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Piotr Wnuk

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Industry preps for Sunrise 2027

Piotr Wnuk — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 03:42:52 +0000

Interactive technology 01 August 2025

Industry preps for Sunrise 2027

The retail industry races toward the GS1 Sunrise 2027 transition, but what does this mean for label producers on the front lines of implementation?

The retail industry races toward the GS1 Sunrise 2027 transition, but what does this shift mean for label producers on the front lines of implementation?

The tiny linear barcode tucked onto every retail product since the 1970s is getting a major upgrade that promises to transform not just how products are scanned, but how they communicate with the entire supply chain. Converters face both unprecedented technical challenges and remarkable business opportunities.

2027: Evolution, not extinction

Contrary to widespread industry anxiety, 2027 is not a hard deadline marking the death of traditional barcodes. ‘The most common misconception is that 2027 is a cutoff date, but it’s actually the year we expect to reach a critical mass of retailers scanning 2D barcodes at point of sale,’ explains Camila Young, program lead at GS1 UK. ‘Traditional linear codes will continue to exist alongside their data-rich counterparts.’

This clarification offers converters a more nuanced understanding of the transition period, though preparation remains crucial as major brands and retailers accelerate their adoption strategies. Young emphasizes that converters must ‘adhere to GS1 standards for barcode quality, placement and data accuracy,’ while staying updated with evolving regulations.

These placement requirements are particularly exacting. Videojet notes that 2D codes should be printed ‘within the optimal 50 mm radius from the center of the EAN/UPC’ to comply with GS1 standards, a seemingly minor detail with significant production implications.

Static vs dynamic

Perhaps the most consequential decision brands face is whether to implement static 2D codes (containing fixed information similar to current linear barcodes) or dynamic codes that incorporate variable data like expiration dates, batch numbers, or serialized identifiers printed during production.

“The most common misconception is that 2027 is a cutoff date, but it’s actually the year we expect to reach a critical mass of retailers scanning 2D barcodes at point of sale”

‘The biggest challenges will likely include adapting to new printing technologies for dynamic data, ensuring the accuracy and readability of barcodes, and integrating these changes into existing production workflows,’ Young predicts.

For converters, this distinction dramatically impacts necessary equipment investments and production workflows. Lee Metters, group business development director at Domino Printing Sciences, emphasizes that different brand strategies will determine how converters need to adapt: ‘There are several implementation strategies for Sunrise 2027, from having a 2D code that only includes the same data as the current barcode, without additional functionality, to serialized codes integrated into the brand’s supply chain.’

The relationship between converters and brands must evolve into a more integrated partnership, particularly for products requiring variable data.

‘Delivering the right labels with accurate dynamic codes requires unprecedented synchronization between converter production systems and brand data,’ Metters notes. ‘The stakes are considerably higher. Errors can result in unusable packaging or potentially reputation-damaging recalls.’

Resolution revolution

Resolution becomes the critical factor when it comes to printing reliable, scannable 2D codes. Unlike their linear predecessors, 2D barcodes pack information into intricate patterns that demand precision reproduction, a challenge that’s pushing printing technology to new limits.

Konica Minolta’s Carsten Bamberg highlights their advanced capabilities: ‘We provide advanced toner-based label presses with print resolutions of up to 2,400 DPI to ensure highly accurate print and image quality.’

Similarly, Martin Leitner from Durst Group emphasizes native high-resolution capabilities: ‘The complete Tau RSC printer platform is printing with native 1,200 x 1,200 DPI resolution. This ensures that customers can print fine details and excellent quality at a printing speed of up to 80 m/min.’

Alexander Sperling, technical product manager at EyeC, explains the critical factors determining code functionality: ‘Our inspection solutions analyze essential scannability elements including print clarity, contrast, alignment, quiet zones and code integrity. Without sufficient resolution, these elements break down and codes become unreliable.’

For converters handling dynamic data, equipment selection becomes pivotal. ‘Implementation options range from digital label presses to digital monochrome overprinters integrating with existing lines,’ says Metters. ‘The key is finding technology that maintains code quality while accommodating production volume requirements.’

While digital printing offers natural advantages for variable data, converters using conventional methods still have viable options for participating in the 2D revolution.

‘If it’s a simple change of artwork, the challenge for converters is ensuring all codes are printed at the right size to ensure reliable scanning,’ Metters explains. ‘This path only holds a relatively small learning curve for converters, as these codes can be printed using traditional methods such as flexo, as well as digital printing technology.’

For more complex implementations involving variable data, hybrid systems offer an efficient approach. ‘A hybrid solution will be most cost-effective for many,’ Metters notes. ‘Here, Domino can support converters in identifying the best location to position a monochrome printer and inspection equipment to print and verify a variable 2D code.’

