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Intelligent packaging inspired by nature

The orange peel, the egg, and the peapod are all examples of perfect packaging given to us by Mother Nature. Protection, sustainability and intelligence in harmony with the world around us. However, in the world of mainstream consumerism, bottles, canisters, vials, boxes and other containers have been around for centuries, yet remain passive objects that offer little value beyond retaining the product inside. Today, manufacturers, brand and consumers understand that packaging itself can be developed to offer many benefits in terms of product quality, convenience, and even communication.

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bottle and container active packaging

Smart packaging refers to a bottle or container that offers some kind of functionality beyond passive control of the product. smart product packaging can help extend shelf life, monitor shipping environment, measure product freshness, or improve safety and convenience. Active and intelligent packaging are subsets of IO packaging, with more advanced purpose and technologies. Brand owners are quickly realizing that they can increase brand loyalty and revenue with smart packaging. Consumers are willing to pay extra as lifestyles change and product packaging can give us access to information and convenience that we need.

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Intelligent packaging materials

While smart product packaging covers wide variety of materials, features and functions, the market can be broken down to active and intelligent packaging. The former refers to attributes that interact with the product to help extend shelf life, protect perishables, and keep food fresh longer. Intelligent packaging refers to a more technological approach, using sensors and algorithms to measure quantities, ensure product integrity and safety, and interact with brand and consumer, transmitting important data directly through packaging via sensors, RFID and even mobile phone apps. However, since price is still a key factor in market adoption, it is likely that non-commodity products will take the lead. For example, we see competitive development of active packaging in industries such as pharma, and specialized industries such as sports drinks, lifestyle, health and beauty.

technological packaging outlook

The smart packages industry is booming. According to a new market research report "Smart Packages Market by Technology (Active, Intelligent, and MAP), Industry Vertical (Food & Beverages, Automotive, Healthcare, Personal Care, and Others) & Geography - Global Forecast to 2020", published by MarketsandMarkets, the intelligent Packaging market size is expected to reach $39.7 Billion, growing at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2014 to 2020. Another report, published by Smither Pira states that “the global market for active packages is currently estimated at $5.3 billion and growing at CAGR of 8% for a projected value of $7.8 billion by 2021.”

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