Smart packaging solutions provide consumers with adequate information about food quality in terms of time, temperature, freshness indicators, integrity, and pH.
As technology continues to advance, traditional packaging is no longer sufficient due to increasing product complexity, rising customer experience expectations, and, most recently, national and international initiatives aimed at fostering a circular economy and reducing the carbon footprint of manufactured products.
Additionally, the consumption of food contaminated with infectious bacteria, viruses and parasites, and noninfectious chemicals and toxins is estimated to cause over 200 diseases that range from diarrhea to cancers. Smart packaging technology aims to mitigate these risks by indicating the safety of food products through quality identification systems that effectively communicate with consumers.
Despite this, the African continent is showing little signs of accelerated progression. The continent still relies on traditional packaging solutions, so there is a pressing need to understand the cause of this slow adoption. This article will delve into the key challenges hindering the widespread adoption of smart packaging in Africa and propose potential solutions to overcome these obstacles.
But before we dive in, let’s look at a brief overview of what smart packaging is.
What is smart Packaging ?
Smart packaging refers to packaging systems with embedded sensor technology used with foods, pharmaceuticals, and many other types of products. It is used to extend shelf life, monitor freshness, display information on quality, and improve product and customer safety.
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Types of Smart Packaging Solutions
Smart packaging can be divided into three categories:
1. Active packaging
This is an innovative food packaging concept established in response to ongoing changes in customer needs and market trends. Active packaging interacts with the pack’s components to maintain product quality or extend shelf life. For example, oxygen scavengers can remove gas from sealed packages, keeping food from spoiling. Oxygen scavengers, ethylene scavengers, flavour and odour absorbers/releasers, antimicrobials, and antioxidants are some of the most commonly utilised components in active packaging systems.
Active packaging technology embeds components into the packaging that are able to release or absorb substances from or into the preserved food or the surrounding environment to sustain quality and prolong shelf life.
Advantages of Active Packaging.
The advantages of using active packaging for perishable goods include:
- Reduction of the amounts of active substance.
- Reduction of localisation activity and migration of particles from film to food
- Elimination of unnecessary industrial processes that might introduce bacteria into the product.
2. Intelligent packaging
According to a research article by Vasuki, et. al, intelligent packaging indicates the freshness, quality, safety, and security of food products
Intelligent packaging solutions are focused on developing external communication. It includes additional diagnostic and indication features. It can also aid with automated activities throughout the production line and supply chain. Intelligent packaging is primarily used to monitor the state of packaged commodities such as meat in order to capture and transmit information on the quality of the packaged goods during transportation and storage.
In food packaging, this technology is frequently supplemented with biosensors to detect, record, and communicate information relating to potential biological processes and reactions occurring within the container, such as changing oxygen and freshness levels.
3. Connected Packaging
Connected packaging refers to packaging that has been transformed into an internet-connected device. This is achieved through the use of serialised QR codes, RFID chips, or other mechanisms. The package is able to provide real-time information directly from the cloud, including details such as product origins, batch information, and the distance traveled. In addition, it can also offer authentication data, geo-located marketing and engagement information, as well as recall updates.
Having an understanding of the different types of smart packaging solutions that are available, we can now delve into a comprehensive analysis of the numerous challenges that exist in the implementation of smart packaging in the African context.
Challenges in Implementing Smart Packaging In Africa
There are many challenges that are hindering the full scale implementation of smart packaging for agricultural products in Africa. They include:
1. Economic Constraints
– High Initial Investment Costs:
Smart packaging solutions demand significant upfront capital, which can be prohibitive, especially for small-scale farmers. According to a recent study, smart packaging can add around 10% to the overall cost of a product. These costs encompass the development, integration, and deployment of advanced technologies like sensors, RFID tags, and real-time data transmission systems. Traditional packaging, such as corrugated boxes and pallets, is considerably cheaper and more accessible, making the transition to smart packaging financially daunting.
