The Advent of Smart Packaging

Smart packaging is something many businesses are using that takes them to the future. Known by some as connected packaging, it’s the digitization of packaging to engage with customers better, verify something is authentic, and provide a unique way to trace the journey of a product. 

Through QR codes and AR technology, these sensors on the packaging can give you some integral information about the product itself. Currently, brands are adopting this so that many times, they’re able to give customers the ideal experience. 

Smart Packaging Types 

There are two different types of smart packaging. These are active packaging, and intelligent packaging. 

Active packaging creates different environments for the packaging based on environmental stimuli. So, when it gets too cold, it can naturally warm up, and vice versa. In hot climates, this also may control the moisture too, so that it doesn’t seep into the product, or impact the packaging. 

The second is intelligent packaging. These are RFID and QR codes, and also sensors too.  with this, it provides unique real-time data about the item inside. the QR code might take you to ingredient stats and other important consumption information. 

RFID helps with ensuring hat the product is authentic, something a lot of luxury brands take advantage of. 

Who uses this 

It’s actually far more common than you’d think. 

Food and beverage industries use this in order to ensure that the packaging stays hot and cool for the customer. 

Various pharmaceuticals will also utilize this, especially if the item is very temperature-sensitive. They will utilize this technology in order to ensure that the medications aren’t compromised. 

Finally, electronics. QR codes are used to offer unique setup instructions that will help people use this better. 

The Benefits 

The benefits of this type of packaging are being experienced by many. 

First it does ensure a better shelf life and product safety. With this packaging, you can get real-time data on if the item is suitable for consumption, and the real sell-by/use by date.   If it’s not fresh, you can toss it out, saving you from foodborne diseases due to items inside. 

It also improves the supply chain management. You can track where something is in real-time, so you’re not sitting here waiting for updates. 

Finally, with QR codes that take you to various product information and social media pages, it improves the engagement with customers, and gives them all the information about their product, conveniently on their phone or tablet. 

Considerations and Challenges in employing This 

Smart technology is taking the world by storm, but there are various challenges that come with this. 

First, we’ve got the cost implications.   It costs a lot to implement, and smaller businesses might not be able to offer this immediately for their customers. Take a look and see if this type of technology is right for you. 

There are also technological limitations. Sure, it gives a lot of data, but it might not provide everything a customer needs to know about the item, and there are instances where supply chain information might be off. 

Finally, there are the security considerations. It does require users to fork over some aspects of their data, and they might not want to do it.

But we are seeing more of this in various sectors. While it might not work for everyone, it has a strong foundation in these fields, giving customers a different means to create the ideal experience that they can, and one that will benefit not just them, but the customers that they have as well, create the best possible experience rendered.

The Tasty Solution for Single-use Plastics

With single-use plastics being phased out by many businesses, a lot of brands are looking for unique means to really make packaging shine.

One way is edible packaging. This is an innovative type of solution that reduces a lot of the single-use plastics that are plaguing the food and drink industries. 

Edible packaging is being used by a lot of trendy startups and indie brands, but we’re seeing it as well in more well-known food packaging vendors.   The potential for this is immersive, as it may add value to the experience of the customer, while also addressing a severe environmental issue that’s been plaguing businesses of all kinds. 

What Edible Packaging Entails 

With edible packaging, one might think it’s just packaging you can eat. It’s much deeper than that however.

Edible packaging is a food-grade material, so it needs to be food.   The second thing is that it also is something that’s plant-based.   Seaweed, riche, even starches from plants are used for this.   They create wrappers, containers, and even films placed over the food. The customer is able to eat it. 

One example of this are wrappers for packaging such as sandwiches.   They can be made with seaweed and starches, creating an edible wrapper for people to enjoy. 

Now, it might seem so simple, but the thing is, you also need to teeter the line of fitting what you’re giving the customer. 

It isn’t just slapping some seaweed on something and calling it a day. The food that you use for food packaging does need to be in a manner that’s safe for people to consume, so if they’re prone to spoiling fast, you don’t use this. 

You also need to make sure it’s hygienic.   Food that’s dirty with food you’re selling is also not a good thing for you to have either. you need to make sure it’s clean. Some companies actually use a fresh container from the food packaging, and that’s enough for the food to be protected and clean.

The final thing is flavor compatibility.   This is something that’s a huge problem for a lot of brands. You need it to fit the item. The problem is, a lot of times it rarely adds value, and tends to taste a little bland. In that case, they may try to add some flavoring to it, in a manner that will enhance the experience. 

Is it Worth It? 

For some brands, yes.   Using edible packaging does reduce plastic waste. A lot of customers are focused on this, and they want a packaging that’s tasty and good to eat.   However it also is great as well for those who are worried about sustainability, because that’s a huge issue amongst younger customers. 

A lot of trendy startup restaurants and food trucks use this, because it’s simple to package, and also offers immense benefits.   So yes, there are some benefits to having this.

There are a few drawbacks, however. The biggest thing is that it’s complex.   You know from reading this alone you have to also factor in how good this will taste with the food, and also be safe.   you also want to make sure that it’s durable, and can hold the item inside. a heavy piece of food will crumble under seaweed packaging.

There’s a lot of factors and things to consider, but overall, if you can have these edible packaging items, such as water pods and condiment sachets that are edible, you’ll stay ahead of the game, and bring about new ways for consumers to have their packaging and well, eat it too!

How biodegradable Adhesive are Pioneering Eco Friendly Packaging

 More companies are going green. There’s boxes, various compostable bags, even inks that wash off after the package has been delivered. All great, right? 

