Brasil Pack Trends 2020

BrasilPackTrends2020 157 qual ity and new technologies Just like the time-temperature indicators, that tracks distribution environment of a product, the development of radiofrequency identification – RFID labeling can monitor each stage of the distribution chain. Because the label do not need a straight visual verification, various products can be identified at once, making the distribution faster and efficient (BARNETT, 2011a). An RFID label is essentially a tracking system or a smart label that can track each item connecting it to an information system on a network. It can be read individually or in group or even at a distance. Information can be added by the players of the supply chain, during the distribution. They consist in two modules, one for processing and data storage and another for transmitting and receiving data from the network. A separate device, the reader, is used to obtain information from the tag. The RFID tags allow multiple items to be monitored throughout the supply chain, without the need for visual checking, which increases the speed and efficiency of distribution. Eventually, it is hoped that the tags will replace the barcodes (BARNETT, 2011a). In the future it is expected that the RFID labels will be multifunctionals, aggregating sensors for monitoring, communication and settings. For instance, gathering time-temperature sensors connected to a database, to inform retailers about the remaining shelf life of perishable goods and stock control. Nowadays, most of the RFID labels use silicon- based semiconductors. However, there are some technologies in development based on printed electronics using conductive polymers (pentacenes, oligothiophenes) and metallic inks (copper nanoparticles, silver and gold). Another research field involves the use of carbon nanotubes as the antenna on the RFID label, to transmit and receive data, although that has not been as developed as the metallic nanoparticles-based conductive inks (BARNETT, 2011a). Hence, it is expected that the nanotechnology may bring many innovations in this field. Many systems have been developed, including nanoscale barcodes, quantum dots and magnetic particles, however, the probability that such technologies will be widely used in food packages it is not clear yet and it will depend on the unitary cost and the ease of use. It is more likely that the RFID labels will have a double purpose of tracking and authenticating items (ROBINSON; MORRISON, 2010). Concerning the printed electronics and RFID labels, there are many companies developing and selling those technologies. Companies such as CimaNanoTech and Novacentrix manufacture nanoparticles-based copper and silver inks. These can be formulated in organic or aqueous suspension and printed on various substrates. Other active players include DuPont, HP, Samsung and Hitachi (ROBINSON; MORRISON, 2010). Other examples of technologies designed for traceability are the ones by the company FreshPoint, named CoolVu. One of them, CoolVu Active Barcode (Figure 6.23), consists in an active barcode, transforming traditional barcodes into smart tools for traceability, in which a time and temperature-dependent reaction alters the optical properties of the barcode, resulting in a situation in which part of the additional code becomes readable after a pre-defined temperature variation. The quick and exact read of the barcode at any point of the distribution chain ease the decision making by the user based on the temperature variation history. The other, called CoolVu RF (Figure 6.23), it is an addition to the existing RFID systems, allowing the electronic monitoring and the transmission of the product temperature history. The working principle of that system is based on the electronic characteristics (capacitance and resistance) of the metallic layer within the indicator, which are affected by the time-temperature variations. Therefore, as the RFID chip is attached, a reader can collect the data from the label which includes the product temperature history and remaining shelf life. By that, it is possible to have an intelligent inventory management, creating an opportunity for loss reduction of perishable goods controlling the output of goods for sale. Concerning the traceability, there are some non-technical issues to be considered. These include regulatory and safety topics for materials used in contact with food and ethical issues that arise from the use of RFID labels to track products that may allow the tracking or data storage about the consumers (ROBINSON; MORRISON, 2010).