随着环保新规的颁布，食品快餐行业需要减少一次性餐具而更多采用可循环重复使用的环保餐具。Checkpoint保点推出IML RFID注塑标签，帮助食品快餐行业高效管理可重复使用的餐具。目前保点已为某全球快餐巨头在法国的1200多家餐厅部署了食品RFID标签，实现对所有可循环使用餐具的RFID可视化管理，确保更精准的库存数据，降低损耗风险，助力快餐行业走向可持续循环经济实践。

Redesigning single-use plastic packaging for sustainability can be challenging. Unfortunately, if you want to avoid high fees that are likely to be implemented under the upcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (EU PPWR), single-use, non-recyclable virgin plastic food packaging has to go! Luckily, our intelligent labeling experts redeveloped existing technology to help you make the change.

Checkpoint recently finished a successful ‘reusable fast food packaging’ pilot with a popular global fast food chain, using our in-mold labels in 1,200 of their restaurants. This post explores everything you need to know about this technology, how it works, and how it could help companies move towards more sustainable practices.

What is an In-Mold Label?

The In-Mold Label (IML) is an RFID inlay designed to be 'over-molded' or 'in-molded' into plastic packaging and tableware. This means it can sit safely within or on top of the packaging and is robust enough to withstand the manufacturing process.

IML RFID labels work nicely with reusable packaging materials and are water, heat, and detergent resistant. To ensure their quality and performance, we use our own RFID inlays, designed and manufactured in-house. We have successfully integrated two of these inlays in our production process: the round Pali and the rectangular Vortex. However, any of our RAIN RFID inlays are fully compatible with the molding process, giving you the flexibility to choose the one that best suits your manufacturing method and the size or shape of your packaging.

How do IML RFID labels work?

The secret behind the success of our reusable plastic packaging pilot is radio frequency identification (RFID). This technology uses high-frequency radio waves to transmit and store data to identify and track unique objects.

With RFID technology, you can scan your reusable packaging per item, box, or pallet, and get centrally stored data in real-time. This enables you to minimize waste, streamline processes, and effortlessly generate data for more informed and sustainable decisions.

Fast food restaurants, catering companies, and eat-in deli counters could use these IML RFID labels to create eat-in tableware that can be collected, sanitized, and reused to help minimize the quantity of single-use packaging being manufactured. You’ll be able to reduce waste, save money, and give a seamless customer experience.

The advantages of IML RFID labels for fast food packaging

Minimize waste

The European Green Deal focuses on moving the economy away from a linear ‘take-make-waste’ model and towards a more circular 'reduce, reuse, recycle' one. IML RFID labels empower you to create reusable packaging solution that you can fully track, regulate, and efficiently utilize. You’ll get up to 99% inventory accuracy, making it easier to keep ordering volumes under control and make full use of the assets you already have, thereby reducing waste and saving money.

Inventory transparency

IML RFID labels give you real-time visibility and traceability with up to 99% stock accuracy throughout the entire supply chain. It even allows you to trace and locate nearby items that have been accidentally discarded so you can minimize shrinkage and maximize usability. This is vital when you consider the cost investment that comes with the move to reusable packaging and RFID implementation.

Optimize processes

IML RFID labels give you a whole new way to streamline your processes effectively. Real-time data collection—including cycle time, turnover rate, and container utilization—gives you valuable insights that can be used to optimize your processes and improve the customer experience.

Keep on top of regulations

Upcoming sustainability regulations require producers, retailers, and manufacturers to gather and maintain accurate product and packaging information. IML RFID labels are a great way to keep on top of every facet of information regarding your packaging, like manufacturing origin, materials, food safety certificates, and number of uses. All this data is protected via encryption and controlled access.

Get a slice of the action

This technology is useful in addressing some of the challenges posed by new sustainability regulations, and we are here to help you find the right solution. If you want to learn more about IML RFID tags, you can explore our RFID portfolio to see the different inlays available. You can also contact our team, which is experienced in designing, testing and implementing RFID solutions globally.