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Brasil
PackTrends
2020
157
quality 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).