Languiru, Rio Grande do Sul’s second largest production cooperative, is launching a digital solution for its packaging that will ensure total transparency of food quality and safety, total control of the production process, and personalized digital marketing features.
The project started with the launch of the Languiru dairy line called “Qualidade do início ao Fim” (“Quality from Beginning to End”), filled in aseptic packages from SIG Combibloc with individual and unique QR codes, printed at the time of production. They allow the monitoring of quality processes from the collection of raw material to the milk’s industrialization and commercialization in a single platform. Thus, Languiru can prove to consumers the quality of their product in a fast, practical, and accessible way.
Each one of the shipping boxes also receives a unique QR code, and the pallets are identified by a barcode as well. This control system allows the operational traceability from the farm to the point of sale. With this, Languiru can locate each one of its packages at any point in the value chain, whether for quality crosscheck or for recalls (if necessary), and that means greater value and protection for brands.
To provide further convenience to consumers, in reading the QR code, they will be automatically directed to the information website related to the product inside the package, without the need to enter any additional information. The website is an integral part of this SIG solution, where data will be available about the brand’s quality system, the product, and the production process, as well as an interactive area.
“The launch of this new digital platform is our solution for three mega-trends dictated by consumers: connectivity—consumers are increasingly aware and want to receive information anywhere at any time; authenticity and trust through total transparency of quality information, food safety, and procedures to prevent fraud; and finally, natural products with certificate of origin and free of chemicals and genetically modified crops, among others,” says Ricardo Rodriguez, CEO of SIG Combibloc Americas.
The new technology from SIG, which will be exported and used in 40 countries where SIG operates, also allows the complete control and management of the production lines to maximize the plant’s overall efficiency, and cut operational and investment costs by means of a specific information intelligence tool known as Power BI.
The unique QR codes also allow the simplification and customization of promotions, such as those developed for a specific chain of supermarkets or in a specific region of the country. For this type of action, SIG has developed a unique application that will allow the development of rich databases for marketing and sales analyses.
A proprietary application connected to the MES system was developed to track the product in the distribution chain. Inside the factory, the information is collected through an interface with the brand’s ERP system, data entries, tablets, and data collectors; and RFID technology is used to incorporate quality information from the packaging.
The platform, developed by SIG, is open and therefore allows connection to equipment from different suppliers. The interfaces are efficient, both for capturing information and for performing process data analysis for optimizing manufacturing efficiencies and lower operating and investment costs.
QR codes are printed with anti-fraud paint that cannot be removed by solvents on the market.
Packaging with the QR code will be available for the following Languiru products: UHT whole milk, skimmed milk, semi-skimmed milk, zero lactose, and UHT chocolate milk. The packages have an ergonomic and modern shape. The screw caps allow for opening in a single twist and perfect closure. The visible seal still offers security against tampering, as well as avoids waste.
