Trace & track reusable packaging
Know where every tote, pallet, and tray is, and prove rotations
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- Trace & track packaging
Innovative and reliable asset tracking
Achieving clear, accurate insight into asset locations and cycle times can be a significant challenge. Especially when working across multiple facilities and partner networks. Traditional manual counts often struggle to keep pace with operational demands and audit requirements.
How Utz instrumented packaging enables traceability
Utz delivers the instrumented packaging foundation—embedding GS1-compliant identifiers and advanced connectivity directly into each reusable asset during manufacturing. This specialized layer provides the essential traceability features, creating packaging that's ready to seamlessly integrate with your preferred tracking platform.
Durable ID
A permanent identity with GS1-compliant barcodes or 2D codes provides a reliable manual fallback and lifetime identification.
RFID
Automated reads at dock doors, on conveyors, or with handhelds allow for high-throughput, bulk inventory checks without manual intervention.
Beacons + LPWA
Low-power, wide-area visibility keeps you connected to your assets between sites, yards, and across partner locations.
When to use which tracking technology
Choosing the right technology depends on your specific operational needs and budget. Our modular approach lets you build the perfect RTI tracking solution.
- Durable ID only: Ideal for cost-optimized scenarios, service centers, and providing a manual fallback for audits.
- RFID: Best for high-throughput areas like dock doors and conveyors, enabling rapid inventory sweeps at a low per-asset cost.
- Beacon + LPWA: Provides essential in-transit and yard visibility, perfect for outdoor environments or partner sites without fixed readers.
- Hybrid: Delivers continuous tracking and gate-level accuracy where end-to-end visibility is critical to your operation.
Proof in practice
Our instrumented packaging solutions are already delivering measurable results for leaders in logistics.
The connected pallet
In partnership with Connected Load Carrier, we launched the UPAL-K, a pallet with integrated RFID and beacon technology. It connects directly to a control tower, providing real-time location data and a full digital twin to optimize asset lifecycles.
Industry-wide results
A recent RAIN Alliance survey confirms that companies with mature RFID programs are more likely to leverage the technology for sustainability, linking operational performance directly to environmental goals.
Durable, wash-resistant RFID labels
Every Returnable Transport Item (RTI) we produce can be equipped with GS1-certified labels that withstand harsh industrial washing, chemicals, and handling for years of reliable service.
More than just a reusable system
In modern logistics, efficiency, traceability and sustainability play a central role. The GS1 SMART Box brings innovative features that optimize the movement of goods. Thanks to GS1 standards, it can be seamlessly integrated into existing processes and offers full transparency along the supply chain – from production to the point of sale. RFID and barcode technologies support automated warehouse management, while durability and reusability reduce costs and conserve resources. Traceability, optimization of logistics processes, sustainability and security – the GS1 SMART-Box is revolutionizing the supply chain.
Built for durable and secure identification
Our proven solutions enable a fast and reliable identification of every reusable transport packaging. 100% tested.
PPWR compliance
Upcoming regulations support reusable resources, recyclability and transparency.
Scope 3 reporting
Enable accurate and auditable greenhouse gas emissions disclosure, using verifiable primary data like packaging rotations and transport distances to meet the latest legal requirements for large EU and qualifying non-EU companies.
More about Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)
GS1 standards
Delivers interoperable data using Global Returnable Asset Identifier (GRAI)/Global Location Number (GLN) identifiers and global standards for supply chain data, streamlining audits and ensuring seamless data sharing with partners.
Utz quality tests
To ensure reliability and performance, Utz conducts extensive quality testing on every packaging solution:
- Camera table with balance: Barcode labels are evaluated for readability and compliance; the system also records container data for future reference.
- RFID system testing: Every RFID-enabled package is tested for functional efficiency and data integrity, guaranteeing dependable traceability.
- Spectrophotometer: Color accuracy is measured and adjusted to meet strict CIEL-Lab-System standards, ensuring brand consistency.
Smarter packaging solutions for asset efficiency
Optimize your supply chain with traceable, connected packaging designed for operational excellence and sustainability. Gain actionable insights, reduce asset loss, and streamline your logistics — all with tailored solutions that fit your needs.
Request a ConsultationFrequently asked questions
Will RFID work with our products containing liquids or metal?
Yes. We design tag and reader placements specifically to mitigate interference from challenging materials like liquids and metal.
What about battery life for beacons?
Passive RFID tags are battery-free. For beacon and LPWA devices, the battery is designed for a multi-year life. The exact lifespan depends on the reporting frequency (ping rate) and the operational environment.
What is the typical ROI for an RTI tracking project?
Return on investment is driven by several factors: reduced asset loss and repurchasing, lower expediting costs, optimized inventory levels, and improved operational efficiency. Most clients see a significant ROI by gaining control over their asset pool and eliminating the hidden costs of "ghost assets."
How do RFID and beacon systems work together?
RFID provides high-accuracy reads at fixed points, such as dock doors or conveyor portals, while beacons and LPWA networks fill visibility gaps between those points. Combining both lets you monitor packaging continuously: RFID confirms handling events, and beacons report position or dwell time in yards, trailers, or partner sites. This hybrid setup delivers near-real-time visibility with minimal infrastructure.
What types of reusable packaging can be equipped with RFID, labels, or beacons?
Can tagged packaging withstand washing and high temperatures?
Yes. In-mold and welded RFID or barcode labels are designed to survive repeated industrial wash cycles, chemicals, and heat exposure. Materials and adhesives are tested for hundreds of cleaning cycles to ensure permanent readability and hygiene compliance.
Are there options for branding and visual identification alongside digital tracking?
Yes. Packaging can include engraved or printed logos, color coding, or embossed customer IDs alongside RFID or barcode tags. Combining visual and digital identification helps operators recognize ownership quickly while maintaining automated tracking capabilities.
How are the correct tag or label type chosen for each packaging application?
Selection depends on the environment, automation level, and reuse intensity. For example, durable laser-marked barcodes suit closed-loop systems, in-mold RFID works best for high-wash containers, and beacons are used for assets moving across multiple sites. Utz tests and recommends the optimal configuration during design.
Related information
Containers designed with safety in mind
Utz ensures the highest quality for our customers. We conduct a series of rigorous quality tests during the development process to guarantee that our plastic containers meet all intended purposes.
Utz quality
PPWR legislation
Utz Group stays ahead of upcoming legislation and adapts to new sustainability requirements, particularly in the packaging sector. We’ll take a deep dive into the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
Learn more about PPWR
Utz Industrial Compounds
UIC® are high-quality, quality-tested secondary raw materials with specified material properties. The physical properties of UIC® are comparable to those of virgin material. We declare the raw materials used in our products in a transparent and comprehensible manner.
Discover UIC®
Return your end-of-life products for a second life
We are committed to sustainability and making it easy for you to recycle our products responsibly. Contact us, and we will help to organize the process.
Start recycling with Utz
