Modern Coding & Labeling Solutions Can Elevate Your Business
By Isaac Fletcher, contributing writer, Food Online
No matter the specific needs of your operation, seeking out coding and labeling solutions to enhance your product packaging can greatly improve your competitiveness in the market
The packaging and labels for food products serve many important purposes: protecting the product throughout all parts of the supply chain, hindering contamination, extending shelf-life, attracting consumers, providing important nutritional information, and outlining instructions for use. In some situations, the packaging material itself is chosen based on its ability to better market the product, as was the case with the Heinz.
Toward the end of the 19th century, manufacturers made many condiments that used preservatives, such as salicylic acid and formaldehyde, which would ultimately make consumers sick. When Heinz developed a preservative-free ketchup recipe, the company decided the only suitable way to highlight the product’s purity was to use see-through bottles. While the competition used amber-colored bottles, consumers were more attracted to the clear glass bottle that displayed the ketchup’s vibrant color. Furthermore, when Heinz realized that the ketchup became slightly discolored when exposed to air, it decided to add the brand’s iconic label on the neck of the bottle to disguise the problem.
The Heinz case is just one of many that underscore a critical concept: providing what consumers want from a product may mean having to change packaging and label design to remain competitive in the marketplace. No matter the specific needs, shape, or size of your packaging, many labeling and coding solutions to enhance consumer appeal are available. Implementing features such as decorative labels, tags, ribbons, and other visual enhancements, such as foil lamination and specialized adhesives, can drastically improve consumer appeal and make your product stand out on the shelf.
Additionally, using tracking solutions, such as RFID tags, can add extra abilities in identification and security throughout the supply chain. Improved identification can also be achieved through high-end coding solutions. Making use of small character ink jet coders, laser coders, and thermal-transfer printers allows you to print high-quality date/lot codes, barcodes, and various texts and the majority of packaging substrates.
Sometimes it is necessary to take a new approach to an old method. By implementing even minor changes, you can improve product visibility, attract new consumers, and improve your supply chain. No matter the scale of your operation or your strict packaging requirements, coding and labeling solutions can help grow your competitive edge.