# Reactive Food Labels These Food Expiration-Indicating Packaging Degrades With Spoiled Items By Alyson Wyers | Published 2014-08-06 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/food-expiration References: [fastcoexist](http://www.fastcoexist.com/3033766/these-living-food-labels-disappear-as-your-food-goes-bad) & [jamesdysonaward.org](http://www.jamesdysonaward.org/projects/bump-mark-bio-reactive-food-expiry-label/) This living label designed by Solveiga Pakstaite gives you a better idea of food expiration than the printed date on the package will. Called Bump Marks, the [bio-reactive food labels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elior-and-markemimaje) are gelatine based and break down at the same rate as the food inside. As the label degrades, it becomes gooey and reveals a bumpy ridge underneath that indicates how good the food inside the package is. This not only gives you a better idea of your food expiration, but also prevents [food waste](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/placon-crystal-seal-delectables) for when you just aren't sure. Since gelatine is protein-based, it will break down at the same rate as other protein foods. Pakstaite is also working on a [plant-based label](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selfpacking-cheese) so vegetarians can benefit from the same concept. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.0/10 - Popularity: 71% | Activity: 72% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Reactive Food Labels:** Innovative food labels that degrade with spoiled items, providing real-time expiration information. - **Bio-reactivity Packaging:** Packaging materials that interact with the contents to provide accurate information on freshness and spoilage. - **Sustainable Labeling Solutions:** Eco-friendly label options that align with the values of environmentally conscious consumers. ### Where This Applies - **Food Packaging:** Opportunity for packaging companies to develop and market bio-reactive labels that enhance food safety and reduce waste. - **Food Technology:** Application of innovative labeling technologies to improve food quality monitoring and consumer experience. - **Sustainable Products:** Development of plant-based labeling solutions to cater to the growing demand for sustainable and vegan-friendly products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Freshness-Tracking Food Containers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vorkoster-lid.md) - [Food Waste-Combatting Smart Stickers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grey-colombia.md) - [Food Freshness Fridge Tags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nudge-tags.md) - [Eco-Friendly Food Coatings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-coating.md) - [Food Waste Reduction Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/expiremate.md) - [Food Longevity Stickers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keep-food-fresh.md) - [Dairy Product Labeling Updates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yogurt-useby-dates.md) - [Freshness-Boosting Packaging Stickers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vidre.md) - [Edible QR Codes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/interiqr.md)