Intelligent packaging is an emerging technology that can play a vital role in helping to reduce food waste. It is designed to monitor, protect, and modify the environment of a food product to maintain its quality and extend its shelf life. This type of packaging can be used to help reduce food waste by providing a better understanding of the food’s condition and when it needs to be consumed or disposed of.
One way this intelligent connected packaging can help reduce food waste is by providing time and temperature indicators. These indicators can tell the user when the food has reached its optimal quality and when it should be discarded. This allows users to make informed decisions on when to consume or discard the food instead of relying on estimates. Additionally, intelligent packaging can provide indicators of when food has been contaminated or is spoiled. This can help prevent the consumption of food that may be dangerous.
Image Source: Google
Another way intelligent packaging can help reduce food waste is by providing extended shelf life. Intelligent packaging is designed to protect the food from environmental factors such as oxygen, light, and humidity. This helps to keep food fresher for longer and reduces the chances of it being thrown away.