This year, the German Packaging Award 2020 will be presented for the first time in the digitalisation category. The winner Netto Marken-Discount receives the award for the first machine-readable packaging system and the optimisation of the entire process chain through to recycling.
Netto Marken-Discount is the first European food retailer to use The company is introducing a machine-readable packaging system, thereby digitalising the entire process chain. With this innovative technology, the company aims to further expand its digital pioneering position in the industry and at the same time promote more sustainable recycling processes.
Invisible Digimarc barcode
Assistance more invisible Digimarc barcodeswhich are integrated into the packaging design and - unlike the visible, conventional barcodes - are often printed on all sides of the packaging of Netto own-brand products, the products can be scanned from every side. This makes processes along the entire value chain, from packaging production, logistics and storage, the checkout and purchasing process through to the recycling of packaging, much quicker and easier.
Netto facilitates digital recycling
At the same time, the Digimarc barcodes uncomplicated access to detailed product information. This simplifies all steps in the process chain and ensures a more sustainable recycling advantage. The coding contains precise information about the packaging material used, product type and origin. This could significantly simplify machine sorting from the yellow bags in the future. Packaging made from several materials can also be fed into the correct value stream.
In the Storage and logistics, the information is used for digital control and monitoring of the products. The invisible codes also make stocktaking easier for store employees. Customers can also conveniently access the item information by scanning it with their smartphone. This makes the entire process chain more digital and customer-friendly.
"We are delighted to receive this award, which highlights our pioneering role for digital technologies in the sector. Our aim is to use digital innovations to simplify work processes for our colleagues and customers, further improve the shopping experience for our customers and make our product range more sustainable overall." Christina Stylianou, Head of Corporate Communications at Netto Marken-Discount
With this advanced packaging system, Netto Marken-Discount is also making a contribution to industrial automation and emphasising its more sustainable packaging strategy and customer focus. To date, Netto Marken-Discount has already equipped over 3,000 different own-brand items with the innovative barcodes. By March 2021, all packaging for Netto own-brand products will be labelled with the invisible codes.
SourceNetto Marken-Discount AG & Co. KG
