“Tattooed” Fruits Grab Attention, Save Plastic with Laser Date Coding

Laser etching directly onto suitably thick-skinned fruits like mangos and avocados lets Westfalia Fruit eschew plastic price look-up tags with date codes, while standing out on the shelf. Possibilities for unique designs, even 2D codes, abound.

In an era where sustainability is paramount, Westfalia Fruit has taken a significant step towards reducing plastic waste while enhancing the presentation of its products. The multinational supplier, renowned for its avocados and mangos, has launched a pioneering process of laser etching codes and branding directly onto the fruit. This initiative, spearheaded by operations in the Netherlands, effectively eliminates the need for plastic price look-up (PLU) stickers, a common yet environmentally taxing practice.

Mathijs Benard, head of operations for Central Europe at Westfalia, emphasizes the dual objectives of this project: reducing plastic usage and maintaining the quality of the fruit. “Since joining Westfalia, my focus has been on improving collaboration and efficiency,” he states. The introduction of laser etching, likened to a tattoo on the mango, not only enhances the visual appeal of the fruit but also has the potential to save up to 10 million plastic stickers annually.

The creative possibilities of laser etching extend beyond mere identification. Initially aimed at providing functional details such as product origin and reference, the project has evolved to include health-related messages and seasonal promotions, offering a unique opportunity to engage consumers directly at the point of sale.

The laser etching process itself is both innovative and efficient. Utilizing a Videojet laser positioned above a conveyor tunnel, the system ensures precise marking of the fruit while adhering to stringent safety measures. The tunnel’s design allows for the laser to activate only after confirming the correct positioning of the fruit, thereby preventing accidents and ensuring consistent quality.

Benard notes that the speed of the laser etching process is comparable to traditional PLU sticker application, with the efficiency varying based on the complexity of the printed message. The advantages of this method are clear: no need for label replacements, reduced susceptibility to environmental conditions, and a significant reduction in plastic waste.

As Westfalia Fruit continues to innovate, the integration of laser etching not only aligns with global sustainability efforts but also sets a new standard in the fresh produce industry, proving that creativity and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

Source:

https://www.packworld.com/coding-printing-labeling/coding-markin