May 18, 2004
Stora Enso, a world market leader in consumer packaging boards, and Finnish specialist software provider Stockway have started cooperation to develop a smart packaging solution based on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). Among other benefits, Stora Enso's smart packaging application will create added value for customers through improved logistics, better product safety and online control over the supply chain.
Smart packaging provides interactive features in the package, which enable trading partners to track and trace products automatically throughout the supply chain. Stora Enso's track-and-trace application will be based on Stockway's RFID software Trackway. "Currently, we use Trackway in CD and DVD packaging, to improve the flow of information about goods shipped to our customer CD-Linja. This has demonstrated that the system works efficiently in a commercial production environment and has increased the customer's satisfaction," says Ingrid Rokahr, Smart Packaging Project Manager at Stora Enso.
Multiple benefits in different applications
"Trackway enables online identification of products anywhere in the world. The unprecedented real-time view into the supply chain can be shared by the trading partners in a secure and controlled environment. This contributes to more efficient business transactions and improved product safety and integrity," underlines Jari Kaitera, Stockway's Chief Executive Officer.
"The demand for RFID applications is increasing in different areas of business. Our track-and-trace application will be particularly valuable for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, media and certain food packaging applications," Ingrid Rokahr says. "Everybody benefits from seamless logistics. Furthermore, in the pharmaceutical and food industries smart packaging allows access control and condition monitoring, which contribute to better product safety. In pharmaceutical packaging, tracking also helps to prevent counterfeiting activities. Even patient compliance with the prescription can be improved through smart packaging features."
Facts
Stora Enso is an integrated paper, packaging and forest products company producing publication and fine papers, packaging boards and wood products, areas in which the Group is a global market leader. Stora Enso sales totalled EUR 12.2 billion in 2003. The Group has some 44,000 employees in more than 40 countries in five continents and 15.7 million tonnes of paper and board annual production capacity. Stora Enso's shares are listed in Helsinki, Stockholm and New York.
Stockway Oy is a Finnish software provider specialised in RFID technology and supply chain management tools. Stockway's solutions help trading partners to share and transmit critical product information throughout the supply chain, in order to build up more efficient and faultless supply chain and bring out cost savings. Stockway's owners are its key employees, private investors and Mentorium Venture Connection Oy.
Further information
Stora Enso Oyj
Ingrid Rokahr, Smart Packaging Project Manager
55800 Imatra
FINLAND
Tel. +358 20 46 24 058
Fax +358 20 46 24 750
Stockway Oy
Jari Kaitera, CEO
Tel. +358 40 83 60 600