+44-7897-074717Opinion - African Journal of Food Science and Technology ( 2023) Volume 14, Issue 9
Received: 24-Aug-2023, Manuscript No. 116011; Editor assigned: 26-Aug-2023, Pre QC No. 116011; Reviewed: 02-Sep-2023, QC No. 116011; Revised: 14-Sep-2023, Manuscript No. 116011; Published: 19-Sep-2023, DOI: http:/dx.doi.org/10.14303//ajfst.2023.041
Food packaging has come a long way since its humble beginnings of simply wrapping food for storage and transport. In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, packaging has become "smart" through the integration of various technologies. This smart packaging is designed to enhance the freshness and quality of food, ensuring that consumers receive safe and desirable products. The evolution of packaging: beyond basic protection -packaging has always been an essential aspect of the food industry. Its primary role was to provide protection, containment, and convenience. Over time, as food production and distribution evolved, so did the requirements for packaging. Consumers demanded not only safety and convenience but also sustainability and prolonged freshness. This shift in consumer expectations paved the way for the integration of advanced technologies into packaging.
What is smart packaging? Smart packaging involves the incorporation of various technologies into traditional packaging to extend shelf life, monitor freshness, and enhance safety. These technologies utilize sensors, indicators, and other monitoring devices to gather data on the condition of the packaged food. The gathered data can be used to communicate valuable information to consumers, retailers, and producers, enabling better decision-making and quality control (Castle et al., 1997).
Key technologies enhancing smart packaging- Sensors and iot (internets of things- Iot-enabled sensors are at the heart of smart packaging. These sensors can detect and measure factors such as temperature, humidity, gas composition, and more. For example, a sensor can monitor the internal environment of a food package and detect any deviations from the optimal conditions. If the temperature rises above safe levels for a particular product, the sensor can send an alert to stakeholders, allowing them to take appropriate actions to prevent spoilage. Nanotechnology- Nanotechnology plays a vital role in smart packaging by providing enhanced barrier properties. Nanomaterials can create barriers that protect food from external factors like oxygen, moisture, and UV light. This protection helps in preserving the quality and freshness of the food, ultimately prolonging its shelf life (Cooper & Tice 1995).
Active packaging-Active packaging involves the incorporation of substances that actively interact with the food or the environment inside the package. For instance, oxygen scavengers can remove oxygen from the package, preventing oxidation and extending the shelf life of products like snacks and dried fruits. Intelligent inks and indicators- Intelligent inks and indicators are designed to visually signal the freshness or safety of the food. These inks can change color or display specific patterns in response to changes in the environment, providing a clear indication to consumers and retailers about the food's condition (Ferrara et al., 2001).
QR codes and RFID (radio frequency identification)- QR codes and RFID technology allow consumers to access detailed information about the product and its journey. By scanning a qr code or utilizing RFID readers, consumers can learn about the product's origin, production date, storage recommendations, and more. This transparency builds trust and confidence in the food's quality. Advantages of smart packaging- Reduced food waste- Smart packaging significantly contributes to reducing food waste by extending the shelf life of products. With real-time monitoring and intervention capabilities, smart packaging helps maintain optimal conditions for food storage and transportation, preventing premature spoilage and waste. Enhanced food safety- By monitoring and communicating crucial data about food safety, such as temperature and contamination levels, smart packaging helps ensure that consumers receive safe and hygienic products. This is especially crucial for perishable goods (Hron et al., 2012).
Improved supply chain management- Smart packaging provides valuable data throughout the entire supply chain, enabling better supply chain management. Producers and retailers can track the movement and condition of the products, allowing for efficient inventory management and timely decision-making. Consumer engagement and education- Interactive features like QR codes and RFID technology engage consumers, offering them insights into the product and its production. Educated consumers can make informed choices, promoting responsible consumption and supporting sustainability initiatives. Challenges and future outlook- While smart packaging offers promising benefits, it's not without challenges. The integration of these technologies can be costly, and ensuring the security and privacy of the collected data is a concern. Additionally, there's a need for standardization and regulation to ensure the consistency and reliability of smart packaging across the industry. Looking forward continued research and development in smart packaging technologies will likely address these challenges. As advancements progress, we can expect more cost-effective solutions, increased adoption, and a revolutionized food industry where smart packaging becomes the norm rather than the exception (Kim & Lee 2012).
Castle L, Damant AP, Honeybone CA, Johns SM, Jickells SM et al., (1997). Migration studies from paper and board food packaging materials. Part 2. Survey for residues of dialkylamino benzophenone UV‐cure ink photoinitiators. Food Addit Contam. 14: 45-52.
Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref
Cooper I & Tice PA (1995). Migration studies on fatty acid amide slip additives from plastics into food simulants. Food Addit Contam. 12: 235-244.
Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref
Ferrara G, Bertoldo M, Scoponi M, Ciardelli F (2001). Diffusion coefficient and activation energy of Irganox 1010 in poly (propylene-co-ethylene) copolymers. Polym Degrad Stab. 73: 411-416.
Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref
Hron J, Macak T, Jindrova A (2012). Evaluation of economic efficiency of process improvement in food packaging. Mendelianae Brunensis. 60: 12.
Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref
Kim DJ & Lee KT (2012). Determination of monomers and oligomers in polyethylene terephthalate trays and bottles for food use by using high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry. Polym Test. 31: 490-499.