New technologies to revolutionize food labels and packaging

How are technological advancements in packaging transforming the way food is packaged, stored and marketed in the food industry? Digitalization plays a key role in these innovative food packaging solutions. By using digital tools and wearable digital devices, connected workers can work in a data-driven environment, making the food packaging industry more effective, sustainable, efficient and economical. Here are some technological innovations in the food packaging industry:

1. Recyclable packaging

Recyclable packaging in the food industry is becoming increasingly important because it reduces waste and conserves resources. Several types of recyclable packaging are used in the food industry, including bags, cartons and boxes made of paper which can be recycled after use. Glass jars and bottles are 100% recyclable and can be reused multiple times, making them a sustainable option for food packaging.

Heineken, which is one of the world’s leading beer makers, is working with global glass manufacturer Encirc to use beer bottles made from 100% recycled glass, burning sustainable, ultra-low-carbon biofuels. 

Alter Eco, an American food company, makes chocolate bars that are packaged in 100% recyclable paper and cardboard, which can be recycled in municipal recycling streams.  

2. Edible packaging

Edible packaging is made from natural ingredients and can be consumed along with the food, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. These are made from food-grade ingredients such as starches, proteins and other natural compounds, and they can come in various forms such as films, coatings and containers. Edible packaging can enhance the sensory experience of food by adding an extra layer of flavor and texture to the fruit; an edible coating can add a crispy texture to snacks.

Spain's Bio2Coat is proposing to solve the problem of plastic waste coming from packaging materials with a 100% natural, edible coating that significantly extends the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. These coatings also improve appearance, inhibit fungal attacks and preserve the nutritional value of food.

American company Incredible Eats is on a mission to reinvent the way food is eaten by replacing all plastic utensils with edible cutlery. They make edible spoons that are not only visually appealing but also edible and ideal for eating ice cream.

3. Active packaging

Active packaging contains materials that extend the shelf life of food, reduce spoilage and enhance safety — oxygen scavenger sachets, antimicrobial packaging and ethylene absorbers. Active packaging extends the shelf life of fresh fruits and vegetables, prevents the growth of harmful microorganisms, reduces food waste and improves the overall quality and safety of food products.

Tyson Foods uses modified atmosphere packaging for its fresh meat products to extend their shelf life. The company also uses oxygen scavenger sachets to prevent spoilage and maintain product quality during transport and storage. 

Amcor, a global packaging company, has developed a range of active packaging solutions that incorporate oxygen scavengers and antimicrobial agents designed to improve the freshness and shelf life of packaged food. 

4. Smart packaging

Smart packaging uses sensors, RFID tags and other digital elements to monitor food quality, safety and freshness. Such packaging provides information about the condition of the food. The sensors, indicators and other monitoring systems can detect changes in the food such as temperature, moisture or gas levels and display that information to the consumer or retailer.

Bionix Technologies uses RFID tags to provide expiration alerts for items with short shelf life. This can help you improve stock management by preventing wastage and losses.

Insignia Technologies produces smart labels that change color to indicate the freshness of the food being displayed on retail shelves. This is useful for the consumer who can easily choose the freshest item when buying food. 

5. Biodegradable packaging

Biodegradable packaging breaks down into natural, non-toxic substances, such as water, carbon dioxide and compost through biological processes, within a reasonable amount of time after being discarded. Such packaging is often made from plant-based materials such as cornstarch, sugarcane bagasse and paper, which can be composted along with food waste and other organic materials without harming the environment.

Ecovative Design produces biodegradable packaging made from hemp and mycelium that can be used as an alternative to polystyrene foam packaging.

Novamont has developed a biodegradable film made from renewable materials, such as cornstarch and cellulose, that can be used to package fresh produce. The packaging film helps to reduce plastic waste and improve sustainability.

6. 3D-printed packaging

3D printing in food packaging is the process of creating three-dimensional shapes and designs for packaging using specialized food-grade 3D printers. This technology enables the creation of complex shapes and textures of not only the food product but also the packaging material itself. These shapes and textures are difficult or impossible to produce using traditional manufacturing methods. 3D printing has the unique ability to create a customized packaging solution that perfectly fits a specific food product, reducing waste and improving the overall presentation of the product.

Italian pasta company Barilla has developed a prototype 3D printer that can create customized pasta shapes, which can be packaged in custom-designed containers created using the same 3D technology.

3D Food printing allows chefs and manufacturers to create personalized dishes tailored to individual dietary needs and preferences, resulting in cleaner, safer eating. This technology also produces less food waste and materials than traditional methods, making it more environmentally friendly.

Printpack also produces 3D-printed packaging for food and beverage products using a variety of materials, including biodegradable plastics and food-safe materials. 

7. Nanocomposite packaging

Researchers are proposing incorporating nanoparticles into the packaging material so that it improves its strength, ruggedness and other useful characteristics needed for food safety. Nanocomposite packaging can be used to increase shelf life and reduce waste.

One of the possible candidates are graphene-based nanocomposite materials that can be used as packaging material. Graphene-based nanocomposites improve UV resistance, are a good barrier against gasses, and still have good thermal, mechanical and electrical properties.

Other nanomaterials, such as zinc, titanium, silicon and silver nanoparticles blended with polymers, offer high antimicrobial and antioxidant properties in packaging material and can provide safety, extended shelf-life and added value to food products.

Conclusion
The food packaging industry is constantly evolving to meet the changing consumer demands and expectations. From edible and biodegradable packaging to smart and active packaging, these new solutions offer a wide range of benefits, including increased sustainability, enhanced food safety and producing less waste.

With the latest advances in digitalization, sustainability and connectivity in the packaging industry, we have to wonder: What is next in revolutionizing food packaging?