Packaging is one of the sectors where the “smart” applications are of serious interest, among the totality of the retail production chain. E-paper as Smart packaging in food technology seems to be interesting in this context.
This is because it concerns the potential of the prevailing printing methods and processes to print the new substrates or to add smart technologies to the package.
UK-based Plastic Logic says it’s developed a paper-like material whose display properties change when a voltage is applied. This is the start of E-paper as Smart Packaging in Food Technology.
The same techniques are often used for sensors, labels, RFID tags, Smart packaging, and disposable electronic gadgets.
Temperature of food can be read from its Smart Package
A newly developed label from KSW Microtec also enables food technology to monitor the temperature of the food products.
Application of this smart E Paper in food technology helps in the journey of food from the production stage to the consumer. This technology will help food companies ti drastically cut down the batches lost due to spoilage in transit.
Before this, several food technologists working in packaging sector are attempting to develop electronic inks and therefore the electronic flexible displays for years.
These electronic ink when used along side flexible plastic display technology would have the power to vary as per the imbedded instructions.
RFID in Smart Packaging
A convergence of emerging technologies that believe new materials (such as printed polymers) and tagging applications (such as RFID and EAS systems) are resulting in new concepts of “intelligent”, “smart” or “active” packaging.
Additionally , RFID are often defined as an automatic identification technology, being not simply a Universal Product Code replacement.
RFID has greater identification and functional capabilities than bar codes, like reading through obstacles and in hostile environments, and may carry sensors, and read/write memories possible. intrinsically it can cause active communication.
Packaging lies during a quite strong relation with the availability chain, being subjected to changes and developments caused within the more generic field of the availability chain.
Within this context, smart and intelligent applications for packaging are emerging from this more generic context of the availability chain.
Issues in E paper as Smart Packaging in Food Technology
A crucial issue is that the involvement of varied sectors within the development of E paper as smart packaging in food technology applications; these include among others the informatics, electronics and material development sectors.
However, the application of E paper in smart packaging of food technology helps in materials optimization, materials compatibility, device modelling, inkjet architecture.
The technology also helps in Low-cost atmospheric processing, which are easily compatible with sort of substrates. This also reduced materials costs and reduced environmental impact as well.
The best part is consumer will know the details of the food from this E paper or E label. More information about the food can be gathered which is not possible in traditional food label.
Naorem Mohen is a natural farmer, full-time blogger, and entrepreneur dedicated to promoting Manipur’s black rice Chakhao, local beverages, and edible mushrooms.