Packaging With Smarts

Smart packaging 101

There are several kinds of smart packaging that serve the food industry and protect consumers. However, Raghu Das, CEO, IDTechEx said, most smart packaging used for food falls into two categories: chemical and electronic.

“Chemical smart packaging includes packaging which controls the amount of carbon dioxide-to-oxygen ratio in the package of fresh foods to keep them fresher for several more days—mega bucks in the food industry,” he said. “It also includes inks which can change color with temperature so you know when fish or other foods have gone past their use date. … Electronic versions will warn of temperature excursions more accurately. Generally, smart packaging is used for diagnostics or for brand enhancements.”