UK company launches intelligent labeling system in the US
range of temperature- and time-sensitive products, has launched the
technology in the US market for the first time.
The labeling system targets a range of cosmetic and toiletry products that are sensitive to both extreme temperature conditions, as well as having limited use-by dates. Often ingredients in cosmetics and toiletry products can spoil after a specific time period or under certain temperature extremes. This can compromise the products, limiting their efficacy and even making them potentially dangerous to use. In fact the company will be marketing two specific smart labeling products in the US, one to tackle time elapsed products - the Timestrip - and iStrip, which identifies if an accidental freezing of a product has taken place at any point along the supply chain or after purchase. The company says that both labeling technologies can be supplied as external labels or integrated into the packaging or the product itself, and serve primarily as a means to guard the health, safety and well-being of consumers. As well as cosmetic and toiletry products, the labeling systems are also said to be good for foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, or any other perishable consumer goods. "Timestrip's technology is at the forefront of the growing worldwide demand for consumer level expiration and temperature monitoring indicators," said Reuben Isbitsky, Joint CEO of Timestrip. He went on to say that the launch in the US was in reaction to manufacturing and packaging companies needing to meet growing consumer demand for 'stronger monitoring and control of the products on their shelves'. "Current indicators cost up to $3.50 per item and can only be used at case or pallet level," Paul Freedman, Joint CEO stated recently about iStrip. "iStrip will be marketed at a fraction of this cost, making it a cost effective option at an individual product level." he added. Timestrip labeling is also said to be equally competitive in price. Relating specifically to Timestrip, the company stated that each label contains edible oil, which, when activated, travels across it at a consistent rate, enabling consumers to see how long a product has been in use. The company points out that this type of treatment will be particularly useful for time-sensitive products such as eye drops, as well as the growing number of natural and organic personal care products, for which chemical-based preservatives are not used. The company is a start-up that began manufacturing its Timestrip smart labels in the UK in 2005. Last year it reported it had quadrupled sales of Timestrip to food companies in Europe.
