As technology advances, the European Union continues to refine and update its regulations regarding digital labels (e-labels) for the food and beverage industry. These new requirements aim to enhance traceability, transparency, and consumer information, ensuring that all aspects of food and beverage products are easily accessible and understandable.
Key Dates and Regulations
- December 8, 2023: Mandatory digital labeling for wine bottled after this date.
- July 18, 2024: The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) will enter into force, introducing the Digital Product Passport (DPP).
- 2026: Implementation and progressive enforcement of DPPs will begin, focusing initially on priority product groups.
- 2030: Full implementation of the Digital Product Passport (DPP) for all relevant product groups.
Links to Regulations and Related Sources
- European Commission – Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation
- FoodDrinkEurope State of Play Report on Digital Labelling, May 2023
Upcoming Requirements for Digital Labels
Key Focus Areas
- Traceability and Food Source:
- Detailed information about the food source, production methods, and supply chain.
- Ability to trace each ingredient back to its source.
- Nutritional Information and Allergens:
- Comprehensive nutritional information, including energy values, fat content, carbohydrates, sugars, protein, and salt.
- Prominent and accessible allergen information.
- Sustainability and Environmental Impact:
- Information on the environmental impact of food products, such as carbon footprint, water usage, and sustainability practices.
Traceability Requirements
- Origin Information:
- Detailed information about the country of origin and specific geographic location of raw materials.
- Tracking of production batches, including harvest dates and locations.
- Supply Chain Transparency:
- Full disclosure of all entities involved in the supply chain from production to retail.
- Real-time updates on the movement and storage conditions of products.
- Ingredient Source Traceability:
- Identification of the source of each ingredient used in the product.
- Documentation of the production methods and agricultural practices used.
Nutritional Information Requirements
- Comprehensive Nutritional Profile:
- Detailed breakdown of macronutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals).
- Information on caloric content and dietary fiber.
- Health Impact Indicators:
- Analysis of potential health impacts of the product, such as glycemic index or allergenic potential.
- Inclusion of comparative nutritional values against standard dietary guidelines.
Allergen Information Requiremenst
- Enhanced Allergen Detection:
- Advanced methods for detecting trace amounts of allergens.
- Comprehensive list of potential allergens, including cross-contamination risks.
- Consumer Warnings:
- Clear, prominent warnings about allergens, tailored to different risk levels.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact Requirements
- Carbon Footprint Analysis:
- Detailed measurement of the product’s carbon footprint across its lifecycle.
- Information on carbon offset initiatives taken by the manufacturer.
- Water Usage and Conservation:
- Data on water consumption during production.
- Information on water conservation practices and technologies used.
- Sustainable Practices Certification:
- Certifications and verifications of sustainable farming, production, and packaging practices.
- Detailed explanations of sustainable practices employed.
Specific Requirements for EU Wine Labels
- Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013:
- Establishes mandatory information on wine labels, such as the name of the product, bottler, nominal volume, alcohol content, and origin.
- Link to Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/34:
- Specifies detailed rules on the implementation of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 regarding wine.
- Link to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/34
Key Requirements for Digital Wine Labels
- Traceability:
- Information about grape variety, harvest year, and geographical origin.
- Details about the winemaking process and the producer.
- Nutritional Information and Allergens:
- Nutritional information, including calorie content, and allergen information, particularly regarding sulfites.
- Sustainability:
- Information on sustainable practices, such as organic farming and eco-friendly packaging.
Benefits for Consumers
- Enhanced Transparency: Consumers can access comprehensive details about the wine’s origin, production methods, and ingredients.
- Informed Choices: Digital labels empower consumers to make informed decisions based on nutritional content, allergens, and sustainability practices.
- Real-Time Updates: Producers can update information in real-time, ensuring accuracy and relevance.
The Shift Towards QR Codes and GS1 Standards
The food and beverage industry is replacing traditional barcodes with QR codes to enhance supply chain efficiency and consumer information. Barcodes contain only a product ID, while QR codes can hold much more data, including offline use data and links to digital content.
Key Points:
- Barcodes: Contain only product ID.
- QR Codes: Can store extensive data for offline use and links to digital content like digital labels and product passports.
- Supply Chain Efficiency: QR codes streamline operations and provide comprehensive information to consumers.
