Food and Beverage Business
Featured Article

The Future of Food Labelling: Innovation, Compliance, and the Technology Driving Change

The Future of Food Labelling: Innovation, Compliance, and the Technology Driving Change AI in food labelling, automated coding and marking, blockchain food traceability, digital food labelling solutions, eco-friendly food labelling, food labelling compliance, food labelling regulations, food labelling technology, smart food labelling, sustainable food packaging Food and Beverage Business Food Labelling, food labelling technology, smart food labelling, digital food labelling solutions, sustainable food packaging, food labelling compliance, AI in food labelling, blockchain food traceability, automated coding and marking, food labelling regulations, eco-friendly food labelling

Food labelling has evolved beyond a simple identifier to become a crucial tool for transparency, traceability, and compliance. With consumer demand for accurate product information rising and regulations tightening worldwide, businesses are turning to advanced labelling, coding, and marking technologies to keep pace. Innovations in digital printing, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming the way labels are applied, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability. This article explores the evolving landscape of food labelling, focusing on new technologies, regulatory updates, and the role of coding and marking solutions in modern food production.

The Role of Technology in Labelling, Coding, and Marking

Food labelling is no longer a manual process reliant on traditional printing methods. The latest advancements in industrial coding and marking technology have made labelling more efficient, precise, and adaptable to the needs of modern production lines. High-speed inkjet printers, laser marking systems, and automated labelling applicators are now essential for ensuring product identification, traceability, and regulatory compliance.

Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) printers remain a dominant choice in food manufacturing due to their ability to print high-speed, non-contact, permanent codes onto a wide range of packaging materials. These printers can mark batch numbers, expiry dates, barcodes, and allergen information on everything from plastic film to metal cans, ensuring consistency even in demanding environments. The latest CIJ models incorporate smart sensors that monitor ink levels and printer performance in real-time, reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency.

For high-resolution, high-contrast printing, Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) technology has gained popularity. TIJ printers are ideal for printing sharp, legible text and barcodes on porous and non-porous surfaces. They offer advantages in industries requiring finer print quality, such as high-end food products and premium packaging designs. With advancements in eco-friendly, solvent-free inks, TIJ printing is also aligning with sustainability goals, reducing the use of hazardous chemicals in food packaging.

Laser marking is another breakthrough in food labelling, offering permanent, high-speed coding without the need for consumables like ink or labels. Laser coding systems create sharp, tamper-proof markings on packaging materials such as glass, plastic, and metal. These systems are especially valuable for products that require high resistance to environmental conditions, ensuring codes remain intact despite heat, moisture, or handling. Many manufacturers are now integrating laser coding for its low operational cost, reliability, and minimal environmental footprint.

Automated print-and-apply labelling systems are also transforming packaging lines, streamlining the application of adhesive labels on food products. These systems integrate seamlessly with production workflows, automatically adjusting label placement and printing variable data such as expiry dates and QR codes in real time. Advanced models use vision-based inspection to verify label accuracy, reducing misprints and compliance risks.

The Future of Food Labelling: Innovation, Compliance, and the Technology Driving Change AI in food labelling, automated coding and marking, blockchain food traceability, digital food labelling solutions, eco-friendly food labelling, food labelling compliance, food labelling regulations, food labelling technology, smart food labelling, sustainable food packaging Food and Beverage Business Food Labelling, food labelling technology, smart food labelling, digital food labelling solutions, sustainable food packaging, food labelling compliance, AI in food labelling, blockchain food traceability, automated coding and marking, food labelling regulations, eco-friendly food labelling

Digitalisation and Smart Labelling Solutions

The digital revolution in food labelling is driven by the need for enhanced traceability and consumer engagement. QR codes, Near-Field Communication (NFC) tags, and blockchain integration are turning labels into gateways for detailed product information. By scanning a QR code, consumers can access a product’s full journey, from its source to the store shelf, including farming practices, processing details, and sustainability credentials.

