AGRI-SMART PACKAGING SOLUTIONS

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Smart packaging is a broad term used to describe technology-infused systems used in housing of agri-food products. Furthermore, it provides other functions beyond product housing by integrating technology that can sense or provide information about the product.

Agricultural and food packaging systems, decades ago, had a primary focus which was to preserve food for safety, maximise the shelf life and disallow foreign elements from contaminating food. Consequently protecting the integrity of food throughout the supply chain.

The aforementioned objectives are valid and are currently being deployed for agricultural and food products. However, with advancements in technology, consumer behaviours, and consumption patterns, the need to bridge the gaps of conventional packaging became crucial. Innovations in packaging systems have paved the way for smart packaging solutions. 

Innovative packaging solutions were generally created to protect, maintain, and provide information about packaged products according to a research study.

TYPES OF SMART PACKAGING SOLUTIONS

Smart Packaging is further categorised into two major types Intelligent Packaging and Active Packaging. According to a research article by Vasuki, et. al, intelligent packaging indicates the freshness, quality, safety, and security of food products. It also possesses quality identification systems to effectively communicate with consumers.  Intelligent packaging incorporates traditional packaging with modernised electronic sensing devices like sensors to detect changes in the quality of the food product. This is primarily used to ensure the safety of food before it reaches the consumers. For example, as Touchcode explained, freshness, time/temperature indicators, or sensors can be integrated inside or outside the packaging to show retailers and customers if an important limit has been exceeded.

On the other hand, Thomas defined active packaging as a form of smart packaging designed to extend the shelf life of perishable products and improve their quality. The packaging essentially operates by emitting or absorbing compounds within a packaged product, slowing the rate of microbial growth, moisture loss or gain, and oxygen reactions. Active packaging may release antimicrobial agents to prevent bacterial growth when it senses that a product’s freshness is being compromised. For example, some beers that are packaged in plastic bottles contain oxygen absorbers in the screw caps that can help extend the beer’s shelf life from three to six months. Film packaging with ethylene absorbers mostly used in fruit packaging can absorb the ripening hormone ethylene while the food is being stored to ensure a longer shelf life.

Figure 1: Classification of smart packaging systems

Figure 2: Mechanisms of Active and Intelligent Packaging. a. Active b. Intelligent

APPLICATIONS AND BENEFITS OF SMART PACKAGING

1. Beyond providing storage for agricultural products and food, smart packaging is playing significant roles in providing food safety to consumers. According to this article, more than 6 million cases of foodborne diseases occur every year in the United States, potentially leading to more than 9,000 deaths. It is estimated that in Spain, there are 60 cases of foodborne disease per 100,000 inhabitants every year. In light of this, smart packaging technology utilises biosensors to detect pathogens in food like E. coli, Listeria and Salmonella before consumers take it home.
2. Other areas of application include moisture absorbers: Smart packaging utilises moisture absorbers used in food products like dried fruits, and certain condiments. They help to absorb excess moisture, preventing the growth of microorganisms and maintaining the product’s texture, flavour, and quality.
3. Antimicrobial packaging solutions: smart packaging technology uses some antibacterial agents that reduce microbial activities that could otherwise cause deterioration and increase the shelf life of the products.
4. Carbon Dioxide emitters, antioxidants and oxygen scavengers, embedded into the packaging.

Figure 3: Overview of the Applications of mart Packaging

According to Sttark, smart packaging technologies offer some advantages as listed hereunder:

• Improved Product Safety: With associated features such as temperature control, ventilation, tracking, etc., intelligent packaging can help ensure that products are delivered to consumers in optimal condition.
• Reduced Wastage: It provides the needed technological support to reduce food wastage. This is done by increasing the shelf life and consequently preserving food products with the required conditions to remain relatively fresh, safe, and of high quality until consumption. It further contributes to the reduction of about 30% of food loss and wastes globally.
• Enhanced User Experience: You could interact with your smart packaging device for a more engaging and personalised experience for consumers. For example, knowing the present condition of your food at the time it was bought or delivered will provide a better user experience and motivate the user in getting the same product.
• Increased Efficiency: These packaging solutions can help businesses streamline their supply chain and reduce waste by providing real-time data on product conditions. This promotes efficiency and effectiveness in the food supply and value chains
• Brand Differentiation: By incorporating innovative technology into their packaging, businesses can stand out from their competitors and create a unique brand image.

OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES OF SMART PACKAGING

1. One of the major opportunities for smart packaging is to improve food quality, safety and food loss reduction. It also promotes efficient food supply and distribution processes by designing packaging containers suitable for reducing damage that may result from transportation. By incorporating sensors and software into packaging, smart packaging can provide real-time monitoring and tracking of key indicators such as airflow, temperature, and humidity. Smart packaging ultimately ensures the food products are stored and transported under optimal conditions which helps to prevent spoilage, contamination, and other safety issues that can affect product quality and consumer health.
2. Smart packaging also provides an opportunity to reduce food waste and enhance sustainability. Utilising materials that can regulate moisture and gas exchange, can help extend the shelf life of products thereby reducing the likelihood of deterioration, spoilage, and waste. Most smart packaging also incorporates recycling procedures for disposal which essentially promote environmental sustainability. 

Despite all the benefits and potentials of smart packaging for the food system in general, smart packaging also presents several challenges that need to be addressed. Addressing the challenges will further increase the adoption rates and enhance even more innovation.

1. One of the key challenges is the cost and complexity of the technology. Smart packaging requires the use of advanced materials like nanomaterials, sensors, and software applications that in all cases increase the implementation and utilisation costs compared to conventional packaging.  The incorporation of electronic devices and sensors into the packaging can also increase the complexity and reliability issues.
2. Another budding challenge of smart packaging is the privacy and security of data. Smart packaging collects and stores data about the product and the user, which can raise privacy concerns if the data is accessed or used without consent. Moreover, the integration of electronic devices and software into the packaging can also increase the risk of hacking, data security breaches, or cyber-attacks, which can compromise the integrity of the brand, safety and reliability of the product.