Interactive technology

Kezzler acquires Scanby’s Smart Packaging and QR Code business

Piotr Wnuk — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 00:32:21 +0000

Kezzler, a traceability innovation and digital product specialist, has acquired Scanbuy’s Smart Packaging and QR Code consumer engagement business to strengthen its global footprint and expand its product offering.

Scanbuy's customers will now have access to Kezzler's world-class traceability platform, enabling them to meet the growing demand for increased product transparency, traceability and disclosure.

Organisations will benefit from products that address value chain traceability, US FSMA 204 adherence, the EU Digital Product Passport, EUDR and ePIL compliance, as well as enhanced consumer engagement.

The acquisition comes at a pivotal moment when product transparency, traceability and disclosure have shifted from optional to essential imperatives for consumers, regulators and businesses worldwide, especially in the apparel, retail, food and beverage, health and CPG sectors.

The combined business, operating out of the US, Europe and Asia, will serve a wide range of multinationals such as PepsiCo, Bimbo Bakeries, Kellanova, Reckitt, Mondelez, Migros, DeCA, ENI, Gerber Products Company and United Parcel Service.

The acquisition combines Kezzler’s digital ID and traceability platform with Scanbuy’s smart packaging technology and consumer engagement products.

Kezzler and Scanbuy customers will benefit from increased R&D investment, a robust customer support network, and innovative technologies tailored to meet growing industry requirements and compliance, regardless of territory.

‘This acquisition aligns the expertise of two pioneering companies, positioning us to redefine what’s possible in product transparency and traceability,’ said Christine C. Akselsen, CEO of Kezzler. ‘Uniting Kezzler and the Scanbuy smart packaging footprint is extremely powerful, unlocking the opportunity to combine smart packaging and SmartLabels, already in use across 100,000 product lines in the US alone, with our capabilities to collect, structure, and share product traceability data at massive scale.’

Scanbuy’s general manager, Maryann Moschides, and vice president of product and innovation, Didier Frantz, will lead the acquired business as part of Kezzler, ensuring a smooth transition and driving continued industry leadership.

‘Joining forces with Kezzler expands our existing smart packaging solutions with exceptional traceability and authentication technologies that our clients expect,’ commented Moschides. ‘The untapped potential in combining valuable real estate on packaging with digital product information and meaningful consumer engagement is vast. Together, we deepen our impact to meet the evolving needs of our clients.’

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Kezzler acquires Scanby’s Smart Packaging and QR Code business

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The acquisition will strengthen Kezzler’s global footprint and expand its product offering.

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The acquisition will strengthen Kezzler’s global footprint and expand its product offering.

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Polytag launches QR Squared

Akanksha Meena — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 11:41:29 +0000

Polytag has launched, QR Squared, a new digital service designed to help brands of all sizes future-proof their packaging through certified QR codes.

Powered by GS1 standards, QR Squared will introduce a fully compliant, approved, and secure platform to create and download Digital Link QR codes for all sectors. In an industry first, this will provide a seamless transition from traditional barcodes to 2D barcodes, from enterprise businesses to challenger brands of all sizes.

Ahead of packaging change initiatives, including the discontinuation of barcodes and the introduction of Digital Product Passports, QR codes will become an essential tool for businesses. The QR Squared solution enables brands to easily upgrade their current barcodes to QR codes, which will scan securely at point-of-sale at retailer checkouts. The same QR code is scanned by customers to access more information on the brand or product.

QR Squared’s analytics dashboard service enables brands to know how their on-pack QR codes are performing. GS1 standards enable batch-level inventory management, as well as the option to include expiry dates and serial numbers in the QR codes to unlock next-generation supply chain opportunities.

Part of the Polytag Group, QR Squared allows brands to efficiently manage complex supply chain challenges. By owning the domain within QR code URLs, brands can build trust with consumers while tracking engagement in real-time to understand when and where products are being consumed to effectively optimize marketing initiatives.

Anne Godfrey, CEO of GS1 UK

Brands can quickly create and manage customized landing page content for each product - at scale - through their QR Squared account. This content, accessible via a simple scan of the QR code, provides consumers with relevant and engaging information. The platform also allows brands to easily update and edit landing pages in real-time, even after products have been labelled, ensuring timely and relevant messaging for consumers.

Anne Godfrey, CEO of GS1 UK said: ‘The launch of QR Squared marks a significant step forward in transforming how we track, trace and engage with packaging. The GS1 UK team has worked closely with Polytag to ensure that the platform meets the highest requirements for GS1 standards, a collaboration that illustrates how innovative thinking and partnerships can lead to actionable solutions that deliver real value to businesses, consumers, and the planet alike.’

