Intelligent Packaging Systems: A Next Generation Technology

The packaging is a very important aspect for any commodity, as it separates the products from the external environment. The packaging is assumed to serve four basic functions such as: protection; communication; convenience; and containment.

- Mandeep Kaur

In addition to its benefits like improved marketing and distribution, packaging can also retard product deterioration, retain the beneficial effects of processing, extend shelf-life, and maintain or increase the quality and safety of food. However, packaging is not capable of eliminating complete quality losses because the intrinsic properties of highly perishable foods change after processing.

While we are addressing the importance of packaging, it is also important to mention here that the packaging industry nowadays is witnessing the latest trends towards sustainability, improved product safety, and high-quality standards. The packaging industry is also driven by the changes in consumer preferences for safe food that demands innovations in packaging technologies. Researchers and scientists are making their way in order to achieve these requirements.

Intelligent packaging technology is a new concept becoming more popular in the food sector. By definition, the intelligent packaging systems are those that monitor the condition of packaged food in order to give information regarding its quality during transportation and storage. These technologies are developed and designed to meet the increasing demand for safer foods with better shelf life. The market for intelligent packaging systems is expected to have a promising future by their integration into packaging materials or systems. The purpose of this article is to offer a perspective of developing the next generation of intelligent food packaging systems that can be easily integrated into future food packaging materials in a modular way.

Need for Intelligent Packaging in the Food Industry