Thermal transfer technology remains viable for the 2D transition. ‘Thermal transfer printing is an excellent method for producing the high-quality QR codes needed for reliable scanning,’ notes Pierre-Arnaud Hommel, communication manager at Armor-IIMAK. ‘It creates crisp, clear images with good contrast, which is essential for scanners to read the codes accurately.’

Zero error tolerance

Unlike traditional barcodes, where occasional scanning issues might be tolerated, 2D codes containing critical product data demand flawless execution, driving unprecedented focus on verification systems.

‘The verification process must be comprehensive and multi‑layered,’ advises Sperling from EyeC. ‘This begins with pre-press file verification, continues with high-resolution inspection of printed samples against ISO standards, and culminates with 100 percent in-line inspection during production runs.’

“Delivering the right labels with accurate dynamic codes requires unprecedented synchronization”

For variable data applications, verification is non-negotiable. As Metters emphasizes, ‘Discovering code failures after products have been shipped to retail creates costly recalls and damages brand reputation. The verification system must match the sophistication of the code production technology.’

Industry experts recommend adopting ISO/IEC 15415 standards as the baseline quality benchmark, with verification systems from companies like EyeC, Axicon, REA Jet, Cognex and Omron providing the necessary compliance validation.

The intelligence behind the codes

Beyond hardware considerations, sophisticated software increasingly plays a crucial role in implementing GS1 Digital Link barcodes effectively. Konica Minolta highlights its software capabilities: ‘Our AccurioPro Flux pre-press software with the optional ‘Flux Barcode Pro’ feature is supporting the major GS1 barcode types, like GS1 QR Code, GS1 DataMatrix, GS1-128, GS1 various DataBar versions and ITF-14,’ says Bamberg. ‘We create a ‘soft proof’ of all the generated barcodes, and thereby any errors will be automatically detected, without any human interaction, before the actual print job is sent to the press.’

Serge Clauss from Durst Group notes its workflow technology’s variable data capabilities: ‘Durst Workflow Label provides two levels of VDP capabilities depending on the customers’ requirements. One version is dedicated text and barcodes/QR codes whereas the other version supports variable images and advanced data changes.’

From printer to strategic partner

The 2D barcode transition presents significant business opportunities for converters willing to expand their offerings.

‘Converters are well positioned to become technical advisors to brand owners implementing GS1 Digital Link barcodes,’ notes Young from GS1 UK. ‘GS1 provides extensive resources, standards documentation, and support through our global network of membership organizations. These standards are openly accessible online, giving converters the opportunity to develop specialized expertise that adds value beyond traditional print services.’

Metters identifies several potential growth areas: ‘Smaller brands might not know how to create a resolver page to go with their QR codes powered by GS1, so there’s an opportunity to support and educate them on the options available. Converters could consider providing an in-house service for resolver pages or collaborating with specialist software providers offering a white-label service.’

He also points to specific sectors with heightened demand: ‘We anticipate strong demand for variable data codes in the food and drinks sector, particularly for products with a short shelf-life. Another growth area is high-value products, where serialized 2D codes can be used in the fight against counterfeiting.’

The retail applications extend beyond mere product identification. ‘Retailers can benefit from batch and expiry information contained in 2D codes for perishable items, which can be used to support stock rotation with automated discounts as the expiry date nears. Brands can use the additional data capabilities to provide more information to consumers, with the added benefit of gaining consumer insights,’ Metters explains.

First movers already in motion

While many converters are still in the planning stages, several major brands are already deploying GS1 Digital Link barcodes ahead of the 2027 transition.

‘Unilever, Procter & Gamble and L’Oreal all have large-scale rollouts of digital link QR codes with static data,’ reports Young from GS1 UK. ‘When it comes to dynamic data, the retailers are the early adopters. Tesco is currently piloting this in the UK, and Woolworths Australia is the most advanced implementation globally.’

While technology providers actively work with early adopters, many of these implementations remain confidential as brands develop their strategic approaches. Durst mentions they are ‘partnering with a couple of early adopters who already started to implement advanced 2D codes. These field tests are highly strategic to us and give us feedback to enhance our technology.’

Preparing for a connected future

The 2D barcode transition represents a pivotal moment for the label and packaging industry, one that transcends mere technical compliance to fundamentally redefine converter business models. Those who recognize this shift as a strategic inflection point stand to emerge as essential partners in the digital product ecosystem.

‘Early movers will secure significant competitive advantages,’ notes Metters. ‘Those developing expertise now in variable data printing, verification systems, and integrated data management will capture the highest-value opportunities as adoption accelerates.’

