 90% of all that waste ends up in a landfill. The time has come to throw that packaging away (in a safe, environmentally friendly manner, of course). Food grade ink and food engraving are solutions that have made package-free produce a reality, from distribution to the shelf. And they don’t only do their bit for saving the environment, they also cut down on costs, wastage and shrinkage, both at supplier and store level. Tattoos have become quite a popular fashion choice in modern society. And it’s a trend that seems to be taking off on fresh produce now too. Produce “body modification” is a reality. And it’s changing the way produce moves from farm to fork.

Non-toxic and compostable, PVA bags break down in the water and have very little impact on the environment. With no microplastic waste, these bags, which do not harm ecosystems or contribute to global ocean plastic pollution, are increasingly used in everyday life. Water-soluble bags are generally used for bulk purchases, especially in the food sector.

A PERMANENT MARK THAT DOES NOT SMUDGE

As a result of changing mindsets, trends and legislation, supermarkets are currently promoting ecological bags to reduce their carbon footprint. Offering consumers ecological and reusable alternatives, as well as joining the current trend for sustainability. However, the growing popularity of these new materials creates the challenge of developing and searching for the best technology to mark and code them in a legible, permanent and sustainable way. Clean, fast and consumablefree, our latest laser, the iCON 3, delivers a permanent mark that does not smudge. In addition, it works with most substrates, including labels, cardboard boxes, plastics, glass, wood and textiles. Furthermore, it can produce unique and highly defined marks such as QR codes. The iCON 3 does not use inks or solvents. Thus, reducing running costs as there is no need to budget for consumables. In addition, it ensures a cleaner and more hygienic working environment, and the lack of solvent related carbon emissions and harmful waste also means that production lines will be environmentally compliant. The iCON 3 is extremely affordable, therefore it is ideal for businesses keen to try laser technology for the first time.

‘The iCON 3 is extremely affordable, therefore it is ideal for businesses keen to try laser technology for the first time’

Tracepack www.tracepack.co.za