Without the use of plastic, paper, paint or glue, but instead with a beam of light, the products can be issued with a logo and further information. For this purpose, only pigments of the outermost shell layer are removed. Labeling takes place only on the surface, is completely contactless and has no affect on taste, quality or durability. Other than the laser, no other tools are needed for 'natural' labeling, which means this method works for foods where the skin is also eaten as well as for foods which need to be peeled.
This new method of labeling fruits and vegetables could make packaging, which is only there to separate organic from non-organic products, superfluous. This could result in far less use of plastic, paper and metal and could help reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
The pilot project will start in around 800 REWE and PENNY stores in North-Rhine Westphalia mid-March and will initially take place for a period of four weeks. Depending on how customers respond, an expansion for the test is planned.