But is there a means to actually be eco friendly with adhesives? A lot of tape is not sustainable, especially those made of plastic? Well, more companies are getting involved in using other means.

Traditional paper  tape is not recyclable, as it’s made from plastic and oils.   Again, it’s wasteful, and takes ages to break down. our landfills are filled with this. Companies want to change this, which is why, through their sustainability efforts, they can do just that. Biodegradable adhesives are one example of this newfound way to make your packaging safe and eco friendly for all! 

Types of Adhesives 

There’s a lot of different adhesives that you can use. 

The plant-based ones are pretty popular. Made from plant fibers, it works just like how regular tape does. Stick it on, take it off, but this one you can toss without feeling any sorts of regrets, since it isn’t made of pesky plastic.

The other one is water-activated or water-soluble adhesive. Paper tape is one example of this.   it dissolves directly in water. People like this one because despite it being water-soluble, it’s strong, and also creates a tamper-evident seal for the packaging. Again, if you want to make disposal easy, this is one way to do it.

Finally, we’ve got compostable adhesives. These are adhesives that you toss out back to the compost pile, or you give to a facility that composts. Again, this is a great way to also be sustainable with your adhesives, because it's easy to do.   you’d be surprised at just how magical compostable adhesives can be for the future of packaging.

Who Uses This? 

Any company that’s looking to be eco friendly will use this. if the plan is to go green, or push for green initiatives, then they’ll use this.

These adhesives work great for shipping boxes and packaging.   Labels are another one that can be sustainable through these adhesives. 

If you’re already trying to use eco-friendly ink, this is one way to take it to the next level. 

Sealing tapes are of course another. Again, if you’re looking to take your sustainability business to the next level, this is it. 

The Benefits of Such 

With biodegradable adhesives, it boosts the recyclability of the item.   You can literally recycle the box with it on, and don’t need to remove it. 

If you have customers that don’t really recycle, this is another good alternative. It allows them to be sustainable without doing too much work.

Finally, there’s the overarching benefit of reducing your environmental footprint. This is a good overall benefit, and it can work wonders for all people who are involved. 

The Future of These Adhesives 

With biodegradable adhesives, it’s a bit of a newer concept. There is the concern of proper sourcing, which is common for anything from corn and soybeans. 

However, there’s more changes than ever before. Some of these adhesives can disintegrate with water contact and specific environments for composting. This vastly speeds up the time for break down and giving back to the planet.

Again, there’s more and more types of adhesives hitting the market at affordable prices for a lot of people.   When you give people this type of packaging, always consider possibly taking it to a sustainable next level, for it can change not only the course of the markets, but also the overall customer reputation people have when looking at these sustainable alternatives not just for their packaging, but for the important adhesives too.

Edible Packaging for Perishables

When you’re shipping out perishable food and beverage items, you can get a little creative with this. creativity also encourages the importance of stability for many involved.

This is of course, through edible packaging. This type of packaging is made directly from materials that are edible, such as cellulose or other plant fibers, and is commonly implemented in food and beverage items. Here, we’ll go over some of the edible packaging factors to consider, along with the benefits and challenges. 

Features of Edible Packaging 

Edible packaging has some unique features. 

The first is the materials. They’re edible, so they’re made from seaweed, starches, and other natural substances. Basically, it needs to be safe to consume in some regard for it to be considered edible packaging. 

The packaging can be wraps, films, and other unique packaging fibers.   The goal is to safely secure and close up the items, making it easy for you to eat, while also being eco friendly. 

The packaging is also designed to protect, especially during transit.   These items will need to go through shipping and other factors, so giving the product a safe place to reside as it makes it to the location is important. Wraps that use seaweed can be packaged in a box and then pulled out and served for example. 

You also need to make sure that the packaging is safe for edibility. Many times, people don’t like to use edible packaging because they fear hygiene. However, edible packaging is safe to eat, and when you’re able to make this possible, customers will be happy. 

The Benefits and Challenges 

While edible packaging is still a new subject, it’s got a lot of benefits to it. 

The biggest one is how eco-friendly it is. This type of packaging can leave little to no waste, so if you’re a brand that prides themselves in that sort of thing, it’s almost necessary for you to have this.

It also can make it easier for you to get these fresh items with an extra flair to the customers. Some people like it because of the convenience. 

Meal kits, fresh produce, and the like are all types of packaging that benefit from edible packaging, and serve to help you with improving your carbon footprint. 

The biggest drawbacks are making sure the items are hygienic, while also maintaining the shelf life of the product. For example, seaweed wraps and the like are perishable items with a short shelf-life for them. In that case, you need to prepare enough to sell, without too much waste being left behind. When packaging the food in this edible packaging, ensure that the staff wash their hands and handle the items hygienically. 

If you do this, it does make this type of packaging easier for you to use, and results in more happy customers. 

The Real world applications of This Edible Packaging 

Where do people use edible packaging? Well, some brands have started to use edible wraps such as seaweed for their sandwiches and various other products. 

Cheese and snacks also benefit from starch paper, as it is easy to keep in one space. You can eat the candy, and then eat the packaging too.   There are also cups made out of a cellulose film, which is not as common, but is still considered to be a popular means for eating this type of edible packaging.

Overall, edible packaging works with quick-food items. If you’re selling something that will go fast, and also will really stand out, then you’re in luck, because there’s a lot to be had here, and a lot of great packaging incentives to choose.