In response to growing consumer demand for transparency in ingredient origins and production methods, OAL has developed a solution that incorporates inline camera technology to verify the integrity of QR/2D codes printed on packaging. This initiative, driven by Tesco to reduce food waste in the supply chain, allows packs to be scanned by smartphones at the point of sale, providing consumers with more detailed information than traditional barcodes can offer.
This innovative software enables traceability and manufacturing data to be included in on-pack 2D codes, enhancing the consumer experience by identifying allergens, improving food safety, and reducing food waste by up to 40%. OAL’s solution facilitates the creation, inline printing, and verification of QR/2D codes containing essential information such as best before dates, allergens, and batch data, in line with the GS1 Digital Link standard.
According to Jake Norman, managing director of OAL, “The use of QR codes and GS1 Digital Link expands the utilization of traceability data collected in our automated control systems, providing consumers with the transparency they seek and helping to reduce food waste.” This technology is part of what is being called the ‘second barcode revolution,’ enabling consumers to access detailed product information while helping retailers manage inventory more accurately and prevent expired products from reaching consumers.
