Smart label for cold chains

About

The Tempix time temperature indicator is a smart label solution which ensures that a product has been handled within the stipulated control temperature range throughout the entire cold chain, from producer to the retail cashier in store. How Does the Indicator Work The solution consists of a base label containing information such as the bar code, production batch number, date of expiry, price and marker lines. A tiny amount of liquid is deposited on the cover label and the encapsulated by a cover label. When you see the black bar in the Tempix cover label, this would indicate that the product has been kept at the correct temperature throughout the cold chain. If the product has been exposed for too long (cumulative) to temperatures above the recommended limit, the black bar in the cover label would have been erased in the window. The barcode on the label can also be custom configured to be erased in the event of cumulative temperature abuse, meaning it cannot be read by incoming store acceptance, or the cashier. The indicator therefore acts as a guarantee that the product has been handled correctly from the producer all the way to the store’s cashier. Once the product is scanned at the till, it becomes the consumer’s responsibility to handle it correctly. The Tempix temperature indicator can also be used for internal B2B cold chain audits. At each stage of the cold chain, from the producer to the truck logistics provider, aircraft cargo handler, ground transport, warehouse, retail shop and finally to the consumer, a simple visual inspection at handover will be sufficient to ascertain if the cold chain has been maintained. The cost of the Tempix smart label works out to less than 1 US cents per label because its a paper based solution. The Tempix solution comprises a labelling machine with thermal printing, dispenser for applying the activator liquid, and a cover label for encapsulating the liquid. All parts and the activator liquid are approved for use in the food industry. No extra equipment is required to read the temperature indicator, and the smart label is compatible with existing bar code scanners. The indicator works in the -40°C to +35°C temperature range, is accurate to 0.5°C intervals, and can be programmed to work at a specific temperature range set by customers. The thermal printer can be individually programmed to print whatever the customer wants on the label. The line markers in the label window can also be flexibly printed, depending on how tight or loose the transport temperature specifications. The additional benefits of this is that different labels can be printed for different applications depending on customer requirements. The benefits of this solution include extended shelf lives for temperature sensitive food items, reduced spoilage and inventory wastage due to poor transport practises, better product handling, and improved brand equity for retailers and product manufacturers.