Without packaging, food products would last for only a short period of time, impossible for logistics management, difficulties in the supply chain system, quick quality deterioration, and prone to contamination to risky foodborne pathogens. In reality, there are many more functions that packaging is contributing to food products, as well as many types of smart packaging. Intelligent packaging is considered to be a part of smart packaging, so in this blog, we will discuss the contribution of intelligent packaging to food products.

What is Intelligent Packaging?

            Not to be confused with other types of packaging systems (Connected packaging, and active packaging, which will be discussed in future blogs) (6), intelligent food packaging is a type of packaging equipped with the ability to sense or monitor the attributes of food product, its inner environment, as well as storage and transport condition (2). Some intelligent packaging is associated with nanotechnology such as nanosensors to detect any condition changes and send back signals to notify consumers, or application of encapsulation technology  for making a more durable and thermal stability materials such as sensors or indicators (1). In short, intelligent packaging can detect the attributes of food, so consumers are able to enjoy their food in its optimum condition. However, it is important to note that intelligent packaging does not have the ability to enhance product attributes, or ‘actively’ respond to interior changes which are the distinguished characteristics of active packaging.

Unique Features and Safe Food Products Features

            One of the most unique features of intelligent packaging is the label that changes according to the interior environment. For instance, freshness or ripening indicators in high-valued fruit product packaging are able to detect the release of ethylene, a major plant hormone that initiates ripening and leads to softening, and deterioration of fruits or vegetables (5). Moreover, time-temperature indicators (TTIs) have become predominant features for intelligent packaging as it easily gives storage condition information on any temperature variation which may affect the quality and safety of food products, and it is one of the simplest, and efficient method to measure any mechanical, chemical, enzymatic or microbial changes which could regress into potential food spoilage (4). Some examples of commercial TTIs in the market are MonitorMark, Timestrip, Fresh-Check, and Checkpoint which consist of intelligent label that inform consumers how long the product has been open or has been exposed to any undesirable temperature or condition, thus it is way safer than relying on a single ‘use-by’ or ‘best-before’ date (4).

            Some freshness indicators are able to detect biogenic amines, which indicate the growth level of spoilage bacteria based on level of transglutamase or amine oxidases in meat packaging system, or lactic acid sensors based on enzyme activities such as lactate oxidase and peroxidase (3). Some intelligent packaging uses gas indicators to suggest the quality condition of food product based on chemical reaction or enzymatic changes, which is often related with microbial spoilage as well (3). When consumers are informed with freshness information, they can easily choose not to consume if freshness is not in the best condition because these indicators are user-friendly and quite easy to understand. A time-temperature indicator is also providing a better consumer convenience in regard to eating-drink experience enhancement. It can determine the optimum serving temperature for a high-valued product, such as informing the best temperature to serve wine and more consumer satisfaction can be expected.

            Barcodes and QR codes exist on almost every product in our daily life, but what are their differences? In general, barcodes are more related to stock management while QR codes provide a deeper set of information such as production batch, lot number, or nutritional information (3), so it is very common to locate QR code on products with short shelf lives such as meat products, fruits, or vegetables.

Advantages and Disadvantages

            Intelligent packaging provides various beneficial features such as indicators and sensors that can improve safety and quality of food products, which results in food waste reduction, progress toward a more sustainable food system. However, it is important to mention that proper stock management is required as consumers tend to pick a ‘fresher’ product by the labelled freshness indicator, and this could lead to unsellable older food items. The ‘First-in, first-out’ principle should be introduced as it is necessary for retailers to avoid this problem.

            On the other hand, as previously mentioned that intelligent packaging is different from active packaging, and it cannot enhance the quality or delay the deterioration of food products. So, other product management systems such as visual inspection, or sampling are required to ensure the best quality and safety of food.

            Food packaging heavily contributes to food products, for a longer, safer, and more efficient storage system. Intelligent packaging is bringing these beneficial features to another level. Consumer well-being and food safety are the priorities of ITO Thailand, and with our hygiene solution and automation products, it is achievable for your business.

            Click here (Link to ITO Hygiene homepage) to learn more

References

1.Dalmoro, V., Zimnoch dos Santos, J. H., Pires, M., Simanke, A., Baldino, G. B., & Oliveira, L. (2017). Encapsulation of sensors for intelligent packaging. Food Packaging, 111–145. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-804302-8.00004-2

2.Ghoshal, G. (2018). Recent Trends in Active, Smart, and Intelligent Packaging for Food Products. Food Packaging and Preservation, 343–374. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-811516-9.00010-5

3.Müller, P., & Schmid, M. (2019). Intelligent Packaging in the Food Sector: A Brief Overview. Foods, 8(1), 16. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods8010016

4.Pavelková, A. (2013). Time temperature indicators as devices intelligent packaging. Acta Universitatis Agriculturae Et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis, 61(1), 245–251. https://doi.org/10.11118/actaun201361010245

5.Pereira de Abreu, D. A., Cruz, J. M., & Paseiro Losada, P. (2012). Active and Intelligent Packaging for the Food Industry. Food Reviews International, 28(2), 146–187. https://doi.org/10.1080/87559129.2011.595022

6.(2022). Smart Packaging vs. Connected Packaging: What’s the Difference? https://touchcode.com/smart-packaging-vs-connected-packaging/