Revolutionizing Food Packaging: Scientists Introduce Smart Packaging Solution to Reduce Food Waste

Food packaging may look very different in the future. In a recent study, scientists suggest the idea of ​​usingsmart packaging‘.

Everyone is now familiar with the ‘best before’ stickers that are always found on food packages. In a recent study, scientists say that this sticker is very expensive and ‘far too conservative’. The sticker often means that good food has to be thrown away, forcing both food producers and consumers to spend unnecessary money each year. That is why it is now recommended smart packaging. This is a technology that is built into the package itself and actively ‘tests’ whether the basic food has spoiled or not. Scientist Tohid Didar contributed to the research. He explains: “We understand that people want their food to be safe to eat. In addition, people often don’t want to pay even more for their food – after all, food prices are already high. Nevertheless, we believe it is important to make people aware of the problems that exist (regarding food packaging, ed.) And we are ready for a conversation with politicians and policymakers to solve these problems.” The research is published in the journal Bioengineering Nature Reviews.

Cover Sentinel
In the study, the scientists mostly say that the current ‘best before’ sticker is very expensive at the moment, both directly and indirectly. This is largely due to the fact that this sticker is useless and ensures that edible food is thrown away. The scientists cite Canadian food waste as an example. For example, $40 billion worth of food is thrown away in this country every year. In addition to the monetary price tag, throwing away so much food has a negative impact on the environment. Finally, the scientists say that food is sometimes seen as very scarce at the moment. As a result, throwing away food unnecessarily can have unintended social consequences.

In the study, the scientists also mention several examples of this smart packaging – and what these could mean for society. This shows that they have mainly developed two different technologies that can be used directly as a package. First yes Cover Sentinel; plastic wrap that changes color when the packaged food spoils. Second is also Lab-on-a-package. This technology is more about adding a separate test box to the existing package. The test box emits a signal when the basic food is damaged. But other technologies are of particular interest to food manufacturers and supermarkets. There is also a gel that can prevent food from spoiling. The gel does this by attacking harmful bacteria.

Hesitant
There is an important reason why scientists are so keen to switch to alternative packaging materials. The scientists say that food producers are currently very reluctant to use new technologies that could increase food prices for consumers even further. Not only that; Many countries currently have food laws that make it very difficult to finally say goodbye to the ‘best before’ sticker. Fellow scientist Shadman Khan contributed to the research. He concludes: “We are busy building a network made up of governments and partners from the (food) industry. These parties are very keen to work with us and allow us to come up with possible solutions. Applying for patents is very different from developing a product that people can use.”