 Interactive packaging that's able to ‘talk' back to consumers could be less than a decade away, an international conference has been told.
Other emerging nanotechnologies include sensors and batteries as well as new scanning technologies. The use of these and printable electronics could help consumers and reduce costs and wastage.
Printable Electronics
Printable electronics refers to powered circuits emitting an electronic signal that can be printed cheaply onto packaging. Combined with the developments in smartphone technology, in particular the trend towards geo-location based software applications, this could enable products on the shelves being able to communicate with shoppers' devices. This would allow people to see the exact in-store location of the product they seek, or be told if an item is out of stock.
In the future, you will be able to have two-way communication with the package.
Smart Packaging
These are not the only smart packaging innovations planned. Other nanotech techniques currently planned include putting sensors into packaging which contain a dye that degrades in contact with food pathogens, alerting shoppers - through their devices - that the product has reached its use-by date. Another development is the inclusion in the packaging of an antimicrobial agent that could be triggered to help preserve food for longer.
The development of technology in recent years has changed consumers habits. They now want up-to-date information at their fingertips. As a consumer, how you engage with the product becomes important.
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