SIG Combibloc, a leader in the manufacturing of aseptic carton packaging systems for food and beverages, in partnership with Languiru, Rio Grande do Sul's second largest production cooperative, is launching an unprecedented digital solution that will ensure total transparency of quality and food safety, as well as total control of the production process in the industry and personalized digital marketing actions.
The project started with the launch of the Languiru dairy line called “Qualidade do início ao Fim” (“Quality from Beginning to End”), filled in long-life packages with individual and unique QR codes, printed at the time of production. They allow the monitoring of quality processes from the collection of raw material to the milk’s industrialization and commercialization in a single platform. Thus, Languiru can prove to consumers the quality of their product in a fast, practical, and accessible way.
Each one of the shipping boxes also receives a unique QR code and the pallets are identified by a bar code as well. This control system allows the operational traceability from the farm to the point of sale. With this, Languiru can locate each one of its packaging at any point in the value chain, whether for quality crosscheck or for recalls (if necessary), and that means greater value and protection for brands.
To provide further convenience to the consumers, in reading the QR code they will be automatically directed to the information website related to the product inside that packaging, without the need to enter any additional information. The website is an integral part of this SIG solution, where data will be available about the customer's quality system, the product, and the production process, as well as an interactive area.
"The launch of this new digital platform is our solution for three mega-trends dictated by consumers: connectivity - consumers are increasingly aware and want to receive information anywhere at any time; authenticity and trust - through total transparency of quality information, food safety, and procedures to prevent fraud; and finally, natural products with certificate of origin and free of chemicals, genetically modified crops, among others,” says Ricardo Rodriguez, CEO of SIG Combibloc Americas.
The advantages of this new technology, to be exported and used in 40 countries where SIG operates, include the fact that it also allows the complete control and management of the production lines to maximize the plant’s overall efficiency, and cut operational and investment costs by means of a specific information intelligence tool known as Power BI.
The unique QR codes also allow the simplification and customization of promotions, such as those developed for a specific chain of supermarkets or in a specific region of the country. For this type of action, SIG has developed a unique application that will allow the development of rich databases for marketing and sales analyses.
Packing with QR Code will be available for the following Languiru products: UHT whole milk, skimmed milk, semi-skimmed milk, zero lactose, and UHT chocolate milk. The packages have an ergonomic and modern shape. The screw caps allow for opening in a single twist and closes perfectly. The visible seal still offers greater security against tampering, as well as avoiding waste.
Other distinctive features
A proprietary application connected to the MES system was developed to track the product in the distribution chain. Inside the factory, the information is collected through interface with the client's ERP system, data entries, tablets, and data collectors; and RFID technology is used to incorporate quality information from long-life packaging.
The platform developed by SIG is open, and therefore allows connection to equipment from different suppliers. The interfaces are efficient, both for capturing information and for performing process data analysis for optimizing manufacturing efficiencies and lower operating and investment costs.
QR codes are printed with antifraud paint that cannot be removed by solvents on the market.
