Smart packaging is one of the leading initiatives in the food industry and other equipment that ensures safety, quality, and environmental sustainability by using modern technologies. In this article prepared by the Vira team, we will examine how smart packaging is a key factor in promoting sustainable activities and environmental protection, and we will explain its prominent role by citing scientific sources.
Differences between traditional and smart packaging
Biotechnology is likely to play an important role in the future of food production, solving major problems such as maintaining nutritional value, extending the shelf life of packaged foods, and actively preventing food from spoiling.
Traditional packaging prevents food from coming into contact with environmental pollutants during the supply chain; But at the same time, it is somewhat indifferent to the environment and does not add value to the content inside the package. But science allows packaging to interact with food. Technology also plays an important role when the supply chain is made smart, providing practical benefits that allow organizations to adapt to market conditions. Smartization also helps satisfy the market’s need for transparency and makes regulatory compliance easier.
In fact, according to the 2021 Global Report, more than half of consumers (54%) consider sustainable packaging when choosing a product. Consumers under the age of 44 are leading the shift in that group, with 83 percent reporting that they are willing to pay more for sustainably produced products.
Active packaging (AI) and intelligent packaging (IP) both fall under the heading of intelligent packaging: To protect food value, maintain food quality, less spoilage, and longer shelf life.
These systems can also monitor the quality status of a product and share information with the customer. The trend towards sustainability, improving product safety, and quality standards is changing the way food manufacturers package their products. By using artificial intelligence and IP, food waste is reduced and customer satisfaction is optimized.
Today, consumers expect food processing techniques, including material technologies, to be sustainable, maintain the high quality of the raw food, and reduce additives. To meet these requirements, food packaging must meet high-performance standards to prevent contamination while ensuring re-use, recycling, or biodegradability.
Reducing food losses:
Smart packaging detects changes in storage conditions and alerts operators through the use of technologies such as sensors and accurate food monitoring. This information helps operators to take timely action to prevent food losses. For example, if the temperature of the food storage environment increases too much, the smart packaging can notify the operator and warn him to cool the ingredients.
Reducing waste and environmental pollution:
Smart packaging usually consists of renewable materials that can be reused as packaging. This work reduces the amount of waste and environmental pollution. Also, smart packaging can protect products against damage and environmental pollution.
Low carbon production:
Smart packaging helps commit to sustainability goals. For example, in practical terms, reducing losses means reducing the need for additional food production and packaging. Also, the use of lighter and more efficient packaging materials can reduce energy consumption in transportation. This convergence is consistent with the goals of sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Reducing the consumption of natural resources:
Smart packaging can reduce energy and water consumption by optimizing food storage and transportation conditions. For example, in fresh food, temperature and humidity monitoring in packaging can prevent unwanted changes in ingredients and prevent wastage of resources.
New technologies in smart packaging:
Smart packaging uses new technologies such as barcodes, RFID (radio frequency identification), and digital and biological markers. These technologies provide supply chain managers with more accurate information on the production date, expiration, and storage conditions of food. This information assures consumers that the products are of high-quality and safety.
Challenges and future of smart packaging:
There are challenges such as data security and consumer privacy regarding smart packaging technologies. Also, further development and wider use of these technologies will affect consumer experiences. The future of smart packaging is highly dynamic due to technological advances and changes in consumer patterns.
Smart packaging as an innovative technology has been able to play a very important role in sustainable activities and environmental protection. Relying on advanced technologies and improved food safety, this technology provides consumers with more accurate information and helps reduce food losses and waste. Also, by contributing to low-carbon production and reducing the consumption of natural resources, smart packaging helps to preserve the environment and achieve sustainability goals.
Active and intelligent packaging is a promising part of our future. Smart packaging plays an important role in digitizing the food supply chain by enhancing traceability with added benefits, minimizing food waste, and ensuring food safety. It also secures the digitization of the food chain from production to consumption and minimizes trade in counterfeit food.
Smart packaging solutions can change the perception of the packaging industry, which is often viewed as an additional economic and environmental cost in the food supply chain rather than a process that brings potential added value to the food supply chain.
References:
2023 Food Packaging and Shelf Life
Journal of Clean Production 2021