The most forward-thinking converters are already investing in flexible systems capable of handling both today’s static codes and tomorrow’s serialized applications. This approach creates scalable solutions that evolve alongside brand requirements, transforming what might be seen as a compliance burden into a catalyst for business transformation.

As Young emphasizes: ‘This represents the most significant change in product identification since barcodes first revolutionized retail. The winners will be those who help brands navigate this complexity while unlocking new consumer engagement possibilities.’

With 2027’s adoption target approaching rapidly, the window for strategic positioning is narrowing. The converters who thrive will be those who move beyond traditional production roles to become indispensable technology partners in an increasingly connected commercial ecosystem.

Piotr Wnuk

Senior digital and Southeast Asia editor

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Kurz Scribos supports BMW Group against counterfeiting

Selah Zighelboim — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 14:38:49 +0000

Counterfeit spare parts pose a serious challenge to the automotive industry, affecting vehicle performance, increasing maintenance costs and creating potential safety risks. In response, a technology developed under the Kurz Scribos brand has been introduced in collaboration with the BMW Group, specifically designed to protect original spare parts.

In close cooperation, the team behind Kurz Scribos products and the BMW Group launched a digitally verifiable hologram strip. This technology integrates Kurz holographic security to provide a high level of protection. The digitally verifiable hologram strip will help safeguard the BMW Group’s extensive global spare parts network, which includes more than 40 million parts in circulation. This high-security feature can only be verified by trained experts using a dedicated authentication app, ensuring an additional layer of protection against counterfeiting.

This product combines holographic security with digital verification, ensuring that their parts can only be authenticated by trained experts. Key features include its high-security holographic technology, incorporating Kurz’s foil materials for maximum protection; optical effects, which shift under specific lighting conditions, making unauthorized reproduction impossible; multi-layered security elements, including microtext and covert markers, detectable only with expert verification tools; and integration with a dedicated authentication app, ensuring that only authorized professionals can confirm authenticity.

Designed exclusively for expert use, this security technology adds a new layer of protection against counterfeiters, making it impossible for them to replicate or manipulate the verification process.

The digitally verifiable hologram strip ensures that only genuine parts are used and distributed. It strengthens brand protection, enhances supply chain security and supports greater trust among service providers and customers worldwide.

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RFID Masterclass offers key insights

Akanksha Meena — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 10:16:34 +0000

Interactive technology 30 July 2025

RFID Masterclass offers key insights

The Labelexpo Americas RFID Masterclass provided label converters with a key understanding of both converting challenges and new business opportunities.

The RFID Masterclass at Labelexpo Americas 2024 provided label and packaging converters with a comprehensive insight into the technology, along with an understanding of the challenges and opportunities for building new business.

David Weinhammer, senior global RFID product manager at Zebra Technologies, opened the masterclass by explaining how RFID applications have exploded over the last few years. In 2023, 45 billion tags were sold. The end-use market is growing at a rate of 25 percent year over year, meaning that 90 billion tags will be sold in 2027 alone.

Dr Vlad Sljapic, COO Graphimecc explained, ‘RFID is at the core of the modern manufacturing and retail ecosystem: global traceability, the circular economy, tracking carbon footprint, brand protection and regulatory compliance.’

This provides unique opportunities for label converters, but it does require an in-depth understanding of how RFID systems perform, as well as the challenges of converting and how to specify deliverable RFID systems to customers.

Perfect placement

Gary Stegall, an RFID expert at Avery Dennison, emphasized the importance of label converters fully understanding how RFID tags will be used.

He explained how metal surfaces, including foil, and the presence of liquids, can impact the read range of RFID antennae.

‘Placement is a critical factor,’ Stegall says. ‘Walmart, for example, has metal shelving, and a lot of brands want to put the RFID tag on the bottom of the box because it is out of sight. That metal shelf causes the radio signal to bounce off. The antenna never gets a chance to grab the energy from that radio signal and wake up the tag.’

Liquids present another problem, which will likely be exacerbated as Walmart and other retailers move RFID into general merchandise.

Different types of inlay

‘A regular RFID tag put behind the prime label right in the middle of a bottle of antifreeze just doesn’t work,’ says Stegall. ‘There’s too much water in there.’

Stegall mentioned that Avery Dennison has successfully placed a tag in the middle of a prime label for a motor oil. ‘It’s the makeup of some of the motor oils. I found that (tags) work on kerosene. It’s just interesting that on certain products, liquid products, it will work. However, it will not work on anything water-based. What about shampoo? Is it going to work? We hear rumblings and rumors that the next thing that’s going to roll out, the next phase is going to be health and beauty and over-the-counter drugs at Walmart.’

