Hot or Not?

According to a report from NanoMarkets, LC, titled, “Smart Packaging Markets; 2006-2013,” the global smart packaging market will grow to $4.8 billion in 2011 and reach $14.1 billion in 2013. The report lists various “smart materials” that enhance smart packages. These include shape memory alloys to control the opening and closing of packages depending on environmental conditions, piezoelectric materials to provide power for lighting and audio features on packaging, smart adhesives that can be used in conjunction with smart labels, and thermochromic inks to show when optimal or dangerous temperatures have been reached. NanoMarkets believes that smart materials will have a significant impact on smart packaging technology.