Labels that tell the time

The packing industry is now getting excited about the forthcoming Smart Label Summit Americas, taking place in MIami on 27-28 June.

Newcomer is UK company TIMESTRIP® based in Hitchin, Hertfordshire and was formed in 2001.

Recently launched on the AIM market ((TIME.L )August '05 at 4p now trading @8p) on the LSE they have produced a patented, single use, encapsulated tag / label that once activated, a non-toxic liquid dye travels by capillary action across a micro-porous material at a prescribed rate, allowing the consumer to clearly see the amount of time that has passed since a product was first used.

The labels can be manufactured to show time lapses from just a few minutes to 6 months and the technology can be fully integrated in to products or packaging as well as the standard adhesive pack labels..

The technology can be used equally to food and non-food products which, once opened, should be used or replaced within a recommended time.

CEO Reuben Isbitsky, says: 'Smart Label Summit Americas is a great platform to introduce Timestrip to all sectors of the industry.

The company is already working with an impressive client list, including Nestle (used on Maggi soup catering packs), Pfizer, Bayer, Hamilton Beach Procter Silex, Daymark.The product is distributed in the US by DayMark 12830 S. Dixie Hwy. Bowling Green, OH, USA Tel. +1 419 353 2458http://www.daymark.biz/