Stegall says it is often possible to find a workable location for the RFID tag if the brand owner is flexible.

‘I’ve seen somebody with a car wash liquid where they’ve made a place on their prime label, so the RFID antenna flags off the bottle a little bit, but it still looks like it’s part of the prime label,’ he says.

‘Now that it’s off the bottle a little bit, now I can read it with a scanner. And Walmart approved it.’

Stegall says Walmart is happy to work with converters to find solutions. ‘They want to work with you, and they want to hear what you have to offer. And they are going to give you ideas.

It’s interesting that on certain products, liquid products, RFID will work. But anything water-based, it will not work on

For example, can you get a tag above the fi ll line on that bottle? Can you put it on the cap, on the trigger assembly? Is it possible? That’s not always possible. It’s very hard sometimes on the production line to get an RFID tag on a trigger assembly.’

In some cases, a hang tag-type assembly may be the answer.

‘Because it hangs down over the neck of the cap, that leaves possibly enough air space between the tag antenna and the liquid, so now it can be read.’

QC issues

Teemu Ainasoja, sales director from Voyantic, addressed the issue of quality control during RFID production.

Traditional label inspection is based on cameras. However, in RFID, you cannot visually see whether a tag is defective. This needs specialized RF equipment. There also needs to be a way of marking and possibly removing bad tags.

A common practice for tags that fail the QC test is to print a void mark on the labels, or to have imperfect labels punched, ‘to somehow physically damage the label’, so that it is clear it will not accidentally end up in use.

During initial conversations with the customer, it is essential to specify whether 100 percent good RFID labels are required or if the widespread benchmark of 1 percent scrap is acceptable.

Explains Ainasoja, ‘Some customers in the medical field may require 100 percent quality, which means that if there is a failing tag, you need to either stop the line, replace a failing tag with a good one, or do post-processing with this kind of replacement or cutting procedure. So quality control and figuring out what will be done for the failing tags are the biggest changes when you move from traditional printed labels to RFID labels.’

Label converters, with their knowledge of films, face stocks and adhesives are in a unique position to deliver RFID into a wide range of end products

Ainasoja went on to outline other key converting challenges: ‘There are a couple of other things to think about, especially when you work with dry inlays, when there is no material on top of the (tag). They are then sensitive to ESD (electrostatic discharge), so ESD protection is essential.

‘Tension control is another one, again, especially for dry inlays,’ Ainasoja continues. ‘If the roll is too tight, the pressure on the IC (integrated circuit) can damage the connection between the integrated circuit and the antenna. Similarly, if the roll is too loose, it can start slipping and scrape off the ICs on the inlays.’

Die-cutting also presents challenges: ‘Timing synchronization is something else to watch out for. The dry inlays only appear to be continuous material when, in fact, it is intermittent. So, if the die-cut is not synchronized well, or the inlay insertion is not synchronized well, you can very quickly damage a lot of inlays by cutting the antenna. So, your machinery needs to synchronize things so that you don’t cut the antenna, but you cut in between.

‘The same with the insertion. The brand customer needs the label to be correctly placed, so the inlays should be in the right position inside the label. This again means that the timing and synchronization of the inlay insertion is critical.’

Tag shipments in billions

RFID specification

Voyantic’s Ainasoja explained that label converters need to tie down specifications and expectations with their customers before committing to production.

There are two key aspects to correctly specify RFID labels: system design and production quality control. Converters should clarify how the RFID labels will be deployed in practice and ask what kind of read ranges and reading angles will the RFID label be required to provide. For example, in applications where items are passing through a gate scanner, RFID tags with a very short read range will fail to scan.

Production QC covers how the label converter’s production department will create consistently performing labels across potentially millions of pieces. In technical terms, we are looking at tag sensitivity, or how much power a reader must provide to ‘wake up’ a tag.

‘There is some variation in any mass production process, and that applies to RFID also. The key is to produce labels within tolerance of the overall target RFID system,’ says Ainasoja.

‘Dead tags are easy to find. The challenge lies in finding live tags that are outside the read range tolerance for a particular application. The better, or the narrower, your variance is, the less waste is produced, and you keep your yield high. As mentioned, good and bad tags cannot be visually verified unless there is something obvious, like a cut antenna. Typical damage cannot really be seen, even under a microscope.’

One of the most common reasons for variation in performance is micro-fractures on the conductive glue between the connector tags in the IC and the antenna.

Ainasoja says: ‘You can only detect through the RF that the connection is good. Therefore, the readability of the tag is good. This is what the quality control system does.’

In most cases, there are no standards or criteria for setting the pass-fail limits or what kind of variance is acceptable.

