Reusable food packaging enhanced by Chinook RFID

Checkpoint Systems presents Chinook, an RFID inlay designed specifically for reusable food packaging, reportedly providing microwave safety and resistance whilst improving traceability in the supply chain.

This solution is said to be an important bridge between sustainability and innovation, addressing the environmental challenges facing the industry.

Global challenge of sustainable packaging

Waste packaging is a major global environmental challenge, which has led to the implementation of strict regulations in countries around the world.

The European Union (EU) is leading the way with its Packaging Directive, which aims to require all packaging on the market to be reusable or recyclable by 2030, setting milestones to be achieved by 2025.

In addition, from January 2030, single-use plastic packaging will reportedly be banned for certain types of packaging.

Against this background, companies are reportedly facing increasing pressure to adopt sustainable solutions.

Chinook inlay is said to be an innovative response which, through its design and functionality, makes a decisive contribution to the circular economy, integrating advanced technology and food safety.

Pioneering a solution for reusable food packaging

Checkpoint Systems’ Chinook inlay, for which patent protection is being sought, is said to stand out as a rugged and reliable solution for reusable and microwaveable food packaging.

The company has reported that the innovative design has a unique feature that allows for repeated use without compromising food safety or RFID functionality.

Certified by EECC official tests

Certified by EECC official tests, Chinook inlay’s performance reportedly remained stable, maintaining more than 50% of its maximum read range, after 45 microwave cycles under the tests’ predetermined conditions.

EECC concluded that: “Overall, the Chinook tag from Checkpoint has proven to be a robust and reliable transponder, making it well-suited for applications requiring frequent microwave exposure while ensuring consistent RFID performance.”

In addition, Chinook is reportedly standards-compliant and suitable for microwave use and indirect food contact, offering confidence and peace of mind to consumers and businesses, even under demanding conditions.

Sustainability objectives

In terms of sustainability, this inlay is said to promote the circular economy, reducing waste by being reusable in multiple cycles.

Its traceability and visibility in the supply chain reportedly enables efficient tracking of products from their origin to the final consumer.

The company has reported that the inlay’s flexibility makes it suitable for different types of reusable packaging, including plastic and glass, providing ideal solutions for fresh, frozen and prepared foods.

Suited to a wide range of use cases

Chinook is reportedly suited to a wide range of use cases, offering key benefits in sectors such as processed food production, where it enables full traceability throughout the product life cycle.

In supermarkets and retail chains, its innovative design is said to be ideal for improving the management of fresh, pre-cooked and bulk products, optimising operational efficiency.

Likewise, in restaurants and catering services, Chinook inlay is reporetdly positioned as an indispensable solution for fast food chains, delivery services and mass events, providing more efficient inventory control and reusable packaging.