Packaging without packaging — a non-contact labelling technique

Result Group is introducing EcoMark Natural Branding to the Australian market. The technology is designed to provide a non-contact labelling technique that creates an image on the peel of food produce — a high-resolution laser removes colour from the fruit or vegetable’s outer layer of skin, and acts like a tattoo on a variety of goods. The technique doesn’t use ink and can provide an alternative to produce unit labelling such as fruit labels.

Suitable for use on any food with a robust skin, the laser technology doesn’t require a labeller or consumable. Some examples of applications include: apple, avocado, apricot, banana, passionfruit, corn, capsicum, cabbage, eggplant and many more.

The laser is used for the marking, which can include branding, SKU level identification, traceability and authenticity. The system simply depigments the uppermost cell layer of the fruit’s skin and removes the outermost layer of skin, which is designed to preserve the fruit and vegetable’s integrity.

Due to its adaptability, the system can also be suitable for conventional goods such as bread, biscuits, chocolate and other confectionery products.

How does it work?

The system has four base components:

1.  A product handling system designed around the product or products being marked.
2. A 3D camera for vision and mapping locating the exact place to mark the product.
3. The laser coder or coders themselves.
4. Upgradable software control that drives the entire system.

The laser beam does all the marking work, while fruits and vegetables remain completely intact beneath their skin or peel. The system is designed to preserve the natural flavour of the product; consumers can simply peel or eat it with the skin or peel, and the shelf life is not impacted.

As product characteristics of fruit and vegetables change, due to ripeness, moisture content and age, the software allows users to react to these changes quickly and easily.

There are various laser strengths available that can be fitted within the machine and, if necessary, multiple lasers can be installed in the one Eco Mark machine. The machine has a fast 3D camera that allows for process times of milliseconds.

The machine is available in two model series in terms of technical specifications — Light and Professional — both of which are simple to operate.