‘How far from the middle point should my acceptance criteria be? That’s pretty much always the discussion with the customer: “This would be my normal yield, I propose this to be the cut-off limit”. And then if that’s good for the customer, you’re good,’ Ainasoja says. ‘If the customer requires better performance, then it’s always a discussion, because now my yield probably decreases. It turns into a pricing discussion. The discussion of the quality criteria, I think, is becoming more and more important when you discuss with label buyers.’

RFID label converting process

Conclusion

Today, RFID is a reliable, cost-effective technology. It provides retailers and brands with significant improvements to their inventory accuracy offering additional tertiary benefits, including supply chain transparency, brand protection and customer interaction.

Further, as Graphimecc’s Sljapic points out, ‘this is not just about the big retail groups who have been very public with their mandates. Many mid-size and smaller size companies are looking at RFID, not only to make their own processes more efficient, but because consumers now expect a higher level of communication and information about the products that they buy.

‘Label converters, with their knowledge of films, face stocks and adhesives, are in a unique position to deliver RFID into a wide range of end products,’ he says. ‘Understanding RFID technology and focusing on quality will be key differentiators, making converters better able to support their customers on the RFID journey.’

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Ocado Retail first UK grocer to scale packaging traceability

Akanksha Meena — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 10:23:28 +0000

Ocado Retail has become the first UK grocer to scale packaging traceability through its partnership with Polytag, using UV invisible tag technologies to support a more transparent, data-led recycling system.

The online grocery retailer’s roll-out includes the full Ocado Retail milk range and marks a foundational step in enabling circularity at scale.

In partnership with Polytag, the UK’s leader in connected packaging and recycling technology, Ocado Retail has begun applying UV watermarks to Ocado Retail’s milk range. The UV tags are invisible to customers but readable at Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and supply Ocado Retail with accurate, item-level data on where and when packaging is recycled.

These ‘tags’ will enable real-time, barcode-level insights into where, when, and how much of Ocado Retail’s packaging is being recycled, offering a level of visibility that has never-before been available at this scale.

The move builds on Ocado Retail’s position as a founding partner of Polytag’s Ecotrace Programme, a world-first initiative that is reshaping how the UK’s packaging is tracked and accounted for once it enters the waste stream.

In parallel, more than 100 Ocado Retail own-label products now feature Polytag QR codes that provide consumers with clear recycling instructions and sustainability information, helping bridge the gap between packaging design and its end-of-life impact.

Through the program, Polytag has installed a network of plastic detection units (PDUs) in high-volume material recovery facilities (MRFs) across the UK and Northern Ireland. These units are now capable of monitoring nearly 50 percent of the UK’s household recycling stream, detecting UV-tagged items automatically and sharing live, verified data via the Polytag dashboard.

This granular information will deliver unprecedented insight into the lifecycle of Ocado Retail’s packaging, enabling it to benchmark real-world recycling rates and make informed decisions to meet the requirements of extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation, which calls for retailers to take responsibility for the full lifecycle of their packages, and reduce associated fees.

Data on the product type and location will provide a new level of traceability that can support real-time optimization of recycling strategies, ultimately improving recycling rates and reducing downcycling, where packaging is turned into less valuable material. As brands begin to take more responsibility for the recycling of their packaging under EPR, this data will prove vital in enabling the UK to reach its goal of a 65 percent recycling rate by 2035.

Ocado Retail’s collaboration with Polytag represents a major leap forward in how retailers engage with the lifecycle of their packaging, redefining responsibility in a world where environmental performance can no longer be estimated or assumed.

Alice Rackley, CEO of Polytag, said: ‘This is the beginning of an industry-wide shift towards a more transparent recycling system. Retailers and brands can no longer afford to be in the dark about what happens to their packaging. Ocado Retail’s scale and pace in rolling out this technology has established a template for the whole industry, and proves what’s possible, and necessary, as we enter a new era of accountability for FMCG brands. The data now exists. The infrastructure is in place. Ocado Retail is showing the industry how to use it.’

Laura Fernandez, senior sustainability manager at Ocado Retail, said: ‘Ocado Retail is constantly looking for data-driven approaches to reduce environmental impact, and we’re proud to be the first online retailer to introduce Polytag’s UV-watermark technology on our own brand range. The technology allows us to truly understand the full lifecycle of our packaging, and make meaningful decisions based on that data. Being able to track our products through the recycling system is a significant milestone as we pave the way toward more sustainable practices.’

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Ocado Retail first UK grocer to scale packaging traceability

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Avery Dennison to showcase future of packaging at Labelexpo Europe

Piotr Wnuk — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 22:20:42 +0000

Avery Dennison has confirmed it will mark 90 years of ‘Making Possible’ at Labelexpo Europe, by showcasing how its materials science and digital identification technologies continue to unlock new value for customers across the value chain.

