In an era where sustainability is no longer an option, laws are beginning to bite and the need for action is immediate. This need is becoming urgent but with the link to technology, it is no longer a challenge but a benefit for businesses and consumers. At this point, Checkpoint Systems has introduced a revolutionary innovation: Chinook inlay.

This RFID tag, designed specifically for reusable, microwaveable food packaging, is essential in addressing environmental challenges. By fusing innovation and sustainability, Chinook inlay promises to redefine the way industries approach packaging, moving towards a greener future.

In this post we will learn about the details of the new label, key features and use cases.

Global Push for Sustainable Packaging

Packaging waste is a pressing global problem. From overflowing landfills to the harmful effects of plastics on marine ecosystems, the environmental costs are undeniable. Aware of this crisis, governments and regulatory bodies have put strict guidelines in place to curb waste. According to the European Environment Agency, the volume of packaging waste in EU Member States increased by 15% between 2013 and 2020, reaching nearly 80 million tones. Currently, it is estimated that around 64% of this waste is recycled, according to official data, although recycling rates vary significantly by material type.

The European Union (EU) has taken the lead with its Packaging Directive, which mandates that by 2030 all packaging must be reusable or recyclable. Milestones set for 2025 will impose progressive measures, including a ban on single-use plastic packaging for specific applications. With these regulations on the horizon, companies around the world face immense pressure to adopt environmentally friendly packaging solutions.

Checkpoint Systems has responded to this challenge with Chinook inlay, an RFID-based innovation that not only supports sustainable practices, but also improves operational efficiency throughout the supply chain.

What Makes Chinook inlay Unique?

This RFID tag is more than just a packaging solution; it’s a technological breakthrough that seamlessly integrates food safety, sustainability, and supply chain intelligence. The inlay, that is being patented, offers features that set it apart:

  • Microwave Safety and Survival: Like other food RFID tags, Chinook inlay ensures its safety whilst microwaving it. But what truly sets it apart is its ability to remain functional and keep RFID performance after microwave exposure, making it an ideal and unique solution into the food market.
  • Sustainability: Supports the circular economy with its reusability, significantly reducing packaging waste.
  • Traceability: Equipped with RFID technology, Chinook inlay provides precise tracking and visibility throughout the supply chain. This functionality empowers businesses to monitor product journeys from production to the end consumer, ensuring greater accountability and transparency.
  • Versatility: Chinook inlay’s adaptability allows it to be used with various packaging materials, including plastic and glass. It is equally effective for fresh, frozen, and prepared foods, making it a versatile tool for diverse industries.

Applications Across Industries

Chinook inlay is perfect solution for restaurants, supermarkets and food servicesectors that are betting on reusable containers. It is ideally suited to a wide range of use cases, offering key benefits in sectors such as processed food production, where it enables full traceability throughout the product life cycle. In supermarkets and retail chains, its innovative design is ideal for improving the management of fresh, pre-cooked and bulk products, optimizing operational efficiency. Likewise, in restaurants and catering services, Chinook inlay is positioned as a must-have for fast food chains, delivery services and mass events, providing more efficient inventory control as a reusable packaging solution.

Chinook RFID tag is more than just a technological advancement; it represents a paradigm shift in how businesses approach sustainability. By integrating advanced technology with eco-friendly practices, Checkpoint Systems is enabling industries to transition seamlessly into a more sustainable future.

Checkpoint Systems has over 50 years of expertise in RFID-driven solutions for supply chain management, inventory control, and traceability. The company’s focus on providing intelligent, cloud-based solutions has consistently positioned it at the forefront of technological innovation. Chinook builds on this legacy, delivering a product that aligns with the evolving needs of businesses and consumers alike.