Blockchain-enabled labelling systems are improving food safety by providing an unalterable record of a product’s movement through the supply chain. This technology allows manufacturers to respond instantly to contamination risks and recalls, ensuring regulatory compliance and consumer trust. Some seafood brands, for instance, use blockchain to authenticate the origin of fish, providing shoppers with verifiable data on ethical and sustainable sourcing.

AI and machine learning are also shaping the future of labelling. AI-powered systems can monitor and adjust label printing in real time, reducing waste and preventing misprints. Intelligent algorithms predict equipment maintenance needs, preventing costly downtime in high-speed production lines. Additionally, AI is being used to personalise product labelling, adapting nutritional and ingredient information based on consumer preferences and dietary needs.

Compliance and Regulatory Changes

Regulatory bodies worldwide are enforcing stricter labelling laws to improve food safety and consumer awareness. The European Union’s new front-of-pack nutrition labelling regulations now require clear, easy-to-read information on calories, fats, sugars, and salt to support healthier choices. Natasha’s Law in the UK mandates full ingredient disclosure on prepackaged foods, helping prevent allergen-related health risks. Meanwhile, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has tightened its guidelines on health claims, ensuring that product labels accurately reflect nutritional benefits.

To comply with these evolving regulations, manufacturers are investing in advanced coding and marking technologies that allow real-time updates to labelling information. Cloud-connected printers enable remote adjustments to labels, ensuring accuracy across multiple production sites. Smart label verification systems automatically detect missing or incorrect data, preventing costly recalls and regulatory penalties.

The Future of Food Labelling: Innovation, Compliance, and the Technology Driving Change AI in food labelling, automated coding and marking, blockchain food traceability, digital food labelling solutions, eco-friendly food labelling, food labelling compliance, food labelling regulations, food labelling technology, smart food labelling, sustainable food packaging Food and Beverage Business Food Labelling, food labelling technology, smart food labelling, digital food labelling solutions, sustainable food packaging, food labelling compliance, AI in food labelling, blockchain food traceability, automated coding and marking, food labelling regulations, eco-friendly food labelling

Sustainability in Food Labelling and Packaging

Sustainability is now a key consideration in food labelling, with consumers demanding environmentally friendly packaging solutions. The push for sustainable labelling has led to the adoption of biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable materials. Plant-based inks and adhesives, free from harmful chemicals, are being developed to minimise the environmental impact of traditional labelling processes.

Direct Part Marking (DPM) is also gaining traction as a sustainable alternative to adhesive labels. Laser-etched barcodes and expiry dates eliminate the need for disposable labels, reducing packaging waste while ensuring product traceability. Some brands have embraced water-based printing technologies that offer durable, eco-friendly coding solutions without compromising quality.

Dynamic expiry date labels represent another innovation in sustainability. These smart labels adjust in real time based on storage conditions, extending shelf life and reducing unnecessary food waste. By incorporating temperature-sensitive inks, they provide a more accurate indication of a product’s freshness, helping retailers and consumers make better decisions about food consumption.

The Future of Food Labelling

The food labelling industry is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements, regulatory shifts, and changing consumer expectations. AI, blockchain, and digital connectivity are transforming how labels are created, applied, and interpreted. The shift toward automation in coding and marking is streamlining production processes, reducing waste, and enhancing compliance.

As the demand for transparency grows, labels will become more interactive, offering personalised experiences tailored to individual dietary preferences and values. Brands that embrace intelligent, sustainable, and technology-driven labelling solutions will not only comply with regulations but also gain a competitive edge in an increasingly information-driven market.

Ultimately, the future of food labelling is about more than just printing information—it’s about creating a dynamic, efficient, and sustainable system that benefits both businesses and consumers. As manufacturers continue to innovate, food labelling will play a central role in shaping the way we interact with and trust the food we consume.

Related posts

Navigating the Ready Meal Maze: Balancing Convenience, Health, and Sustainability

admin

Enhancing Air Quality in Food and Beverage Production: Innovations and Best Practices

FAB Team

Ensuring Food Safety: Tackling Microbial Threats in the Food and Beverage Industry

admin