Proper packaging and timely distribution of food is essential to the success of a business. The packaging must be, above all, economical. Other factors like environment and practice come after how cost is affected. Millions of dollars are spent on research and development to make packaging concepts a reality. It is necessary to implement modern packaging concepts in shopping malls, restaurants and kitchens, which will be more than safe or durable. There may come a time when your packaging is edible, reusable, etc. So, in 2015, how close are we to making these concepts a reality? We have listed the top 3 technological advances in the world of packaging, let’s take a look.
1. Edible packaging
A simple apple is preserved within its own natural edible shell. Inspired by this, a team of researchers at Harvard University innovated a wide variety of foods that are tastefully packaged and delivered in a suitable edible shell. Sort of like butternut squash soup delivered in a spinach shell and chocolate syrup in a cherry shell. This serves many purposes. First of all, it reduces thrash and increases the flavor of the food. Interestingly, Japan has been using this type of packaging for quite a few years. They pack their sweets in edible rice wrappers.
2. Smart packaging
If your disposable food containers start to change color, don’t be surprised. Researchers at the University of Connecticut, Rutgers University, and Kraft Foods have invented an “electronic tongue.” In order to monitor whether or not the food has started to degrade, the idea came to life. The basic idea is to install sensors in the packaging that will give an indication by changing the color of your packaging in case the food is rotten or spoiled. Other features, like an instant preservative canister that stores food just before it starts to spoil. Another aspect is the antimicrobial packaging, which actively repels spoilage agents like bacteria that can spoil food and keeps it fresh. This definitely helps keep food fresh longer. Smart packaging is the new method adopted by packaging companies who want to save themselves from food spoilage, which is a really big problem.
3. Water soluble packaging
The only problem with the packaging is that it can be recycled or disposed of, eventually not allowing it to deteriorate. Disposal of packaging is a real problem and this revolutionary new product, invented by MonoSol for the fast food and instant food markets, is a water soluble packaging. Especially used in the case of foods such as cereals and soups that only require water to cook, this container dissolves easily in water and leaves absolutely no trace. This method is being highly recognized because it not only saves time but also saves a lot of effort and is working in the right direction to reduce waste.