SIG Combibloc, solution provider for the food and beverage industry, is launching a new digital solution in collaboration with the Brazilian production cooperative Languiru. It ensures transparency with regard to product quality and safety, improves the control of manufacturing processes and enables the personalisation of digital marketing campaigns.
The project began with the market launch of the dairy product line „Qualidade do início ao fim“ („Quality from start to finish“) at Languiru, the second-largest production cooperative in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. The products are filled into aseptic carton packs from SIG Combibloc, which are printed with unique QR codes during the production process. Each packaging tray is also labelled with a distinctive QR code labelled. The pallets are labelled with a barcode. This digital solution makes it possible to track the supply chain and quality processes from the product raw materials through processing to the marketing of the milk via a single platform. from the raw product to the point of sale. In this way, the Languiru cooperative can provide consumers with quick, practical and easily accessible proof of the quality of each individual product. With the new digital solution, Languiru can also locate any packaged product at any point in the value chain, whether for quality inspection or (if necessary) for recalls, which means added value and additional security for its product brands.
In order to offer consumers even easier access to the stored information, they are automatically redirected to the respective product website via the QR codes. The website is an important part of SIG Combibloc's new digital solution. It contains information on the customer's quality system, the product, the production process and an interactive user interface.
„The market launch of this new digital platform is our response to the three main challenges Consumer megatrendsNetworking - more and more consumers are making their purchasing decisions very consciously and want to be informed about products anytime and anywhere; authenticity and trust - these are created by fully transparent information on quality, food safety and measures to prevent fraud; and last but not least, consumers want natural products with proof of origin that are free from chemicals and genetically modified grains, among other things,“ says Ricardo Rodriguez, President and General Manager SIG Combibloc Americas.
According to the company, one of the benefits of the new digital technology, which will be used in more than 65 countries where SIG is active, is that it will improve the monitoring and control of production facilities. Thanks to a special information intelligence tool known as Power BI, maximises the efficiency of the plants and reduces operating and investment costs.
The unique QR codes can also be used to Promotions, campaigns that are developed for a specific supermarket chain or region, for example, can be simplified and individualised. SIG has developed a special application for this type of campaign that enables the creation of extensive databases for marketing and sales analyses.
Packs with a QR code will initially be used at Languiru for ultra-high temperature whole milk, skimmed milk, low-fat milk, lactose-free milk and ultra-high temperature chocolate milk. The packs have an ergonomic and modern shape. With the screw cap, the packs can be opened with a simple twist and then closed again perfectly. The visible first-opening seal offers a high level of security against tampering.
Other special features
A specially developed application, which is connected to the MES (Manufacturing Execution System), enables the Traceability of the product in the distribution chain. In the factory, the information is recorded via interfaces to the customer's ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system, data input, tablets and data collection programmes. RFID technology is also used to record quality information about the packs.
The platform developed by SIG is open and therefore compatible with applications and devices from various manufacturers. The interfaces enable the efficient capture of information and process data analyses to improve the efficiency of manufacturing processes and reduce operating and investment costs. QR codes are printed with a tamper-proof ink.
„We are certain that we will gain a competitive advantage over many other manufacturers from now on. With the new technology, we can achieve greater product differentiation. Our customers can trace the origin of the products all the way to the shelf,“ reports Dirceu Bayer, President of Languiru.
