Better technology for keeping track of glass beer bottles could be important in improving health and safety and operational efficiency in the alcoholic beverage sector, according to work published in the International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management.
A team in Brazil has evaluated three technologies, laser, carbon dioxide laser, and QR code systems and considered basic criteria such as security, cost, performance, and social impact. Carolina Xavier da Silva Seixas Rocha, Aldara da Silva César, and Cecilia Toledo Hernández, and Ualison Rébula de Oliveira of the Fluminense Federal University in Volta Redonda, and Fabiane Letícia Lizarelli of the Universidade Federal de São Carlos in São Carlos, Brazil, suggest that QR code technology offers the best balance between the various factors, particularly in terms of safety and broader social implications.
Traceability is the ability to track products through the supply chain and has become a critical issue in the food industry due to the increasing frequency of health problems associated with foodborne pathogens. According to the World Health Organization, millions of people are affected by foodborne illnesses each year, underlining the importance of systems that can trace the origin and movement of food products. Effective traceability can help quickly identify and remove products that pose a safety risk, which is vital for consumer protection.
The team focus on Brazil, where beer consumption is on the rise, and highlight the need for improved traceability in the beer industry. The team has identified how Brazilian glass bottle manufacturers lacking the ability to trace individual bottles. This limitation inevitably complicates the resolution of customer complaints and the identification of production issues.
While there are sophisticated methods for analysing a given bottle, the team suggests that the two-dimensional bar code system, known as the QR (Quick-response) code, offers a promising solution to traceability. QR codes are relatively inexpensive to implement, easy to use, and capable of providing real-time data on product movements. These features make them a strong choice for companies looking to meet both safety requirements and consumer demand for transparency. Additionally, QR codes align with increasing regulatory pressures in markets like Brazil, where food safety standards are becoming more stringent.
Rocha, C.X.d.S.S., César, A.d.S., Hernández, C.T., de Oliveira, U.R. and Lizarelli, F.L. (2025) ‘Analysis and selection of glass bottle traceability technologies in the beer production chain’, Int. J. Productivity and Quality Management, Vol. 44, No. 2, pp.178–204.