THE TEMPIX SMART LABEL
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 THE INDICATOR WORKS
When you see the black bar in the Tempix cover label, you can rest assured 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 will disappear from 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 at the till.
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. In this case, plain cover labels are available for deployment. 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 each stage will be enough to ascertain if the cold chain has been maintained.
The Tempix solution comprises a labelling machine with thermal printing, dispenser for applying the activator liquid, and a cover label for encapsulating the liquid. This two-in-one printer is co-designed and manufactured by Marel. All parts and the activator liquid are approved for use in the food industry, and the respective environmental impact is minimal. 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 -75°C to +30°C temperature range, is accurate to 0.5°C intervals, and can be programmed to work at a specific temperature range set by customers.
COSTS
The cost of the Tempix smart label works out to less than 1 US cents per label. Factoring in the capital investment for the Marel printer, users are paying as little as US$19 a day to secure their cold chain products.
FLEXIBILITY
The thermal printer can be individually programmed to print whatever the customer wants on the label. The benefit of this is that different labels can be printed for different applications depending on customer requirements.
BENEFITS
Generate higher revenues from improved shelf life of chilled products
Improve costs by reducing inventory wastage from cold chain breaches
Low cost insurance for maintaining quality of goods shipped under cold chain conditions
Staff and logistics providers exercise more care in handling temperature sensitive products
Reduce energy losses by setting correct optimal temperatures for food handling
Enhance product and brand reputation with customers
To understand more about how the Tempix temperature indicator works, click on the video below.