The Bombay Technologist

Intelligent Packaging : Types, Concepts and Applications

Manjari Mishal

Pankaj Rathod

Keywords: Intelligent, Packaging, Technology, Functions.

---

Abstract

Intelligent packaging is an emerging technique and is a culmination of "intelligent functions" that aids in decision making to achieve the benefits of enhanced food quality and also its safety. It uses communication function of the package for performing intelligent functions such as detecting, sensing, recording, tracing, communicating and applying scientific knowledge. Not only this, it also warns about possible dangers. A conceptual framework is also developed to provide more precise meaning to the definition and to explicate the structure of this advanced system. Latest advances in this field include barcode labels, radio frequency identification tags, time temperature indicators, user friendly software, robotics and sensors. This promising technique also offers considerable potential as a marketing tool and the establishment of brand differentiation in certain products. Though various arduous challenges are posing as an impediment for this technology yet this branch has propagated with enormous boom. Recognition of the benefits of this technology by the food industry, development of economically viable packaging systems and increased consumer acceptance is necessary for commercial realisation of these packaging technologies.