The company’s exhibit will be headlined by a keynote appearance from president and CEO Deon Stander and will feature technologies addressing some of today’s most urgent business challenges. The booth will also offer a bold look into the next decade of innovation: from advances in circular packaging and intelligent labels to breakthroughs that will drive sustainability efficiency, shelf appeal and performance.

Helger Reitsma, vice president of marketing of label and packaging materials in EMENA at Avery Dennison, commented: ‘Labelexpo is a world-class stage for showcasing the best of our industry, and we’re proud to mark our 90th anniversary by sharing how our innovations are helping customers stay ahead. Whether it’s rethinking materials for a more circular future, enabling connectivity and creativity in packaging and beyond, or simplifying complex compliance demands, we’re focused on unlocking new possibilities by connecting the physical and digital to solve some of the world’s most complex challenges.’

Avery Dennison's booth 3E61 will feature demonstrations showcasing how innovations like label release technology enable the more effective recycling and reuse of materials, helping brands stay ahead of tightening legislation and rising consumer expectations. Innovations on display will include AD CleanFlake for PET, AD CleanGlass for glass, AD CleanFiber for paper and cardboard, and film label options for HDPE.

A dedicated retail zone will showcase packaging innovations designed to enhance shelf appeal and drive consumer engagement, including the latest luxury materials from Avery Dennison's Infinity and Sensorial Collections, as well as demonstrations featuring RFID and NFC technologies.

An interactive display will show how RFID technologies deliver end-to-end transparency, enabling real-time tracking from production to point-of-sale and helping businesses optimize operations and reduce shrink.

Avery Dennison will also present its latest functional material and RFID advances for automotive and EV batteries, supporting greater traceability and connectivity. For the pharmaceutical sector, options are designed to enhance patient safety and meet stringent regulatory standards by improving product authentication and increasing supply chain visibility.

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M&S adds Polytag’s UV tags to plastic packaging

Akanksha Meena — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 11:53:19 +0000

Marks & Spencer (M&S) has become the first retailer in the UK to bring Polytag’s invisible UV tags to shelf – applying them to its best-selling four-pint milk products, now available in stores nationwide.

Invisible to consumers, Polytag’s UV tags have been printed onto the labels of M&S four-pint milk bottles. Once recycled by households, the bottles will enter recycling facilities where they will be scanned by Polytag’s Plastic Detection Units, with the retailer able to view live recycling data.

By ‘tagging’ products with invisible UV tags, M&S now gains access to real-time, barcode-level insights into when, where, and how much of its single-use plastic packaging is recycled by consumers. This data is designed to accurately track sustainability targets, improve the accuracy of recycling claims and strengthen compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations – potentially reducing associated costs through more precise reporting.

Over the past year, Polytag has partnered with recycling giants, such as Biffa and Re-Gen, to install UV Plastic Detection Units at the UK’s highest volume recycling facilities, covering up to 50 percent of the UK through investment into the Ecotrace Program, including a significant GBP 100,000 investment by M&S. By improving the traceability of packaging across the country, Polytag supports closed-loop recycling systems for single-use plastic, aiming to increase the quantity of good quality recycled plastic in the UK.

Alice Rackley, CEO of Polytag, said: ‘Retailers and brands can no longer afford to lose sight of packaging the moment it leaves their supply chain. With EPR now in effect, we’re entering a new era where real data is not just helpful, it’s essential.

‘By tagging products and tracking their journey through the recycling system, we’re creating a clear line of sight from shelf to sorting facility. M&S taking this first-to-shelf step signals not only a commitment to transparency, but a real shift in how the industry approaches responsibility. It’s a major milestone for the Ecotrace Program and for the wider UK recycling industry.’

Mark Hitschmann, head of packaging at M&S Food, said: ‘Reducing plastic is central to our Plan A journey to Net Zero and since 2022 we’ve removed over 500m units from our Foodhalls. We’re famous for innovation, both product led such as our Brain Food range and the latest viral sensation, the Strawberry and Crème sandwich, as well as in sustainability through our Plan A Accelerator Fund which allows us to apply our market-leading approach to further our journey to Net Zero. We expect to gain more data and insight around what is happening to our packaging in the real-world through our work with Polytag. Our customers consistently tell us that reducing plastic is very important to them so this is another way they can trust that M&S is doing the right thing to help them easily make more sustainable choices when they shop with us.’

Polytag’s invisible UV tags - a layer of data matrix codes - are plate-printed onto the milk bottles at standard line speeds by Interket UK.

