This fresh food packaging changes color to indicate the freshness of its contents. Developed by Brazilian petrochemical company Braskem, the packaging can measure pH indicators and other factors of food spoilage. This allows the food containers to change color according to the health of the food inside, and make it more clear to consumers. However, according to Springwise, the sensor cost is not currently commercially viable to bring the product to a mass market.
The fresh food packaging addresses food waste, and especially food that gets thrown away because of label confusion. Often consumers will get rid of food simply because 'use by' and 'best before' dates are not made clear. Other packaging solutions designed to reduce food waste include biodegradable food containers.
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Color-changing Packaging
- The color-changing packaging technology can be used to indicate freshness or spoilage of diverse products such as cosmetics, medicines and other perishables.
- Smart Sensors for Packaging
- Developing smart sensors for packaging can push the market towards more sustainable options that benefit both consumers and the environment.
- Advanced Monitoring of Perishable Goods
- Advanced monitoring of perishable goods can lead to increased shelf life and reduced food waste of fresh produce and goods.
Sectors Adopting This
- Food and Beverage
- The food and beverage industry has the most potential to take advantage of color-changing packaging, allowing customers to easily determine the freshness of their produce.
- Pharmaceuticals
- Pharmaceutical companies can use color-changing packaging to ensure the potency and shelf life of essential medicines by changing color when compromised.
- Cosmetics and Personal Care
- The cosmetic and personal care industry can benefit from smart sensors for packaging that detect when products have reached the end of their shelf-life and need to be discarded.
