Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main applications for the Oli-Tec™ labels?
The Oli-Tec label is designed to work on products with limited shelf life, either through degradation or lack of efficacy. Food, pharmaceutical, and food service are the primary initial markets for Oli-Tec™ labels. However, many more markets and applications could be served by the Oli-Tec™ label as interest grows and expansion occurs.
How do the Oli-Tec™ labels work?
Oli-Tec™ is a time and temperature monitoring label, containing internal reservoirs, connecting pathways, and starting mechanism, with a viewable window which changes color, in a traffic light manner from Amber & Red. For our fridge labels, the speed of color change will vary depending on the temperature the product is kept.
Is the Oli-Tec™ label both time and temperature sensitive?
Yes and no! The indicator label can be made to disregard temperature, or it can be made to positively react to temperature and storage conditions. This reflects the degradation profile of different products which behave in the same manner.
When do colors change on Oli-Tec™ labels?
The colors on Oli-Tec™ labels change using pre-determined spoilage parameters and are matched to the degradation profile of the products that the label is attached to. The point of the color change varies with both time and/or temperature, reflecting product age and storage conditions.
Are there many different types of labels?
Oli-Tec™ indicator labels can be made in many different shapes and sizes to reflect the shape and configuration of the product packaging, or the shape or print desired by our customers.
Are they recyclable?
Yes. The Oli-Tec™ time temperature indicator label body is constructed from 100% polypropylene.
How much do the labels cost?
Oli-Tec™ time and temperature indicator labels cost not much more than a conventional multi laminate label, but it is significantly less expensive than other smart labels or time temperature indicator labels.
How accurate is the Oli-Tec™ label?
It depends. The actual timing of color change reacts to the storage conditions, therefore variation can and should take place if the environment in which the labels are stored vary. This can be down to simple placement within the refrigerator, the conditions within not being entirely uniform. When we have conducted trials in controlled temperatures we have demonstrated our labels are accurate to within 10% of the total time range.
Is the Oli-Tec™ fail-safe?
The Oli-Tec™ indicator label is designed to be fail-safe, in instances where mechanical damage is sustained, the internal components react and deliver a Red display in the viewing window.
Is the Oli-Tec™ label toxic?
All the constituent parts have been assessed for toxicology. It can be used directly on food packaging as it meets the Secondary and Tertiary Packaging Regulations.
Does the Oli-Tec™ label work for frozen products?
Yes. The internal components of Oli-Tec™ indicator labels will happily freeze, stop working, de-frost and re-commence time/temperature indicator activity. Expansion through freezing of approx. 5% is more than accommodated by the flexible filmic nature of the label body. The standard adhesive is suitable at adhering at -30°C, but we can supply adhesives for lower temperatures.
What are the timing limits?
It is possible to produce Oli-Tec™ labels which act from 1 day to 30 days, and whilst the majority of limited life cycle products fall within this range, the main timing range is from 3 to 10 days.
How thin are the Oli-Tec™ labels?
The Oli-Tec™ label thickness varies, but falls within the range 150 microns to 300 microns. Due to the highly flexible nature of the label body components, tricky applications such as round or conical bottles and flexible packaging can be achieved.
Is Oli-Tec™ technology patented?
Yes. We have patents in force, with further global applications in various phases through to grant. Sub-licensing of the technology on a global basis is part of the overall business strategy.
How does Oli-Tec™ help with food management?
Current Use By and Best Before systems do not work. They are not reactive and have no relevance to the period of opening, and storage conditions thereafter. The Oli-Tec™ label provides accurate and easy to understand color information to the consumer, enabling food to be consumed safely within the appropriate time.
Our temperature sensitive labels also have the “smiley face” feature that lets consumers know when the product is being stored in optimum temperatures.
Can Oli-Tec™ labels be hand applied?
Yes. The Oli-Tec™ label was designed to be applied either by hand, or through conventional high speed label application machines, as seen throughout the food and pharmaceutical markets.
Where are Oli-Tec™ labels available?
The accredited manufacturers and suppliers of Oli-Tec™ indicator labels will be released at the product launch.