Lasers let produce consumers eat the label
Apr 8, 2004 1:12 PM, from staff and wire reports
Durand-Wayland Inc, an agricultural equipment manufacturer, plans to debut a new way of labeling produce: edible laser coding.
Under development for nine years, the company's patented laser coding technology has been tested commercially and tested for sustainability and consumer acceptance. Company officials will demonstrate the process April 14 at Durand-Wayland's factory at 101 Durand Road in LaGrange GA.
Laser technology facilitates printing on produce with precise control without damaging the product. It removes pigment from the produce surface to reveal a contrasting sublayer. The system can print product look-up code, country of origin, and traceability. This process never contacts the produce and is earth-friendly using no consumables to label. Other advantages include:
•Eliminates the high cost of adhesive labels.
•Capable of marking produce that adhesive labels can't.
•A speed of 14 per second.
