Laser Mark, the pioneering laser labelling system developed by Spanish technology specialist Laser Food, has received recognition for the major environmental benefits it can bring as it offers a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative to costly paper labels.
Created by Laser Food as an alternative to traditional labelling, Laser Mark1 took the prize for Best European Environmental Project for 2013 at a ceremony organised by Spain’s Valencia region this month to recognise successful Europe-level initiatives.
Capable of achieving delivering both environmental and cost benefits to companies within the fresh produce sector, Laser Mark works by removing the pigment from a miniscule area of fruit surfaces and applying contrasting liquid allowing producers to inscribe almost any form of logo.
Importantly, it does this with completely natural products and without damaging either the fruit surface or the interior in any way whatsoever, meaning the commercial value of the product is not affected.
Rather, the technology can be hugely beneficial to producers by removing the need for traditional paper labels, which can be both costly and environmentally-damaging in terms of paper wastage.
Official approval
Laser fruit labels are likely to become a more common sight on supermarket shelves over the coming years after the materials used in the process, including iron oxides and hydroxides, were legally approved by the European Union for fruit skin depigmentation in June 2013.
As well as now being able to add brand names directly onto fruit, the system will enable growers and retailers to offer greater product traceability through QR matrix codes, as well as delivering considerable cost savings by eliminating wasteful paper labels.
In fact, the EU not only approved the system, but also recommended its application with certain products to improve both traceability for consumers and stock management for distributors.
“The system enhances the value of products because it clearly defines their place of origin,” said Laser Food general manager Jaime Sanfélix.
(Laser Food’s Jaime Sanfélix (photo) receiving the prize)
Sanfélix said this alternative to traditional paper fruit labels offered a more environmentally-sound and cost-effective approach to labelling, which at the same time could help companies achieve reductions in CO2 emissions.
Despite being based in Valencia, Laser Food, which developed the Laser Mark Project between 2010 and 2013, now works with clients across Europe, with only around 10% of its business corresponding to customers within Spain.
However, Sanfélix noted that the Laser Mark technology could be used effectively with a range of fresh fruits produced in Valencia region, including persimmon and citrus.
Source: Laser Food