Active Packaging Gets Smarter

摘要

In this age of information, it's no wonder that even our packaging is telling us valuable things about whaf s inside. "Active" or "intelligent" packaging provides information on practically everything, from the state of its contents to when patients must take medication. Options include track and trace, featuring RFID tags and printed sensors; condition-monitoring or time/temperature indicators; security alert devices; and anti-microbiai properties and shelf-life extension. "Brand owners are also very interested in the marketing opportunities to improve consumer engagement and gathering data," says Andrew Manly, communications director for the Active and Intelligent Packaging Industry Association (AIPIA). The food industry benefits greatly from such packaging, assuming 30% food waste along the supply chain, Manly notes. "I bet if one of the major food retailers saved 10% of the food it throws out because it has passed its sell-by [date], that would run into tens of millions" of any given currency. Active packaging can eliminate cumbersome and expensive labels or informative inserts. "There are huge benefits to be gained from accessing information on, say, pharma products, in your language via a QR code on a smartphone," Manly suggests. Brand owners can even share special offers, loyalty programs, user tips and audio or visual enhancements.