• The new labeling technology allows the monitoring of the life cycle of food.
Labeling that helps consumers determine the freshness of food has been developed by start-up Oli-Tec. Oli-Tec™ labels are equipped with temperature indicators that display, in an easy-to-understand graphic manner, the degree of freshness of the product and the optimal storage conditions to extend its shelf life.
With developed countries facing major food waste (according to statistics, almost a third of food is thrown away), the fight to combat waste is a growing trend. Globally, consumers in developed countries annually throw away about 286 million tons of cereal products. The FAO reports that 29 million tons of dairy products are thrown away in Europe alone every year. The losses total 1,3 million tons a year, enough to feed two billion people, or the entire population of the United States ten times over, according to the foodnavigator.com.
Food waste is also a big problem for the environment. Food waste is responsible for 6% of greenhouse gas emissions. The representatives Oli-Tec states: "Food waste is excessive and impacts our planet's resources." We must learn to use the resources we have more efficiently for future generations. "
"To be consumed preferably before…" or "Valid until …" creates confusion among consumers
Oli-Tec, which has subsidiaries in both the UK and the US, says the current labeling is confusing consumers. Thus, on the one hand, the food is not kept at the optimal temperature, and on the other, consumers do not effectively use the existing labeling on the products, not knowing whether they are still viable or not. Thus, through Oli-Tec™ labels, the start-up aims to fill an existing gap in the market, hoping to induce consumers to make "smart" choices regarding the lifespan of a product.
The European Commission estimates that 10% of food waste is determined by the label date, and in the United States this percentage rises to 20%.
"We developed Oli-Tec labeling technology with manufacturers, distributors and consumers in mind," explains CEO Nik Richardson.
He also emphasizes the company's desire for this labeling technology to be easily integrated into the complex process of distributing products to the end consumer, "so that every label can play a part in reducing waste.”
Oli-Tec™ labels – mirror of product degradation cycle
Photo source: foodnavigator.com
“We also worked hard to develop a simple visual indicator to help consumers see when food is about to expire. They can then decide whether to use it, freeze it or cook it. "
The recyclable label, composed of 100% polypropylene, can be applied to any product with a validity period between 5 and 15 days. The color indicator changes from yellow to red as the quality of the product decreases over time. The color diffusion line is accelerated when the product is kept at high temperatures and slows down at low temperatures. The thermometer icon is blue, only when the product is stored at the optimal temperature.
The benefits of implementing this technology for the end consumer are obvious. The Oli-Tec company says that through smart labeling companies in the supply chain will also benefit, being able to better manage the distribution of products with shorter shelf life.
Now past the first stage of accreditation, Oli-Tec™ labeling is being tested in supply and logistics chains to prove its effectiveness. A study in Denmark suggests that the use of this smart labeling technology reduced food waste at the store level by 20%. The Oli-Tec company believes that similar reductions in food waste would be achieved among end consumers if this way of labeling with visual indicator is adopted.
Article written by Gabriela Dan, Editor of Arta Albă
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