Time for National Returns Day
After the surge of demand for express delivery during the holiday season, it is the time of year for returns. As a result, UPS has decided to call January 6th a National Returns Day. It was expected that more than 800, 000 packages will be sent back to merchants and retailers on this day. By the end of the ‘returns week’, UPS expects to have handled about 4 million return packages in the US. According to research, returns are becoming more popular with 62% of consumers saying they returned a product purchased online in 2014, an increase of 11% from 2012. UPS also states that 66% of customers review a retailer’s return policy before proceeding to check out, and 68% of shoppers would be more likely to complete an online purchase if the retailer offered a free return service. Consequently, retailers should make sure their supply chains are not only ready to deliver the purchased items, but to receive returns efficiently as well.
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Tracing tainted food just got a lot faster
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, food related illnesses annually kill about 3,000 Americans. However, the majority of contaminated food products are never traced back to their source. The main reason behind it is the effort needed and the time it takes to trace the entire supply chain back to a product’s source. Researchers in Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in collaboration with the startup DNATrek have recently solved this problem. They have developed a highly efficient and cost-effective method to trace contaminated food back to its source. The new solution – DNATrax – are particles comprised of non-living and non-viable DNA and sugar which works as an invisible, odorless and tasteless barcode which can be sprayed on food products. When needed, DNATrax can be lifted off the food products and analyzed in the lab to identify where it came from in an hour.
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‘Wonky Veg’ trial by ASDA
ASDA is a British-based, American-owned supermarket which will begin selling misshapen vegetables and fruit at five of its stores in the UK starting on the 26th of January. The ‘Wonky veg’ trial is aiming to reduce food waste in the UK food supply chains. Vegetables and fruit which usually would not pass the tough quality and physical appearance control tests, will now be available for purchase at selected ASDA stores at reduced prices. The trial has been initiated by TV chef Jamie Oliver and farmer Jimmy Doherty. If the campaign proves to be a success, there ”could be an opportunity to expand the trial across other fresh produce lines” said Ian Harrison, ASDA’s Produce Technical Director.
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Have a nice weekend!
