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PACKAGING & LABELLING
The dating game Could QR codes be used to replace static expiry dates?
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raditional static expiry dates printed on cartons and bottles of milk could be replaced with more accurate and informational QR codes, Cornell University researchers said. Milk often ends up being wasted in retail environments for a number of reasons, but the main reason is the stock not sold before expiry date as consumers opt to buy the milk with the most distant expiry date. The Cornell scientists conducted a study at its on-campus shop to compare milk with traditional expiring date labels and QR codes with the same information. At the same time, a dynamic pricing element was introduced to discount milk that had a shorter remaining shelf life. “During [the] two-month study, over 60% of customers purchased the milk with the QR code, showing a considerable interest in using this new technology,” said Samantha Lau, a doctoral student in food science and one of the study’s authors. “This revealed that the use of QR codes on food products can be an innovative way to address the larger issue of food waste.” By using QR codes on milk with more accurate best-before information, researchers predict that consumers will buy milk that is closer to its expiry date, thus reducing perfectly good milk being left on shelves. QR codes connect milk to the digital world, which could also help retailers collect information about the food chain and eventually could be used by a consumer’s smart fridge to let them know when they’re out of milk. This is because QR codes can hold more information than a simple expiry date, it can assess the drinkability of milk in the smart fridge and also even provide recipes. The full paper, which also covers microbial spoilage of milk and various other ways to counter its impact on wastage, was published in the Journal of Dairy Science.
End-of-line packaging system Endoline Automation has re-engineered its flagship case erector to create the slimline 251 Fully Automatic Case Erector, which features a 40% reduction in width. The compact unit is just 1 m wide by 2 m long, allowing it to be easily integrated into existing end-of-line packaging lines within confined spaces, and providing an automated solution to replace manually intensive work. Suitable for a wide variety of case sizes and styles, Endoline’s dual opposing vacuum technology has been integrated into the unit to enable efficient opening of cases, while eliminating any associated issues with stiff board and glue migration which could cause product wastage. Erecting up to 10 cases/min, the slimline case erector seals the base with either self-adhesive tape or hot melt glue, before formed cases are fed onto an automated case packer or hand packing station. The unit is designed with clear access and simple controls. It is operator-friendly and allows for quick and easy size change, cleaning and maintenance for minimal machine downtime. Built for the rigours of typical end-of-line packaging environments, the unit is housed in a robust, computer-designed chassis to allow for minimal servicing. Metric Engineering Solutions metricengineering.com.au
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July/August 2022
www.foodprocessing.com.au