Alice Rackley, CEO of QR Squared and Polytag commented: ‘To brands that want to elevate their on-pack labeling and leverage next-generation QR codes powered by GS1, QR Squared provides the best value solution in the market today. QR codes can operate at barcode level unlocking meaningful consumer communication opportunities to those businesses that want to get ahead of the curve. The team behind QR Squared are confident that the solution launching today - in partnership with GS1 - will transform many industries.’

The QR Squared platform is designed for ease of use, featuring a simple three-step process and an easy-to-navigate dashboards. Subscription to the platform starts at just GBP 10 per month with no payment required until the QR codes are live on pack.

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3 weeks ago

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Polytag launches QR Squared

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A new service from Polytag, QR Squared is designed to help brands of all sizes comply with upcoming legislative changes.

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A new service from Polytag, QR Squared is designed to help brands of all sizes comply with upcoming legislative changes.

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GIC introduces range of RFID label machines

Selah Zighelboim — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 16:41:10 +0000

GIC, a French designer and distributor of printing and finishing technology, has introduced a range of RFID label production machinery.

The Taginnov range consists of three machines.

The Taginnov Converting Line produces custom RFID labels, which allows for the integration of tags into various substrates and the creation of complex products such as booklets and multilayer labels.

The Tag Inspect 250 ensures the quality and security of RFID tags. This multifunctional platform provides control from dimensional verification to the destruction of defective tags.

The Taginnov Speed Etiq SE/250 is optimized for maximum productivity and allows for the rapid and precise insertion of RFID labels. Its modular and ergonomic design adapts to various production environments.

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GIC introduces range of RFID label machines

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GIC's Taginnov range consists of technology for the production, inspection and insertion of RFID tags.

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GIC's Taginnov range consists of technology for the production, inspection and insertion of RFID tags.

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Beontag appoints Erin Bernhardt as global vice president of GLM

Selah Zighelboim — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 15:41:22 +0000

Beontag, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of self-adhesives and smart tags such as RFID, NFC and Bluetooth technology, has appointed Erin Bernhardt as its new global vice president of GLM (graphic and label materials).

An international leader with a business and operations background, Bernhardt brings over 25 years of experience to the role, including most recently as vice president and general manager of performance films at Eastman Chemical Company.

Based in the US and reporting directly to the CEO, Bernhardt is a business strategist with a track record of driving competitive advantage and earnings growth while developing talent within organizations.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from Purdue University and an MBA from the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School.

Beontag CEO Alejandro Quiroz said: 'This year marks an exciting new chapter for Beontag, and I am very pleased to welcome Erin to the team joining us on this path ahead. Beontag continues to invest in our people, assets and partnerships, and I am confident that Erin’s vast experience leading businesses and operations will enable our GLM team to strengthen the quality and excellence it is known for, while expanding our business across the globe. I look forward to working with Erin and, together, driving Beontag forward.'

Bernhardt said: 'I am delighted to be joining Beontag and the Graphic and Label Materials Division team. My passion for creating sustainable value through customer intimacy, product and service innovation, and continual improvement aligns well with Beontag’s values and strategy. I am looking forward to working alongside Alejandro and the rest of the team to continue the trajectory of growth it has been on for these past 40 years.'

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1 month ago

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Beontag appoints Erin Bernhardt as global vice president of GLM

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Bernhardt brings over 25 years of experience and a track record of driving earnings growth to the role.

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Bernhardt brings over 25 years of experience and a track record of driving earnings growth to the role.

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Finat on harnessing disruptive technologies for strategic growth

Piotr Wnuk — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 00:08:09 +0000

The Finat European Label Forum 2024 has explored the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) during the fourth session of the event, addressing both the opportunities and challenges this disruptive technology poses to the label industry.

Presented by Katie King and Dieter Tschemernjak, the session offered a comprehensive exploration of AI’s role in driving innovation, improving operational efficiencies and maintaining competitive advantage.

Katie King emphasizes AI's pivotal nature as the defining technology of our generation. Far from being confined to futuristic dreams, AI is deeply embedded in practical applications that revolutionize industries, including the label sector. King's presentation underscored AI's dual nature as a tool for augmented intelligence rather than a job-replacing force. Automating repetitive tasks enables professionals to focus on strategic, value-added activities.

