Smart Food Packaging

The growing food waste problem creates the need for smart packaging solutions.

16:19 27 March 2017

Food going to waste is a growing problem in all parts of the world creating an opportunity for the packaging industry to develop smart packaging solutions. Based on research, about 25per cent of all food produced annually around the world ends up in landfills. The UK is responsible for about 7.2 million tonnes of waste food, which costs the country £12.5 billion annually.

 

One of the main reasons for the growing food waste problem is due to poor packaging and inaccurate ‘best before’ dates. The expiry date is just a cautious estimate but is always used by consumers who throw the food even when they are not yet expired.

 

Various technologies are now being tested to maximise shelf life and provide consumers with access to accurate information on how to reduce food waste. One of the options that is currently being explored is the use of smart packaging technology that could ‘test’ whether the food is still safe to eat. However, although this can lessen the amounts of food going to waste, the technology needed to monitor the acidity level of the food and assess the freshness of food contents is very expensive.

 

Commodity Inside says that although there are challenges along the way, the smart packaging industry will grow exponentially over the coming years. The firm’s principal analyst, Dr. Iqtidar Ali Shah, said: “The rising income, waste cutting strategies, changing lifestyle, consumer convenience and the need for safer products will underpin the smart packaging market over the next ten years.”