Your BOM line needs a retro-reflective sensor that reaches 3 m with a visible red beam. This Omron E3SCR612MOMS from the E3S-C series does exactly that — and it outputs both NPN and PNP, so you can wire it into any PLC input card without a level shifter. The 1 ms response time handles fast-moving packages; the IP67 rating means it survives washdown on a conveyor line. Power it from 10–30 VDC, and it draws about 100 mA maximum on the output.
If you're tempted to swap in the diffuse-reflective E3SCD112MOMS because it's cheaper or on-shelf, watch the differences. The E3SCD112MOMS uses an infrared LED and senses only 700 mm — that's less than a quarter of the E3SCR612MOMS's 3 m retro-reflective range. It also measures 20.4 mm wide vs the E3SCR612MOMS's 23 mm, so the mounting bracket or cutout may not line up. The retro-reflective E3SCR612MOMS also needs a reflector (included or separate) at the target; the diffuse variant senses directly off the object. They are not plug-and-play alternatives unless your application has a short distance, object reflectivity, and bracket flexibility.