King conducted live audience polls to gauge sentiments about AI. Attendees highlighted concerns about job redundancy, privacy and cultural shifts. However, she argued that AI, when applied ethically, enhances rather than diminishes human roles, offering tailored insights and fostering stronger customer connections.

Tschemernjak built upon King’s foundation by framing AI as a disruptive force with significant implications for strategic and innovation processes. Drawing parallels to historical disruptions like the digital camera revolution, Tschemernjak warned that industries failing to adapt to AI risk obsolescence. He advocated adopting AI-driven tools for efficiency, redefining strategy, and fostering creativity.

Tschemernjak highlighted AI's capacity to accelerate data analysis and interpretation, enhance competitive intelligence, enable scenario planning and innovation forecasting and streamline cross-functional collaboration.

By integrating AI into innovation workflows, companies can transition from reactive to proactive approaches, staying ahead of industry trends and customer needs.

Both speakers explored AI’s specific applications within the label industry, including AI-powered printing and packaging: quality assurance, sustainability Initiatives and customer experience.

Tschemernjak also introduced Inno-Verse, an AI platform to transform strategy and innovation processes. It supports trend monitoring, competitive screening, and collaborative workspace functionality, offering tailored insights to drive decision-making.

A recurring theme was the ethical use of AI. King and Tschemernjak stressed the need for regulation and transparency to address privacy concerns, mitigate biases, and prevent misuse. The EU's recent binding laws on AI were cited as a step forward, but international collaboration remains vital.

Key recommendations for organizations included establishing cross-departmental AI task forces to monitor trends and implement best practices, fostering a culture of agility and inclusion, developing ethical frameworks to maintain customer trust and compliance and actionable insights and roadmap.

The session concluded with a pragmatic roadmap for integrating AI into organizational strategy.

The session underscored that AI is not a distant phenomenon but a present-day catalyst for transformation. For the label industry, adopting AI means not just staying competitive but leading innovation. As King aptly summarised, AI offers tools to augment human intelligence, driving progress across all facets of business. The challenge now lies in harnessing its potential responsibly and strategically.

Finat is looking forward to welcoming the label industry to continue the dialogue at the upcoming European Label Forum on May 21-23, 2025 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. More information will be available at the beginning of 2025.

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Finat on harnessing disruptive technologies for strategic growth

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Katie King and Dieter Tschemernjak discuss AI’s opportunities and challenges for the label industry.

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Katie King and Dieter Tschemernjak discuss AI’s opportunities and challenges for the label industry.

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Securikett launches tamper-proof labels for e-commerce

Piotr Wnuk — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 23:44:45 +0000

Austrian products and brand security specialist Securikett has introduced a new range of labels with a cut indicator specifically designed for the e-commerce sector.

In e-commerce, shipped packages go through numerous stages—from the shipping warehouse to logistics centers and finally to the end customer. This complex process increases the risk of tampering and unauthorized access.

Securikett's new security labels provide a visible VOID effect when the label is removed, ensuring it cannot be reattached or resealed. When a package is opened with a knife, the label visibly frays along the cut edges, making tampering clearly detectable and impossible to conceal.

Vanessa Mitterer, head of research at Securikett, said: ‘Especially in the dynamic environment of e-commerce, it is crucial to develop innovations that enhance supply chain security and consider environmental aspects. With features like the cut indicator and VOID effect, we offer a powerful solution that makes tampering immediately visible and can be flexibly applied to various packaging materials. It was particularly important to us to provide an eco-friendly option with our recyclable paper-based labels without compromising security.’

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Securikett launches tamper-proof labels for e-commerce

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New technology has been developed especially for enhanced supply chain security in e-commerce.

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New technology has been developed especially for enhanced supply chain security in e-commerce.

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Avery Dennison and partners showcase RFID-enabled syringes

Piotr Wnuk — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 23:27:19 +0000

Avery Dennison has partnered with Becton Dickinson and Company (BD) to showcase BD iDFill individual refillable syringe identification and authentication technology.

RFID tags are embedded into the rigid needle shield of the syringe, forming an intrinsic part of the product. While allowing the fundamental design of the syringe barrel to remain unchanged, the smart needle shield gives a digital identity to the PFS.

The integrated RFID carries the container’s unique identifier (CUID) that enables unit-level traceability through the entire life cycle of the PFS. The unique serial number can also facilitate authentication of a PFS at the point of care.

