Expander is a New Zealand-based company that started up in March last year and a few months later was joined by investment partner SAITO. At Foodpro, the two companies are jointly promoting Green Codes, a cloud-based solution that allows brand owners to 'fingerprint' each package (by single item, not just by SKU) by creating a unique QR code for it that is then printed on any pack format/substrate by SAITO's NEO high speed (up to 90 metres per minute), high resolution inkjet printer.
SAITO founding director Gavin Hodder told PKN the printer has made its Australian market debut at foodpro, and has attracted considerable interest already.
Through Green Codes, consumers can scan the printed code to check the product is authentic. For the brand owner, the unique code helps to manage the risk of counterfeiting by providing real time alerts if a counterfeit code of the brand has been scanned anywhere by a consumer.
“Traceability can also be better managed,” explains Erwin Versleijen, CEO of Expander.” Through integration with GS1 and other supply chain solutions, Green Codes can help monitor both in-market sales and grey or black market trade.
“In-market sales can be viewed through geolocation data. The brand owner can see where the products are being scanned, know who is buying the product and when,” he says.
Through Green Codes, product recalls can be managed more accurately. When a consumer scans the QR code in store, they are immediately notified if the product is being recalled. Registered consumers who have bought the product can be notified directly.
