DIN 18849 & GS1 Digital Link: When food containers go digital // Rieber

With DIN 18849, a topic is gaining increasing attention in commercial kitchens, catering operations, and institutional foodservice: the digital identification of food containers. The aim is to make containers uniquely identifiable, enabling transparent tracking of inventory, locations, and process steps.

As the variety of menu options increases, along with multiple serving locations and different dietary requirements, the demands on process reliability, traceability, and hygiene continue to grow. Paper records, manual labels, and handwritten counts are increasingly reaching their limits in meeting these requirements.

What does DIN 18849 cover?

DIN 18849 defines requirements for the identification marking of food containers in accordance with DIN EN 631-1 for use in commercial kitchens and institutional foodservice. Its primary focus is the digital identification of containers to improve the management of processes and material flows.

The standard specifically addresses:

Identification marking of GN containers
Digital identification of GN containers
Transparency of inventory and container locations
Use in commercial kitchens, institutional foodservice, and hospitality operations

Why digital container identification is becoming increasingly important

The demands placed on modern food logistics continue to grow:

A wider variety of dietary requirements and customized meal options
Multiple delivery and serving locations
Increasing requirements for allergen management
HACCP processes requiring comprehensive documentation
Growing pressure to reduce disposable packaging

As a result, digital transparency throughout the entire reusable GN container cycle is becoming a key success factor for efficient, safe, and sustainable foodservice operations.

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What is GS1 Digital Link?

GS1 Digital Link connects a physical container to a digital profile through a unique QR ID. This enables a wide range of information to be linked directly to the GN container and accessed instantly via a scan.

The digital access point can provide, for example:

Meal information and dietary requirements
Allergens and ingredients
Best-before dates
Regeneration and reheating instructions
Delivery and location data
HACCP and cleaning records

At Rieber, the QR ID is permanently laser-engraved onto the reusable stainless steel container, making it an integral part of a durable reusable process rather than a short-lived disposable label.

Rieber turns GN containers into digital process components

Rieber combines reusable GN containers, laser-engraved GS1 Digital Link QR IDs, scanning technology, and CHECK TRACE into a seamless digital system process.

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One QR code, endless possibilities

Filling & Sealing

With the GN fill & coverstation, production data is automatically captured and linked directly to the QR ID of the GN container and lid. The integrated scale supports precise portioning, while the automated lid closing process ensures safe and reproducible procedures. In addition, a photographic record of the filling process is stored digitally.

The following information can later be accessed via the GS1 QR code, among other data:

Item, quantity, and best-before date
Allergens and nutritional values
Portion data and regeneration instructions
Photographic record of the filling process

Benefits

Reduced manual data entry
Clear process assignment
Documented HACCP processes
Scannable data basis for order picking

Gastronorm-System

Order picking with CHECK TRACE

CHECK TRACE ensures the error-free assignment of meals, GN containers, and lids to the respective delivery location. By scanning, the components are assigned to the appropriate transport equipment, such as a thermoport® or trolley, and recorded digitally. The system guides users step by step through the order-picking process and immediately detects missing or incorrect components.

The following information can be accessed via the GS1 QR code, among other data:

Delivery location, route, and serving point
Order-picking status and completeness check
Assignment to transport equipment
Time and responsible person for order picking

Benefits

Faster packing through scanning
Fewer packing and delivery errors
Transparent process overview
Traceable documentation
Significantly more efficient order picking

Digital Accessoires

Delivery & Serving

At the delivery or serving location, the GN container or lid is simply scanned. Meal information, allergens, nutritional values, as well as serving and regeneration instructions are immediately available digitally, without paper lists or additional inquiries. HACCP records and temperature data from the cold or hot holding chain can also be displayed.

The following information can be accessed via the GS1 QR code, among other data:

Item, quantity, and best-before date
Allergens and nutritional values
Portion data and regeneration instructions
Temperature and HACCP records
Photographic record of the filling process

Benefits

Fast and reliable serving
Fewer day-to-day inquiries
Transparent temperature documentation
Digital hygiene and HACCP records
Greater transparency for operators and institutions

thermoport® Stainless Steel

thermoport® Plastic

Return Tracking & Cleaning

During the return process, GN containers and lids are automatically scanned at the dishwashing area, checked back in, and marked as available again. This ensures that inventory remains transparent at all times and can be planned for the next production cycle. At the same time, a digital cleaning and process record is created.

The following information can be accessed via the GS1 QR code, among other data:

Return status
Cleaning records
History of the container and lid

Benefits

No manual lists or counting required
Transparent return tracking
Up-to-date inventory overview
Improved production planning
Digital cleaning and process documentation

Discover the digital reusable GN container cycle now and manage your institutional foodservice operations more efficiently, hygienically, and sustainably.

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Benefits for Commercial Kitchens and Institutional Foodservice

With the digital reusable GN container cycle, Rieber supports a future-ready and standards-oriented food logistics system:

Greater process reliability
Fewer incorrect deliveries
Transparent inventory control
Digital HACCP documentation
More efficient return processes
Reduced search effort
0% disposable packaging in the process
Durable reusable stainless steel solutions

GNauto Container

GN container with 4 x QR code

Stainless Steel Press-in Watertight Lids

GN system vaculid® for vacuuming

To the product

Hand-Scanner touch 60°+Griff

YourLogo GN-Lid

YourLogo GN-Container

To the product

GN fillstation

Temperature Sensor CHECK CLOUD

Digital reusable organization

Rack Trolleys

To the product

GN stacking trolley one-sided

GNauto Dispenser for container

GNauto Dispenser for lids

thermoport® Stainless Steel

thermoport® Plastic

DIN 18849 provides the framework.
Rieber delivers the practical system solution.

With digitally identifiable reusable GN containers, GS1 Digital Link QR ID, and CHECK TRACE, Rieber is already bringing the concept of DIN 18849 into everyday kitchen operations. For transparent processes from production through to the dishwashing area.

LIVE TRACKING | REUSABLE

Single-use plastic packaging saved so far with our digital GN container tracking.

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385,560 kg

Interested in our smart QR codes and container traceability?

Johannes Heller

Please feel free to contact me.

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Johannes HellerCHECK-System Manager
Reutlingen

Webinar: From Single Use to Infinite Use: The Role of Stainless Steel in Sustainable Packaging

How can packaging evolve from a single use solution into a durable, traceable, and economically viable reusable system? This is precisely the question explored in the webinar "From Single Use to Infinite Use: The Role of Stainless Steel in Sustainable Packaging."

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Products & spare parts online?

What does DIN 18849 cover?

Why digital container identification is becoming increasingly important

What is GS1 Digital Link?

Rieber turns GN containers into digital process components

Discover the digital reusable GN container cycle now and manage your institutional foodservice operations more efficiently, hygienically, and sustainably.

DIN 18849 provides the framework. Rieber delivers the practical system solution.

LIVE TRACKING | REUSABLE

Single-use plastic packaging saved so far with our digital GN container tracking.

Webinar: From Single Use to Infinite Use: The Role of Stainless Steel in Sustainable Packaging

varithek® EST Infrared – precise heat holding. Energy efficient. Hygienic. Safe.

DIN 18849 provides the framework.
Rieber delivers the practical system solution.