Sustainable Track and Trace for The Packaging Industry

Hall 5 Seminar Theatre

Rob Penney

Programme Manager, Synertech (Pty) Ltd.

Sustainable Track and Trace for The Packaging Industry

Time: 11h15 – 11h45

Traceability is a fundamental requirement for the packaging industry, driven by evolving global regulations and consumer demand for transparency. Through the strategic application of advanced technologies, such as IoT-driven platforms, RFID, and intelligent labelling, businesses can stay compliant while enhancing sustainability and efficiency. Key to successful traceability systems are Critical Tracking Events (CTEs) and Key Data Elements (KDEs). CTEs mark the transitions or transformations of products – covering production, distribution, and usage – while KDEs capture essential information at each event, such as timestamps, batch numbers, and locations.

Synertech and Avery Dennison bring combined expertise to this challenge. Synertech’s IoT-based solutions automate the capture and management of data throughout the supply chain, providing real-time visibility and reducing manual errors. Avery Dennison complements these capabilities with durable, high-performing labelling technologies, ensuring that product information remains intact under diverse conditions.

Together, these solutions offer an integrated approach to smart, sustainable traceability. By harnessing CTEs and KDEs, organizations can quickly respond to recalls, protect brand integrity, and promote responsible resource usage. Ultimately, adopting cutting-edge track-and-trace platforms empowers businesses to comply with current standards, anticipate future regulations, and deliver greater value to their stakeholders. With this collaboration, the packaging industry can thrive through enhanced transparency, minimized risks, and streamlined operations.

Rob enlisted in the South African Air Force (SAAF) in 1985 where he pursued a highly successful career spanning 11 years as a technical specialist involved in the operation of a wide range of systems and technological applications used for the management of aircraft reliability, availability and maintainability.

During his career in the SAAF he gained a number of formal technical and tertiary qualifications, including logistics management and a national diploma in technology. After leaving the air force in 1996 he joined AMS as a project manager responsible for the development and delivery of avionic systems to customers throughout the aviation industry.

After six years in the private avionics industry, he was invited to join a group of companies that offered computer related consultancy, research and development, and support services. During a period of 10 years, he served the group as chief technical officer and as a project manager involved in the delivery of internationally recognised, award-winning enterprise systems and solutions focused on areas such as the centralised life-cycle management of IT infrastructure and safety systems.

Subsequently he joined Synertech where, as the organisation’s executive programme manager, he assumes responsibility for the delivery of turnkey automatic identification and data capture solutions to numerous customers.

Scott Leatherbarrow, Technical Marketing Manager, intelligent labels, label and packaging materials, Avery Dennison Smartrac, South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa

Scott is a highly experienced technical Marketing Manager for Avery Dennison for 10 years with a demonstrated history of working in the world of label, print and packaging media across all vertices including Food & Beverage, Home and personal care products, Medical as well and industrial embellishment applications.

Skilled in the technical field of pressure sensitive materials, Industry collaborator between major Manufacturer’s, Label convertors and end user’s across the African continent including print management, sales, digital and flexographic printing and press troubleshooting as well as intelligent labels ie: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags & labels.

Champion for SSA under Avery Dennison, Honorary fellow and certified member of the RFID Professional institute’s associate certification program, Strong sales professional graduated from Technicon Witwatersrand with over 2 decades of expertise in the world of labelling and packaging.