Packaging has always been an important part of the food industry. It protects food from spoilage, helps to keep it fresh, and makes it easy to transport and store. However, traditional packaging is not always enough to ensure food safety and quality. This is where smart packaging comes in.

The concept of smart packaging has been around for many years, but it has only recently become a reality thanks to advances in technology. The first smart packaging products were introduced in the early 2000s, and the market has been growing rapidly ever since.

What is Smart Packaging?

Smart packaging is a type of packaging that uses sensors and other technologies to provide information about the product, such as its freshness, temperature, or location. This information can be used to improve food safety, reduce food waste, and create a more engaging customer experience.

The global market for smart packaging is expected to reach $29.85 billion by 2025.72% of consumers are willing to pay more for food that is packaged in a smart way.The Asia Pacific region is the largest market for smart packaging, followed by North America and Europe.

Benefits of Smart Packaging

Smart packaging offers a number of benefits for both businesses and consumers.

For businesses, smart packaging can help to:

Improve food safetyReduce food wasteIncrease customer satisfactionEnhance brand image

For consumers, smart packaging can help to:

Make informed food choicesReduce food wasteEnjoy a more convenient and engaging shopping experience

Types of Smart Packaging

Active Packaging — Active packaging contains advanced materials that provide thermochromic, temperature, moisture, and bacterial conditions that prolong shelf life.

Intelligent Packaging — Intelligent packaging uses digital, computational elements, sensors, and displays to diagnose the product’s condition. It provides additional functions such as “communication.”

Connected Packaging — As the name suggests, it allows customers to connect with the brand through packaging.

6 Awesome Trends in Smart Packaging Design

There are many different types of smart packaging, each with its own unique benefits. Some of the most common types of smart packaging include:

Freshness indicators: These indicators use sensors to track the freshness of food products. They can be used to alert consumers when food is about to spoil, or to help businesses track the freshness of their products throughout the supply chain.

Here’s an example from Bizongo that shows color-changing smart labels to check the freshness of the food.

Food Packaging — Freshness Indicator with Color Changing Smart Labels

Moisture absorbent packages: These packages use sensors to track the moisture content of food products. They can be used to prevent food from drying out, or to help businesses track the moisture content of their products throughout the supply chain.

Src: Cilicant

Edible packaging: This type of packaging is made from edible materials, such as seaweed or cornstarch. It can be eaten along with the food product, or it can be composted after use.

Src: Cupffee

Time-temperature indicators: These indicators use sensors to track the temperature and time that food has been exposed to. They can be used to alert consumers when food has been exposed to unsafe temperatures, or to help businesses track the temperature and time that their products have been exposed to throughout the supply chain.

Src: Evigence

Modified atmosphere packaging: This type of packaging uses a controlled atmosphere to extend the shelf life of food products. The atmosphere inside the package is typically low in oxygen and high in carbon dioxide, which helps to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Src: Onsite gas

Anti-counterfeiting packaging: This type of packaging uses security features to prevent counterfeiting. These features can include holograms, RFID tags, or digital watermarks.

Src: Sway

The Future of Smart Packaging

The future of smart packaging is bright. As the technology continues to develop, new applications for smart packaging will be discovered. For example, smart packaging could be used to track the movement of food products throughout the supply chain, or to provide consumers with personalized nutrition information.

Smart packaging is a rapidly growing market with a wide range of potential benefits for both businesses and consumers. As the technology continues to develop, we can expect to see even more innovative and exciting applications for smart packaging in the years to come.

Bizongo is here to help you with smart and innovative brand packaging design to help you stand out against competitors. If you are looking for one of the best packaging design services, our team is here to help you.