Sealed Air and source tagging specialist Checkpoint have jointly developed what is claimed to be the first integrated system for source tagging shrink bags to pack fresh food products. The patent pending RF EAS 2010 Food Safe tags are inserted automatically into Cryovac vacuum shrink bags suitable for direct food contact. They are claimed to allow a significant increase of theft detection at retail.
SmartPak tags are certified for direct food contact and inserted inside the Cryovac shrink bags at the manufacturing stage, making tampering impossible as the tag cannot be removed without destroying the entire pack. The system can be easily implemented at the food processor/packer or at the retailer, as it is fully compatible with the most common security gates in fresh food retail. The integrated tag will set off an alarm at the cash register if the product is not paid for and the tag deactivated.
A major European retailer decided to counter the increasing theft rate of high value products by implementing a wide source tagging plan for cheese initially. The results are said to have proved extremely effective, showing a clear increase in the detection of stolen cheese at the cash desk. Following the first successful tests carried out in some stores in 2007, the retailer has decided to extend the system to all of its stores.
The SmartPak anti-theft system is available for Cryovac BB325, OSB3050 and OSB5050 TS bags, where the tag is inserted into the bag during the converting step at manufacturing. It is said to be ideal for high volume, high added value fresh food products that tend to generate high theft rates at retail.
“With the RF technology provided by Checkpoint, we are able to help our customers and retailers reduce in-store theft of high value food products,” says Gerd Wichmann, marketing director Sealed Air Cryovac Europe. “But the concept also offers more opportunities in the fresh food segment, particularly with RFID technology.”
