Refrigerated and fresh logistics: Woolworth Australia was able to reduce food loss by 40% with the GS1 DataMatrix Code

🥩🍎🥛 Refrigerated and fresh logistics is a central part of the global food supply chain. It ensures that perishable goods such as meat, fruit, vegetables and dairy products reach consumers fresh and fit for consumption. However, reality shows that inefficient cold chains cause significant losses worldwide. United Nations studies have found that around 14% of food is lost between harvest and retail each year - the equivalent of around 526 million tonnes of perishable goods. These losses are not only economically problematic, but also environmentally and socially, as resources are wasted while millions of people worldwide suffer from hunger.

Suitable for:

• Whether Africa, Asia (China, India), Latin America or even Europe – loss-making to inadequate cold chains in cold logistics and fresh produce logistics

🌍📦🤖 Technological innovations in fresh and refrigerated logistics

To overcome these challenges, companies are increasingly relying on technological solutions such as automation, robotics, blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI). These technologies optimize processes, ensure complete traceability and reduce temperature deviations along the supply chain. A particularly innovative solution that has proven itself in practice is the use of the GS1 DataMatrix code. This 2D barcode has established itself as an effective tool in the fight against food waste, as the example of Woolworth in Australia impressively shows.

🏬🏷️📊 Woolworth Australia: Pioneering work in the use of the GS1 DataMatrix code

Woolworths, the largest retailer in Australia and New Zealand, serves around 20 million customers weekly in more than 1,000 stores. The company started a pilot project in August 2019 in which fresh meat and poultry products were given the GS1 DataMatrix code. At the beginning of 2022, this technology was integrated into more than half of the meat products in all stores. The 2D barcode stores important product information such as the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), best before date (BBD), batch, net weight and price.

The results of this project are impressive: Woolworths was able to reduce food loss by 40%. Additionally, productivity increased by 21% as expiration date management processes were automated and recalls were conducted more efficiently.

📊⚙️📦 How the GS1 DataMatrix Code increases efficiency

The GS1 DataMatrix Code makes it possible to combine product identification and additional information in a single symbol. This technology offers numerous benefits for retailers, manufacturers and logistics companies:

1. Improved expiry data management

The barcodes make it easier for employees to identify products that are close to their best-before date. These can be discounted or otherwise used in a timely manner to avoid disposal. This not only reduces food waste, but also the associated costs.

2. Increased traceability

By integrating data such as batch and supplier, recalls can be carried out specifically and efficiently. This saves time, resources and strengthens consumer trust.

3. Support sustainability initiatives

The GS1 DataMatrix Code promotes sustainability strategies by making the entire supply chain more transparent. In the future, consumers will be able to receive information about the origin and production method of a product, which will enable more conscious purchasing decisions.

4. Increase productivity through automation

The automatic detection of products whose expiry date has expired significantly reduces the workload on store employees. This saves working time and enables more efficient warehouse management.

Suitable for:

• Bye-bye, barcode – keep track: What happens when the barcode disappears?

🔍📉✔️ An insight into practice: Woolworths successes with 2D barcodes

The introduction of the GS1 DataMatrix code has fundamentally changed Woolworths' processes. A single scan of this barcode connects all actors along the supply chain with relevant data - from inventory management to consumer actions.

Less food waste

Thanks to automated management of expiration dates, Woolworths was able to significantly reduce losses. Products that are close to their best-before date are automatically recognized and discounted accordingly. This allows them to be sold in good time before they spoil.

Improved efficiency

The introduction of barcodes has resulted in a 21% increase in productivity. Employees spend less time manually checking products and can instead focus on other tasks.

Better traceability

The ability to track batch and supplier data has significantly increased the efficiency of recalls. If a product needs to be recalled for safety reasons, this can be done more quickly and in a more targeted manner.

🚛📲📦 The future of fresh and refrigerated logistics: new possibilities through technology

The GS1 DataMatrix Code is an example of how technology can revolutionize fresh and chilled logistics. With its higher data storage capacity and versatile application possibilities, it goes far beyond the classic linear barcodes that were primarily developed for retailers. 2D barcodes offer advantages for all actors in the supply chain:

• Manufacturers can optimize production processes and make recall campaigns more efficient.
• Logistics companies benefit from better monitoring of the cold chain, allowing temperature fluctuations to be identified and resolved more quickly.
• Retailers get a powerful tool for inventory management and expiration date control.
• Consumers: gain access to detailed information about the origin and freshness of a product.

♻️🌍🌱 Technology as the key to sustainability

Reducing food waste is not only an economic benefit, but also a contribution to sustainability. Efficient cold chains and innovative technologies such as the GS1 DataMatrix Code make an important contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions caused by the production and disposal of unused food. Companies like Woolworth show that integrating such technologies is not only practical but also profitable.

🏆💡🌿 A role model for the industry

The example of Woolworth Australia impressively shows how technological innovations in fresh and refrigerated logistics can be used to minimize food losses, optimize processes and promote sustainability. The GS1 DataMatrix Code is a pioneering tool that not only increases efficiency, but also increases awareness of sustainability along the entire supply chain. Companies worldwide can learn from these experiences and implement similar strategies to improve their own processes and contribute to reducing food waste globally.

📣 Similar topics

• 📦 Revolution in fresh produce logistics: More efficiency through GS1 DataMatrix
• 🌍 Strengthen sustainability: Less food waste thanks to technology
• 🥩 How Woolworth Australia is changing meat production with 2D barcodes
• 🔗 Optimize traceability: GS1 DataMatrix Code in use
• ❄️ Refrigerated logistics rethought: automation and digitalization in focus
• 📊 40% fewer losses: Woolworths success in food logistics
• 🚀 Future of the supply chain: Technologies for greater transparency and efficiency
• ♻️ GS1 DataMatrix as the key to reducing food waste
• 🤖 Automation in practice: What companies can learn from Woolworths
• 🛒 From warehouse to shelf: How innovative product labeling improves processes

#️⃣ Hashtags: #foodwaste #sustainability #freshlogistics #technology #GS1DataMatrix

☑️ SME support in strategy, consulting, planning and implementation

☑️ Creation or realignment of the digital strategy and digitalization

☑️ Expansion and optimization of international sales processes

☑️ Global & Digital B2B trading platforms

☑️ Pioneer Business Development

 

I would be happy to serve as your personal advisor.

You can contact me by filling out the contact form below or simply call me on +49 89 89 674 804 (Munich) .

I'm looking forward to our joint project.

 

 

Xpert.Digital is a hub for industry with a focus on digitalization, mechanical engineering, logistics/intralogistics and photovoltaics.

With our 360° business development solution, we support well-known companies from new business to after sales.

Market intelligence, smarketing, marketing automation, content development, PR, mail campaigns, personalized social media and lead nurturing are part of our digital tools.

You can find out more at: www.xpert.digital - www.xpert.solar - www.xpert.plus