The Use of Radio Frequency Identification Technology in Packaging Systems: Experimental Research on Traceability

Abstract

Traditionally, the traceability system is performed through the asynchronous fulfilment of checkpoints (i.e. doorways) by materials. In such cases, the tracking is manual, executed by operators that manually trace the path. Often, companies are not aware of the inefficiencies because of these traceability systems such as low precision and accuracy in measurements (i.e. no information between doorways), more time spent by operators and costs (due to the full effort of operators who have to search for the good positions and movements). In order to overcome these limitations, automatic identification procedures have been introduced in many service industries, purchasing and distribution logistics, manufacturing companies and material flow systems. Automatic identification procedures can also be applied to the packaging of products, instead of to each item contained in the package. Sometimes, products are very expensive, and packages contain important and critical goods (e.g. dangerous or explosive materials); thus, the tracking of goods – and packages in particular – is a critical function. In order to analyse the traceability of the packaging system, the authors have developed an innovative system based on Radio Frequency IDentification-Ultra Wide Band (RFID-UWB) technology. A prototype of this system has been realized and used for an experimental research that has consisted of several tests (static and dynamic), tracing the position (static) and movements (dynamic) of products and in particular packages in indoor environments, in continuous and in real time. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

An overview of smart packaging technologies for monitoring safety and quality of meat and meat products

“…The RFID tags offer wireless systems for monitoring the food packages via computer systems and tags readers. These are employed extensively in the food industries to facilitate traceability and provide instant information about tracking and stock rotation thereby improving the effectiveness of supply chains . Nonetheless, SP systems have advanced so fast recently due to innovative research studies in this field to deliver shelf stable, safe, and wholesome food products.…”

“…The RFID system includes an antenna and a transponder that has an alphanumerical sequence or unique number. The antenna is affixed to an integrated circuit for transmitting information to the users that are stored in the microchips (Figure ) …”

“…RFID tags have almost replaced the common barcodes due to their potential to monitor multiple items instantaneously and to store large range of information . The integration of RFID tags with responsive substrates could provide meaningful information on the contents of food package as well as the quality of food within the package . Nowadays, e‐noses have been combined with colorimetric materials for visual detection of meat products and have a great potential to be used within a package …”

“…The antenna is affixed to an integrated circuit for transmitting information to the users that are stored in the microchips (Figure 7). 24,25,34,35 The RFID tags are categorized into low frequency, high frequency,…”

“…24,34 The integration of RFID tags with responsive substrates could provide meaningful information on the contents of food package as well as the quality of food within the package. 18,35,203,204 Nowadays, e-noses have been combined with colorimetric materials for visual detection of meat products and have a great potential to be used within a package. 8,21,122 The SP system can be used in conjunction with other technologies such as active packaging, nanomaterial packaging, edible films/coatings, and biodegradable packaging.…”