Track & Trace

Automation has been one of the main objectives of smart packaging in the past 15 years, as enterprises have contended with an increased number of suppliers, regions, goods and distribution channels. Auto ID capabilities, usually in the form of barcodes or radio frequency identification (RFID), were one of the initial drivers for smart packaging.

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By connecting with consumers, brands can build brand awareness and create a bond with their customers through programs designed to keep them interested in the product. They can also gain invaluable data about what makes their customers tick. Smart packaging is already delivering connected packaging experiences across food, beverage, pharmaceutical, toiletries and a host of other markets. It also offers the means to sort, interpret and act upon the data gathered.  

A track and trace system for pharma packaging is an essential tool for maintaining the integrity of the pharma supply chain and preventing counterfeit products from entering the market. To combat the issues of counterfeit drug distribution, it is vital for pharma companies to implement track and trace systems in their packaging.

Okpe is the business development manager for the health tech firm Chekkit Technologies, a four-year-old company that authenticates medicines. Okpe says that Chekkit was the first traceability service provider in Nigeria to be approved by NAFDAC and GS1, a global nonprofit that sets medicine standards. And Chekkit allows verification in more ways than competitors – through a mobile app, SMS, and USSD (another form of text messaging that is faster than SMS). Some of what Chekkit does is a more sophisticated version of an already commonplace activity. Nigeria is the first country to widely mandate Mobile Authentication Service (MAS) for medicines (specifically antimalarials and antibiotics, though other medicines now use it as well).

Guerlain, one of France’s oldest perfume and cosmetics houses, is using the latest end-of-line and traceability technologies from French machine makers Sidel to fight counterfeiting. Its combi packing/palletizing solution for bottles in cartons is also delivering product care and compactness on Guerlain’s new line for advanced skincare, say the companies.

Graphic Packaging, an AIPIA member headquartered in Atlanta, USA, has introduced a serialization service for pharmaceutical packaging which it says is highly flexible – accommodating several different kinds of compliant coding and other applications in country-specific formats. It also meets drug traceability requirements.

This recall was initiated because safety updates were omitted in the product insert/medication guide that was provided with these recalled lots. The main safety concern is the potential for not having complete information needed by healthcare providers and patients regarding the safe use of the product, the FDA said.

Rising cost from research and development, production and supply chain combined with stringent regulations are just a few of the challenges you need to overcome when working with healthcare logistics.

Teamwork Commerce, a global retail management software provider with headquarters in Florida, USA, has announced the launch of its RFID-Powered Self-Checkout solution, designed to simplify the checkout process for in-store customers.

At Interpack 2023, the Fraunhofer team will present a demonstrator for a counterfeit-proof barcode system called SmartID. In the SmartID project, the Fraunhofer Institutes for Applied Polymer Research (IAP), Secure Information Technology (SIT) and Open Communication Systems are developing a novel labelling system to uniquely verify and authenticate products via smartphone, they say.

The next generation of barcodes can offer new levels of reliable information, for the benefit of consumers, businesses, and the planet, according to GS1, the neutral, non-profit organisation that provides global standards for efficient business communication around the world. It is best known for the barcode, one of “the 50 things that made the world economy” according to one broadcaster.

From vaccines to veggies, trillions of products make their way to us continuously with no way to observe, track, or monitor anything about them. Where are they now? Are they being transported at the right temperatures? Are they authentic? Did they make it to the correct shelf? Are they being used?

"The use of digitally connected packaging is an effective way for our customers to enhance the consumer experience and build brand loyalty. By using carton packaging as a touchpoint to scan QR codes, our packaging partners can deliver personalised content, fun experiences and exclusive promotions that deepen the relationship between their customers and the brand,” said Farahnaz Mohsenin, regional marketing manager at Tetra Pak.

Average crop yields in Africa are consistently far below those expected, and one significant reason is the prevalence of counterfeit seeds whose germination rates are far lower than those of the genuine ones. There have been many attempts to prevent this counterfeiting through tracking labels, but none have proved effective.

Zappar, the venerable UK studio that was one of the pioneers in mobile AR, announced the launch of Zapvision, an Accessible QR code solution, which helps blind and partially sighted people access information related to items on store shelves and cupboards at home. The company calls this enhancement to existing QR codes “Accessible QR,” a slight modification that makes codes readable from a greater distance when applied to packaging, over 1 meter away. “Accessible QR” then activates a device’s accessibility functions like VoiceOver to announce product details. Accessible QR codes are now on packaging for Unilever brands Persil capsules and Ultimate Liquids in the UK.

Issuing a statement on the cancellation of licences for 18 pharma companies, Vivek Sehgal, Director General, Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) shared, “Any violation of good manufacturing practices (GMP) is a public health hazard. It is important to ensure patients can access breakthrough innovations while upholding ethical codes and maintaining strict regulatory standards. This is crucial to maintain patient safety and trust.”

Zapvision, the new Accessible QR solution for people who are blind and partially sighted, created by digital agency and longstanding AIPIA member Zappar, has partnered with Unilever so that it is now available on packs of Persil laundry detergent products across the UK.

Lasersec Technologies, an established name and a pioneer manufacturer of security labels & holograms, used as an anti-counterfeiting device. The solutions given by Lasersec Technologies are being entrusted by some of the renowned names across industries, with pharmaceuticals as the strong domain and having years-long association with well-established brands like Cipla, Wockhardt, Cadila, Zydus, Sanofi etc.

Many pharmacies and hospitals have found RFID tracking to be more accurate in allowing them to scan multiple medications at once. Each RFID tag is embedded in an existing label, so it can run on a company's existing packaging lines. This makes the process fairly invisible to packaging line operators, with no physical interaction at the packaging point. This panel will discuss the implementation progress, including key successes, and the speakers will provide recommendations to get ready for full implementation.

Personalisation and the possibility to choose a product that fits your needs are trends in packaging. Design is one of the tools for brands to interact with the consumers and make them love their product. With prismiq Sealed Air now brings together the physical world of a packaging’s look, touch and feel with further information of the brand and product. This information can be accessed via a QR-code on the packaging and does not only provide the consumer with more information and the possibility to interact with the product.

For consumer products (CP) companies, figuring out what customers want is tougher than ever. From the pandemic and pent-up demand to dwindling savings and inflation, consumers have been pulled in a lot of directions—and, as a result, have become increasingly unpredictable.

By simply scanning a QR code with a smartphone, consumers can be directed to a website, get additional information, or access special promotions. This technology gives marketers a quick and easy way to connect with consumers and drive engagement.