Kosher Symbols on Food Packaging Today

The packaging in which food and beverage items are sold serves a number of purposes. Not only does it protect the item, it also promotes it and provides the consumer with any relevant information such as allergy data or even kosher symbols on food packaging that identify the product’s kosher certification.

However, in an ever technologically advanced world, food packaging looks set to catch up with innovation, becoming smart and interactive, even serving purposes other than those that have traditionally been held by food packaging.

Some food brands are already starting to put smart packaging to use. Frito-Lay recently launched a campaign during the run-up to the US Super Bowl. This campaign involved the production of limited edition bags of tortilla chips which were able to sense alcohol on the breath of the consumer. They were then able to order an Uber for the customer if asked to do so, promoting the brand at the same time as helping to be socially responsible.

This use of smart technology in food packaging shows that there are countless options for food manufacturers which may be able to utilise the technology in order to have closer communication with their consumers, which can help to build trust for the brand.

In fact, producers are doing just that in the extra virgin olive oil sector where smart technology is being used to assure consumers of the authenticity of their products. The sector has a serious problem with counterfeit trade, which in turn harms the credibility of authentic brands.

Working alongside a technology firm, producers have turned to smart packaging, enlisting the help of electronic chips which are embedded into bottle labels. These are then scanned with a custom smartphone app which shows consumers the details of the origin of the olives used in the product.

The Advantages & Disadvantages

On the one hand, this seems to be an excellent use of advancing technologies, providing a large range of possibilities. Some brand owners may choose to use the technology in order to maintain a close relationship with their customers through various personalised communications, while others may simply use smart technology for logistics and tracking.

However, the sector is already facing challenges with the technology, largely in relation to recycling. Consumers are more aware of the need to recycle packaging than ever before. Unfortunately, adding electronics to paper or plastic items adds another step to the reclamation process, most likely resulting in a greater volume of packaging ending up in landfill.

The Future of Kosher Symbols on Food Packaging

There is no doubt that there will need to be a refinement of the technology and processes that are used in order for it to become viable for widespread adoption. However, it may well prove to be a valuable step towards improving the industry, enabling greater accountability, efficiency, productivity and transparency.

In the meantime, however, we shall continue to display to consumers the KLBD Kosher certification logo which allows customers to have a sense of peace of mind when they purchase certified products clearly showing the kosher symbols on the food packaging. You can get your products kosher certified through KLBD Kosher by beginning your application.

Simply fill out our online application form, or if you would like to find out more about the process, do not hesitate to contact a member of our team by calling +44 (0) 20 8343 6255 or emailing us at info@klbdkosher.org and we will be more than happy to advise you further.