Ravenwood Packaging and quality management system company Quor have partnered to deliver integrated label inspection technology. Ravenwood’s Vision system along with Quor’s paperless factory reporting solution ensure brand owners and retailers can have complete confidence in the accuracy and quality of food labelling.

Quor’s paperless quality management system can digitize all operational data for enabling seamless collaboration between its operators and the Ravenwood Vision system. The Vision will check for the correct label, its orientation and position, including analyzing printed data such as use-by dates, barcodes (including 2D) and flash labels. With top and bottom cameras in place for comprehensive pack and label inspections, inline checks are performed without interruptions. Any non-conforming packs are rejected into a lockable reject bin with reject verification provided as standard.

Peter Jeanes, managing director of Quor, says, “The integration of Quor with Ravenwood’s automated inline label verification and x-ray equipment is without doubt a big step forward within the industry. The combination allows for total control of any retail packing line eradicating label errors and completely removing the possibility of human error.”

Ultimately, Quor’s automated data capture maximizes OEE (a percentage of how effective the production line is) and provides total control and visibility of the Vision system’s analytics. Subsequently, human error is eliminated and safety is assured for swift and intelligent decision-making, the companies say. It benchmarks product and scheduling data to establish set criteria for label accuracy, pack speeds and OEE standards. This information is then processed and stored locally or in a cloud-based reporting system for easy access and exporting. Collated information reports on the Vision’s full spectrum of functionalities, covering aspects such as pack speeds, stoppages, labeling errors and faulty pack images. Quor’s software can be accessed through a user interface on an iPad, tablet, or PC.

Jeanes adds, “The combination allows fully integrated label control systems from intake, through internal label rooms, and onto the production line, all verified against production plan, and validated against product specifications. No one else offers such a robust and complete solution.”

By adopting a paperless approach, factories can achieve significant operational benefits while supporting broader environmental and organizational goals. Many supermarket retailers are shifting to paperless processes in their factories and supply chains to promote environmental sustainability. Going paperless also cuts costs and minimizes the environmental impact associated with paper production and disposal, aligning with sustainability goals.

According to the Food Standards Agency, there were 1,837 food safety incidents reported in 2023/24, with 110 due to faulty label information (reported in June 2024). The food safety landscape is constantly evolving. Given these figures, along with the associated financial losses and potential fines, brand owners and retailers are increasingly prioritizing improvements in their packaging inspection, and quality management systems.