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Bobst closes gravure color loop

Akanksha Meena — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 10:02:19 +0000

Conventional printing 14 July 2025

Bobst closes gravure color loop

Bobst has launched an ECG technology which automates closed-loop color control of gravure printing.

Bobst has unveiled its smartGravure technology, which brings digitized and automated closed-loop color control to the gravure process for the first time.

Bobst’s smartGravure-equipped Master RS 6003 press is the first gravure press on the market to be Pantone-certified.

At the heart of the smartGravure process is the oneECG extended color gamut system, which Bobst first developed for its digital and flexo presses. Pantone colors are matched from a fixed set of seven color inks (CMYK+OGV).

The exciting development is the ability to measure and adjust color automatically on the fly.

The process colors are continuously monitored using an Esko-AVT in-line spectrophotometer measuring optical density 9,500 times a second.

Measurement information is passed to the Bobst onePrint ink control system, which adjusts between base and color extenders to bring color to the target density. Ink temperature is maintained at a consistent 18-22 degrees C to keep ink viscosity stable. The onePrint workflow starts from a color target derived from a press fingerprint. If the in-line color reading is out of tolerance, a color management algorithm is activated and passed to the low-ink pan and formulation device, from where the adjusted colors are sent to the press.

Measurement information is passed to the Bobst onePrint ink control system, which adjusts between base and color extenders to bring color to the target density

If the next in-line color reading is within tolerance, a new color recipe is generated and stored. This is an important step that shows how to repeat the correct color.

OnePrint limits the amount of ink in the color circuit to the necessary minimum, reducing ink in the press by over 50 percent compared to a typical conventional gravure press. A standard gravure inking tank has 23L in the ink supply circuit, compared to 9L for this low ink technology.

This also means less solvent evaporation, which, according to Bobst, leads to over 20 percent savings in ink and solvent management costs.

The smartGravure setup process is fully automated through Bobst’s oneSet system.

After analyzing the PDF data, oneSet suggests optimal machine settings for the job. One click transfers the recipes to the press’ print queue.

Bobst says job changeover downtime is reduced by up to 70 percent compared with a traditional gravure press, with full job repeatability and color consistency.

Short runs

SmartGravure opens up new opportunities for gravure to compete in medium and short-run jobs, with Bobst estimating the crossover point at 5,000 sqm.

A demonstration job run during a recent open house in Italy showed the smartGravure Master RS 6003 press printing four different SKUs with multiple Pantones across the same web.

To print the same four jobs in a non-ECG workflow would require five printing units per color, plus white, along with the associated makeready and washdown waste.

Davide Rossello, Competence Center manager at Bobst Italia, states that extended color gamut printing is technically far easier to achieve with gravure than flexo because there are fewer variables: the engraved cylinder, doctor blade angle and ink viscosity.

Rossello says smartGravure is particularly effective where jobs are repeated more than twice.

‘The gravure process is more stable than flexo, so if you reach the target today, you can reach it in three weeks, as there are no additional variables in between. Cylinder costs can be divided by the number of repeat jobs. Flexo plates are generally not usable after two repeat jobs.’

In makeready mode, it takes less than eight minutes to measure a color, correct it, and be ready for production.

‘Compare this to a traditional gravure press, where it takes skilled operators a minimum of 15 minutes per print unit to bring color to target,’ says Rossello. The smartGravure system cuts in half the number of operators required for a gravure press.

Bobst estimates that ink costs are reduced by 11 percent due to using 1000L compared to 50L buckets, reflecting the fact that ink can be purchased in bulk and there is no handling of ink leftovers.

Esko input

Esko provided the color management expertise at the center of the smartGravure system. Esko’s AVT SpectraLab XF is connected to X-Rite ColorCert in the Esko S2 cloud. Specifi c job color target information is sent to the press, automatically setting up the SpectraLab XF with the correct values for each printing unit.

Bobst reports that 94.6 percent of the extended color gamut has been achieved using smartGravure. In one run on the RS 6003 press, 2,369 colors were achieved with a 92.1 percent rating.

Andy Thomas

Strategic director

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Avery Dennison launches RFID-enabled in-mold labels

Akanksha Meena — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 11:01:55 +0000

Avery Dennison has launched its RFID-enabled in-mold label (IML) portfolio. This range of intelligent labels is designed to be embedded into plastic items during the injection molding process, offering high durability, excellent RFID performance, and support for circularity and reuse systems across multiple sectors.

The new IML product portfolio includes three solutions tailored for different use cases.

AD Anchor U9 IML (UHF) is designed for general industry, supply chain, and logistics. Ideal for tracking assets such as plastic pallets, plant trays, shipping bins, waste containers, and plastic components used in production and automotive applications.

