New food labelling legislation brings challenges

The multifaceted regulations, known as R146, demand an increase of information required on food product labels, which will undoubtedly result in substantial space and communication challenges. Pyrotec PackMedia, specialists in providing innovative and top quality product identification solutions, is fully acquainted with the provisions of the new legislation and has designed various on-pack devices that can be tailored to transcend the anticipated space and on-pack communication limitations.

"Under the new regulations, provisions have to be made on-pack for the new or extended details required regarding information such as 'Allergens', 'Use of Product' and 'Storage of Product'. There are also far more specifications for 'List of Ingredients' and in some instances, such as the 'Warnings' copy, the size of the typeface has been specified," explains Stephen Beattie, marketing and sales manager of Pyrotec PackMedia.

An affordable solution to this challenge is claimed to be Pyrotec Packmedia's Fix-A-Form label, which comprises printed leaflets akin to a booklet with self-adhesive labels for on-pack communication. The label is designed to provide almost unlimited space to accommodate additional information without compromising the legibility of the copy or the aesthetics of the product.

Design constraints

The possibility of losing space and compromising effective on-pack brand communication is increased by other stipulations under the legislation. Beattie explains: "Design layout of labels is also affected by specifications for certain information to be in close proximity to other mandatory content. The content of the copy will also have to be changed as brands will be required to exclude certain words and content claims." The butterfly label, a multi-dimensional, multi-layered solution from Packmedia, is designed to provide the additional space required for these changes.

The on-pack device is designed to greatly increase the area that can be used for on-pack communication and aims to be a cost-effective and easy solution. The labels can be tailored to any type of packaging and are supplied on-reel for automatic application using standard labelling equipment, thus resulting in uninterrupted production lines.

"The new regulations don't need to translate into a logistical and financial nightmare," says Beattie. "Valued on-pack space and communicating to your consumers in that space [does not] need to be compromised either," he adds.

A greater weight of accountability and transparency will be expected from all those involved in the communication of a brand. With just a few months to go, necessary changes need to be made to their packaging and labels to avoid penalties for non-compliance.