Register for free to
view the full innovation profile.
The FreshTag is a fully automated time-temperature indicator that helps with the management of perishable products in the supply chain.
About
Insignia Technologies Ltd. have developed sensing technology which has been used to create a range of low cost innovative smart labels for the food industry. Using the patented CO2 indicating technology, the labels have been developed as time and temperature indicators (TTIs) which can be used to indicate the freshness and condition of packaged foodstuffs throughout the supply chain. They can be used in the supply chain, with retailers or with the consumer. Insignia’s products have been used by major global brands to significantly reduce food waste, enhance food freshness, improve food safety and extend shelf-life. Insignia’s FreshTag labels are packed in pouches of CO2 and once removed will gradually change colour over a pre-set time and temperature. These labels can be attached to products at an item, case or pallet level. Any temperature abuse will speed up the colour change and thereby highlight that temperature abuse has occurred. Using the printed reference colours the user can track the freshness or expiration of the food or be alerted to any temperature abuse the produce may have been exposed to. If the chill chain has been maintained, then the food freshness will be optimum and can be used beyond the conservative printed date code. The FreshTag technology has been trialled and tested by major quick service restaurant (QSR) brands in the US and Canada, however there is significant potential to expand their use throughout other regions and markets.
Key Benefits
• Encourages behavioural change of people responsible for maintaining the chill chain hence better temperature control o Improved freshness and quality of produce for the customers o Potential to extend shelf-life o Reduces unnecessary food waste due to freshness issues • Easier to see at a glance than the date code o simplification of stock management • Better indication of real product life than the date code o greater confidence in the quality & shelf life • fewer quality complaints & product rejections eases the burden on staff o time & cost saving
Applications
The FreshTags can be used to help maximise the freshness and quality of perishable produce by improving the chill chain. The FreshTag labels can be calibrated to different time and temperature profiles to suit a variety of perishable products e.g. fresh meats, fresh vegetables. They can be applied at a pallet, case or individual item level.