AD Line U9XE IML (UHF) is tailored for industrial applications requiring thinner label construction, such as container tracking and waste management systems.

AD Spiral U9 IML (UHF) is developed for reuse systems in consumer-facing sectors such as hospitality, catering, and events. Optimized for applications like reusable cups and plates, with features that support washing durability, hygiene, and cycle counting. This product has been assessed for food contact compliance in accordance with EU regulations. AD Spiral U9 IML is compliant with the Plastics Regulation, Commission Regulation (EU) 10/2011, as amended, and Article 3.1(a) of Regulation (EC) 1935/2004, based on the assessed conditions of use.

The IML range is built to meet the demands of modern reuse and tracking systems. Each RFID inlay is specially designed to withstand the high heat and pressure of injection molding, ensuring consistent performance throughout the manufacturing process. The result is a label that’s durable enough for repeated washing and handling, with integrated features that enable fast, accurate item-level scanning to reduce manual effort and improve efficiency. The labels work with standard in-mold labeling equipment and materials. By supporting longer product lifespans and providing greater visibility across operations, the IML portfolio helps reduce waste and contributes to more sustainable, closed-loop systems.

RFID functionality embedded within the labels also helps reduce human error in inventory handling, provides real-time visibility into item movement, and enables more accurate invoicing based on actual returns. This is particularly useful in high-volume environments such as event services or closed-loop logistics. For brands and operators managing reusable assets, these features help improve accountability, streamline operations, and better align with regulatory and sustainability targets.

‘Our new IML portfolio reflects Avery Dennison’s commitment to enabling scalable reuse models and driving greater supply chain efficiency,’ said Mathieu De Backer, vice president innovation and sustainability, Avery Dennison Smartrac. ‘By embedding RFID directly into molded plastic items, we create an integrated solution that offers full visibility throughout each vessel’s lifecycle. This technology enables precise tracking of returnable transport items (RTIs) in industrial settings, and vessels in consumer applications. Additionally, with each product having a digital twin, we ensure transparent traceability across the supply chain, supporting compliance teams across multiple sectors.’

With this launch, Avery Dennison expands its portfolio of intelligent labeling technologies to support the shift toward smarter, more circular systems. The IML product family provides the foundation for high-volume reuse, where durability, hygiene, and reliable tracking are essential to building resilient, lower-waste operations across industries.

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Schreiner ProTech develops mobile RFID resiliency demo unit

Selah Zighelboim — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 18:07:07 +0000

Schreiner ProTech, a German company that develops and manufactures labels with value-added benefits for automotive and engineering-based industries, has developed a compact, mobile demonstration module designed to showcase the resilience of its proprietary Robust RFID-Labels technology.

In designing the demonstration unit, nicknamed the 'Free Fall,' Schreiner ProTech engineers sought to create a system that displayed the resilience and persistent functionality of its Robust RFID-Labels. The result was a stress test that, while appearing simple, considers a variety of real-world applications and scenarios.

At its core, the transparent unit showcases a series of 'smash tests' — the gravitational equivalent of an automobile crash test in which objects of various weights are dropped from differing heights. Crucially, the unit provides ample room to test products with a range of shapes and sizes, enabling Schreiner ProTech engineers to simulate the impact stress of real-world manufacturing, handling and supply chain scenarios.

Designed at the Schreiner Competence Center Services, the demonstrator has drawn parallels to a miniature guillotine. Operating a lever activates a mechanism that causes a weight to fall on the RFID chip from a defined height. Between each test, chips are read to affirm their enduring functionality.

The unit’s simplicity also offers portability: less than a meter in height and weighing roughly 10 kilograms, the demonstrator is compact enough to be displayed at trade shows, allowing a broad set of potential customers to witness first-hand how durable the Robust RFID-Labels are.

'Our customers expect absolute reliability even under harsh conditions,' said Johannes Becker, head of the Schreiner Competence Center LogiData. 'We wanted to make this key differentiator of our Robust RFID-Labels tangible in a fun, instantly impressionable fashion.'

Schreiner ProTech’s Robust RFID-Labels consist of an integrated RFID tag secured via the label’s special construction. This avoids potential damage to the RFID chip due to mechanical impact during the manufacturing and handling processes, or harsh environments during the shipping, warehousing or operation phases. The result is more reliable RFID chip performance from production to final use, even on difficult-to-label containers. Schreiner ProTech can offer customized label design to suit individual applications and manufacturing setups.

The Robust RFID-Labels utilize protective elements designed to systematically absorb mechanical stress. Customizable to the specific mechanical stress conditions encountered by individual customers, the thin, flexible structures are suitable for use with all RFID technologies and antenna geometries. They are easily incorporated into a broad range of production scenarios.

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