‘As passionate RFID enthusiasts and experienced solution providers, we are pleased to see this technology making its way into the healthcare industry. The transformative power of RFID lies in its ability to uniquely identify individual items, moving beyond traditional batch monitoring. Our industrial customers already save time and reduce costs with RFID adoption, and we foresee a similar trajectory benefiting pharmaceutical companies in the near future. We are particularly excited to join this journey alongside Avery Dennison and Becton, Dickinson and Company,’ says Heikki Haavisto, managing director at Turck Vilant Systems.

Barbara Van Rymenam, senior director of healthcare at Avery Dennison Smartrac, added, ‘By tracing individual units, manufacturers can mitigate risk related to mix-ups and use advanced analytics to optimize the manufacturing process. The solution is designed to meet stringent industry requirements while enhancing operational efficiency.’

The latest product will showcased at the upcoming Pharmapack event in January 22-23 in Paris, France, Avery Dennison will host authentication demonstrations at its booth in partnership with Turck Vilant Systems.

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Avery Dennison and partners showcase RFID-enabled syringes

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New technology will be showcased at Pharmapack in Paris, France

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New technology will be showcased at Pharmapack in Paris, France

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Schreiner MediPharm launches Cap-Lock label for prefilled syringes

Piotr Wnuk — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 23:56:16 +0000

Schreiner MediPharm has launched Cap-Lock, a novel functional label that combines the Schott Topac infuse COC syringe and an innovative specialty cap that can completely replace previous blister packaging.

Due to a new cap design having the same diameter as the syringe barrel, the Cap-Lock label can be reliably applied to the syringe. The functional label wraps around the syringe barrel and cap like a second skin. It offers an irreversible first-opening indication that is automatically activated when the cap is opened.

This functionality ensures the integrity of the prefilled syringe from production to final use. That avoids tampering and misuse; users can instantly recognize if the syringe and label have been opened previously.

Aside from the first opening indication, the Cap-Lock label performs additional protective functions of the conventional blister and transfers them to the primary container. A gas barrier, as well as multi-level UV and light protection, can be integrated into the label design.

The extended label space enables flexibility in terms of customized branding, product information, or drug color codes.

An RFID chip for automated tracking on the unit level and for digital-first opening indication can be integrated into the Cap-Lock label as well.

Due to the combination of the COC syringe with a specialty cap and functional label with a sealing function, the filled syringes can be packaged in a volume-optimized top-load cardboard box consisting of 100 percent mono-material from Körber Pharma. That ensures optimized packaging and distribution processes in pharmaceutical production and requires clearly less space for transportation and storage.

The new packaging offers considerable cost savings for pharmaceutical manufacturers but also significantly contributes to sustainability. Due to the non-use of blisters in the case of the 5 ml Schott Toppac infuse, 1,260 syringes more per pallet can be shipped, resulting in 16 containers being saved for ten million syringes.

Due to the elimination of the blister packaging, plastic materials and plastic waste are reduced by 80 percent. For instance, during one-time transportation of ten million 5-ml syringes from Hamburg to New York, CO2 reductions of up to 87,400 kilograms can be achieved.

Together with partnering companies SCHOTT Pharma and Körber Pharma, Schreiner MediPharm is going to show this new technology at this year’s Pharmapack in Paris from January 22 to 23.

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Schreiner MediPharm launches Cap-Lock label for prefilled syringes

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Due to the elimination of the blister packaging, plastic materials and plastic waste are reduced by 80 percent.

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Due to the elimination of the blister packaging, plastic materials and plastic waste are reduced by 80 percent.

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Catapult upgrades Nilpeter presses with Digital Shadow technology

Akanksha Meena — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 07:50:09 +0000

Nilpeter has updated all eight of Orlando, US-based Catapult Print & Packaging’s Nilpeter FA-Line presses with new hardware and software to fully integrate Nilpeter’s Digital Shadow technology.

This upgrade allows Catapult to collect and analyze the data needed to maximize the advantages of this technology.

The scale of the project was immense. Taking all eight presses offline simultaneously for upgrades required meticulous planning and execution. Nilpeter deployed teams from both Denmark and the US to carry out the installation, demonstrating the strength of the collaboration between the two companies. Despite the complexity, the project was delivered on time and to specification, marking another milestone in the long-standing partnership.

Catapult, which entered the market in 2018, has made a name for itself by doing things differently—offering faster, cheaper, and higher-quality products while staying ahead in terms of technology and data-driven decision-making.