– Return on Investment (ROI) Uncertainties:
The financial benefits of smart packaging are not immediately apparent, and the ROI can be uncertain. This uncertainty is exacerbated by the lack of long-term data and proven success cases. For stakeholders, investing in smart packaging involves a complex cost-benefit analysis, considering the potential savings and efficiencies against the high initial expenditure and ongoing operational costs.
2. Technological Limitations
– Battery Life and Power Efficiency:
Smart packaging systems rely on various electronic components, including sensors and data transmission modules, which require power. Ensuring adequate battery life and power efficiency is a critical challenge, particularly for applications in remote agricultural areas where frequent battery replacement or recharging might not be feasible. Additionally, developing power-efficient solutions that can sustain long-term operations without compromising functionality is a technological hurdle. There are ongoing efforts to integrate energy-harvesting technologies, such as solar power, but these solutions are still in development and not yet widely adopted.
3. Supply Chain Integration
– Compatibility with Existing Infrastructure:
Integrating smart packaging into the existing supply chain infrastructure poses significant challenges. Many agricultural supply chains are not equipped to handle the data management and connectivity requirements of smart packaging solutions. Ensuring that smart packaging systems are compatible with current logistics, storage, and distribution processes requires substantial modifications and investments.
4. Regulatory Hurdles
– Food Safety and Environmental Regulations:
Smart packages must comply with stringent food safety regulations to ensure that the materials and technologies used do not contaminate food products. Additionally, the environmental impact of smart packaging components, such as batteries, sensors, and circuits, is a growing concern. These components often do not fit into the environmentally friendly paradigm that consumers and regulators increasingly demand. Ensuring that smart packaging solutions are both safe and sustainable requires navigating complex regulatory landscapes, which can vary significantly across different regions and countries.
– Trust and Privacy Concerns:
Consumers are often wary of new technologies, particularly those that involve data collection and real-time monitoring. Smart packaging systems that track and transmit data about product location, condition, and usage can raise significant privacy concerns. Protecting sensitive non-public information, such as customer identity, behavior, and preferences, is crucial to gaining consumer trust. However, educating consumers about these measures and the overall benefits of smart packaging remains a critical challenge.
5. Sustainability and Environmental Impact
– Limited Infrastructure for Recycling
Many of the components used in smart packaging, such as sensors and batteries, are challenging to recycle. The lack of adequate waste management and recycling infrastructure in many regions of Africa exacerbates this issue. Without effective recycling systems, the environmental benefits of smart packaging are significantly undermined. Furthermore, sourcing sustainable materials that can be integrated into smart packaging solutions is another challenge, as the availability and supply chains for these materials are often limited. Developing truly sustainable smart packaging requires innovative approaches, such as biodegradable electronics and energy-efficient components, which are still in the early stages of development.
Strategies for Overcoming Challenges
Some strategies that could help curb the challenges mentioned above include:
1. Financial Solutions
– Subsidies and Grants
High initial investment costs can be mitigated through subsidies and grants from government and industrial bodies. These financial incentives can help reduce the burden on small-scale farmers and businesses, making it more feasible for them to adopt smart packaging technologies. Funding initiatives that support sustainable practices and innovations can drive widespread adoption and foster advancements in the field.
– Partnerships and Collaborations
Technology companies, farmers, and distributors can share the financial burden and pool resources for the development and implementation of smart packaging solutions. Shared investment models can distribute costs more equitably and encourage collective efforts towards sustainable practices. Partnerships can also facilitate knowledge sharing and the development of more effective, tailored solutions for the agricultural sector.
2. Regulatory and Compliance Solutions
– Development of Standards
Establishing industry standards for smart packaging can address compatibility and safety issues. Industry-led initiatives to create standardised protocols and guidelines can ensure that smart packaging systems can work together seamlessly. Collaboration with regulatory bodies can further ensure that these standards meet legal requirements and are universally accepted, streamlining the adoption process across different regions and countries.