- Comprehensive Information: Digital labels and digital product passports offer detailed product information.
- Offline Data Storage: QR codes can store robust data for offline use, such as expiration dates, production dates, and other critical attributes like batch numbers and allergen information.
By integrating GS1 QR codes and the GS1 Resolver, businesses can significantly enhance supply chain transparency, efficiency, and consumer engagement.
Transitioning from Barcodes to GS1 QR Codes
- GS1 Standards: Ensure consistency and interoperability across the supply chain, providing more information than traditional barcodes.
- Benefits: Enhance traceability, improve inventory management, and provide consumers with detailed product information.
Applicability to Food
- Enhanced Traceability: Detailed traceability information for food products, tracking the origin of ingredients and production processes.
- Compliance and Safety: Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and efficient recalls.
Why QR Codes Cannot Link to Ordinary Websites
- Limited Data Scope: A simple QR code linked to a website typically offers limited information. DPPs require extensive data, including safety, compliance, and sustainability attributes, which cannot be fully captured on a standard website page (European Commission) (Führende Europäische Kanzlei – Noerr).
- Data Security and Integrity: Digital Labels and Digital Product Passports must ensure the integrity and security of the data. Plain websites can be easily altered or hacked, compromising the reliability of the information provided. DPPs, on the other hand, are stored in a secure central registry compliant with EU Commission standards, like Labellink, ensuring that the data remains accurate and tamper-proof (Führende Europäische Kanzlei – Noerr).
- Regulatory Compliance: The DPP and digital label regulations mandate specific formats and data structures that go beyond simple web pages. This includes detailed product identifiers, manufacturer profiles, and comprehensive safety and compliance reports, all of which need to be systematically encoded and accessible in a standardized manner (European Commission) (SGSCorp).
- Long-term Availability: Websites may change or go offline over time, leading to loss of data. DPPs require data to be available for at least ten years, ensuring that the information is accessible long after the product has been sold and used (Führende Europäische Kanzlei – Noerr) (SGSCorp).
- Enhanced Consumer Interaction: DPPs offer advanced interactive features such as item comparison, access to user manuals, and options to buy parts and accessories. A plain website lacks the capability to provide these interactive and value-added services effectively (European Commission).
- Semantic Data makes it understandable to both humans and machines, providing better data integration and interoperability.
Digital Product Passport (DPP) in the Food and Beverage Industry
Key Features
- Comprehensive Product Information:
- Includes detailed information about the product’s lifecycle, from production to disposal.
- Covers aspects such as origin, composition, sustainability, recycling, and end-of-life information.
- Traceability and Transparency:
- Provides a digital trail of the product’s journey through the supply chain.
- Includes information about the source of ingredients and production methods.
- Sustainability Metrics:
- Information on the product’s environmental impact, supporting sustainable consumption patterns.
Implementation Timeline
- July 18, 2024: ESPR enters into force, introducing the DPP.
- 2026: Implementation and progressive enforcement of DPPs begins.
- 2030: Full implementation of the DPP for all relevant product groups.
Labellink: Your Comprehensive Solution
Labellink offers advanced solutions for creating and managing both Digital Labels and Digital Product Passports, meeting and exceeding EU requirements. Our platform provides a seamless experience for manufacturers, importers, and consumers alike.
Key Features
- Digital Product Passports and Labels: Comprehensive digital records for safety, compliance, and sustainability attributes.
- Centralized Product Information Management (PIM): Manage your product information centrally across various channels.
- GS1 QR Codes: Ensure global interoperability and data accuracy.
- AI Assistant: Manage product information efficiently with accurate and up-to-date data.
- Advanced Traceability: Track and trace products throughout their lifecycle.
- Accessibility and Translations: Ensure your product information is accessible in multiple languages and markets.
- Multimarket Features: Tailor your product information to meet diverse market requirements.
- Interactive Features: Allow consumers to compare items, buy parts and accessories, and access user manuals.
- Enhanced Consumer Interaction: Facilitate better consumer engagement with comprehensive product details and support features.
In conclusion, the shift towards Digital Product Passports represents a significant step forward in product safety, sustainability, and consumer transparency. Labellink is ready to support you through this transition, offering cutting-edge solutions to keep you ahead of the curve.
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