Commenting on the collaboration, Lewis Cook, co-founder and CEO of Catapult, said: ‘Working with Nilpeter has always been a natural fit for us. Their dedication to pushing boundaries and delivering advanced solutions matches our own ambition to transform the industry. This recent upgrade with the Digital Shadow solution is a game-changer for Catapult. It enhances our ability to make data-driven decisions, automate processes, and optimize performance. Ultimately, this means better, faster, and more efficient solutions for our customers.’

The Digital Shadow technology enables Catapult to monitor key metrics such as machine uptime, energy consumption, and waste reduction in real-time. The data-driven insights empower Catapult to enhance production efficiency and sustainability while maintaining the premium quality their customers expect.

Carsten Clemensen, chief technology officer of Nilpeter, explained the purpose and benefits of the upgrade: ‘The integration of the Digital Shadow into Catapult’s FA-Line presses is a perfect example of how digitalization can revolutionize production. Catapult can now access real-time performance data, run virtual simulations, and identify optimization opportunities with precision. This not only improves operational efficiency but also strengthens the partnership between our two companies. For Nilpeter, it’s another step in proving how our solutions deliver tangible value to customers like Catapult.’

The next phase of the collaboration will see the installation of Nilpeter’s advanced Vison Camera system on Catapult’s presses. This high-speed register system is designed to maintain perfect colour registration, even when working with ultra-flexible materials commonly used on the Nilpeter FA-26 and other FA-Line machines. The Vision system ensures precise registration during both acceleration and deceleration.

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Catapult upgrades Nilpeter presses with Digital Shadow technology

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This upgrade allows Catapult to collect and analyze the data needed to maximize the advantages of this technology

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This upgrade allows Catapult to collect and analyze the data needed to maximize the advantages of this technology.

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Giesecke+Devrient launches trackable Smart Label

Piotr Wnuk — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 00:33:58 +0000

Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) has launched the G+D Smart Label, an innovative tracking label that transforms any package into an IoT device, redefining convenience and accuracy in location tracking.

Ultra-thin and only slightly larger than a credit card, the new Smart Label has been jointly developed by G+D and its hardware partner, Sensos, to enable cost-effective, accurate location tracking for a range of applications. These include parcel delivery and shipping, fleet management and monitoring the movement of luxury goods.

G+D provides hardware, an iSIM, IoT connectivity, and an IoT platform that manages the connection and firmware updates.

The Smart Label uses smart motion sensors that detect movement and acceleration, underpinned by GPS accuracy which has been tested to ensure sub-10m precision in ideal conditions.

Coupled with customizable reporting frequencies and cloud-based configurations, the Smart Label can adapt to specific business needs and allow users to manage, monitor, and ensure the integrity of their assets at every stage of their journey, whether stationary or on the move.

Additional features include an open-close sensor for tamper protection and automated proof of delivery, as well as a temperature monitor to ensure the integrity of perishable goods, enhancing security and accountability.

The activation is triggered when it is peeled and applied to an item. It is also reusable and certified for air travel, making it one of the most lightweight, versatile and accurate technologies on the market.

Sharath Muddaiah, head of portfolio strategy for IoT Solutions at G+D, commented: ‘G+D has been dedicated to designing robust and innovative solutions for the transport and logistics market, and is the market leader of solar-powered trackers with over 180,000 connected devices in the field.

‘Following the launch of our award-winning first-generation Smart Label solution in 2023, we have been working on the development of an even more compact and highly accurate solution. The G+D Smart Label provides a single end-to-end solution, including dedicated service support and warranty from one source. Our industry has seen many a solution which, once sold, has limited support, and we are here to set a new trend.’

The use cases for the G+D Smart Label are wide-ranging, varying from simple parcel and shipment tracking to shipping and tracking high-value assets.

For example, one early user of the G+D Smart Label technology – Track & Pay (TNP) – has used labels to help deliver on its mission of improving visibility into the status of shipments and payments. The company has been able to leverage the Smart Label technology to automatically trigger a payment upon a shipment’s arrival, ensuring easy and timely transactions.

Joerg Hoerster, founder and CEO of TNP Global, added: ‘We believe in Track & Pay’s ability to revolutionize the global finance supply chain, offering a much more secure and fraud-proof solution than the common letter of credit. The Smart Label’s slick size and active tracking capacity makes it a competitive tracking solution which is why we chose to offer it to our Track & Pay clients.’

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Giesecke+Devrient launches trackable Smart Label

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The ultra-thin label enables cost-effective and versatile tracking for a variety of applications.

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The ultra-thin label enables cost-effective and versatile tracking for a variety of applications.

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