– Data Security Measures
Implementing robust cybersecurity protocols is crucial to addressing trust and privacy concerns associated with smart packaging. Compliance with data protection regulations, such as GDPR or other local laws, can ensure that consumer data is securely managed and protected. Technologies like blockchain can provide transparent, tamper-proof records of data transactions, enhancing trust and accountability.
3. Environmental and Sustainability Solutions
– Sustainable Materials
Research into biodegradable and recyclable packaging materials can significantly reduce environmental impact. Developing eco-friendly inks and adhesives that are safe for food contact and easier to recycle can further enhance the sustainability of smart packaging. Innovations in materials science can lead to the creation of smart packaging that not only performs well but also aligns with environmental goals.
– Recycling Programs
Establishing comprehensive recycling programs for smart packaging can address the issue of limited infrastructure for recycling. These programs can include collection schemes, sorting facilities, and recycling plants specifically designed to handle smart packaging components. Consumer education on proper disposal methods is also crucial. Educating the public on the benefits of recycling and how to properly dispose of smart packaging can improve recycling rates and reduce environmental impact.
4. Market Influence and Stakeholder Collaboration
– Stakeholder Alignment
Collaborative efforts among growers, packaging manufacturers, distributors, and retailers are essential to drive sustainable packaging practices. By aligning their goals and strategies, stakeholders can create a cohesive approach to implementing innovative packaging. Regular communication and synchronised efforts can ensure that all parties are working towards common objectives, such as reducing food waste and enhancing supply chain efficiency.
– Consumer Education and Awareness
Educating consumers about the benefits of smart packaging and sustainable practices is vital for gaining acceptance and driving demand. Awareness campaigns can highlight how smart packaging improves food quality, reduces waste, and promotes sustainability. By fostering a better understanding of these benefits, consumers are more likely to support and pay a premium for smart packaging solutions, encouraging retailers and manufacturers to adopt these technologies.
5. Government Support and Education
– Support for Recycling Companies
Government support for recycling companies can create a market for recycled products, addressing the issue of limited opportunities for these companies to sell their products. Financial incentives, subsidies, and regulatory support can help recycling companies scale their operations and develop more effective recycling processes for smart packaging materials.
– Public Education Initiatives
Educating the general population about the benefits and drawbacks of different packaging materials is crucial for promoting sustainable choices. Public education initiatives can raise awareness about the environmental impact of packaging waste and encourage consumers to support eco-friendly products. Government-led campaigns and partnerships with educational institutions can disseminate information and foster a culture of sustainability.
By addressing these core solutions, the challenges in implementing smart packaging for agricultural products in Africa can be effectively mitigated, leading to more sustainable and efficient supply chains.
Example of Successful Implementation of Smart Packaging Around the World
1. Princes Uses QR codes for Storytelling
Princes in 2020 printed QR codes on its Napolina brand tomato products which, when scanned, will provide consumers with information.The codes enabled users to access a dedicated webpage walking them through the journey of the product from farm to supermarket.
2. Kellogg’s Helps the Sight-Impaired
All of Kellogg’s UK packaging has NaviLens technology, which enables a smartphone to recognise and playback branding as well as allergen, nutritional, and recycling information for the user. Within three meters, users can search the surroundings for potential codes. Vibrations and other non-visual aids are provided by the companion app to help locate the code. This approach, which builds on an already-existing tool and pattern while incorporating new technology, also contributes positively to a larger goal of making life easier for more people.
Conclusion
Smart packaging has a variety of benefits, both environmental and psychological. The African food society must rush to identify technologies that work for their products. They should be quick enough to adopt the change to achieve improved sustainability and productivity.
While challenges exist, including limited infrastructure and cost considerations, there are also solutions like government support and education available. By addressing the unique challenges and seizing the opportunities presented by sustainable packaging, African agricultural products businesses are playing a pivotal role in driving positive change on the continent.
