Smart Layers in Food Packaging: What Would You Add On?
The third focus area in Stora Enso’s Innovative Food Packaging opportunity is Smart Layers in Food Packaging. Got ideas that could work? Below you can read about the solutions we are most interested in.
Packaging does not just have to be about keeping materials inside contained. The materials on it can be utilized to convey information to people handling the product in the supply chain or even the end consumers who pick it up from the store.
These and other add-ons can help improve the shelf-life of food products by helping preserve them better. Stora Enso is looking for solutions that can be integrated with their renewable product offering. We are open to any functional solution that achieves these ends, but if you want some inspiration, here are some examples to get your creativity sparked.
Active Barriers in Packaging
Barriers in packaging are usually used for preventing any substance in the packaging to exit it and vice versa. However, some foods like fruits or coffee beans, produce ripening compounds that should be let out for optimal shelf life. We want to think outside this box and find innovative solutions that control the barrier between the outside world and the food in a smarter way than traditional barriers. Do you have something that could be added on to our renewable packaging?
Thermo-Active Colors on Packaging
Before reaching the consumers fridge, or even the store shelf, foods must endure through a long and complicated supply chain. It must often remain cold and intact during this time. Many solutions exist in monitoring the supply chain, but few have been applied to the food packages themselves. Wouldn’t it be easiest if a package was able to communicate with people, telling them they got too warm or otherwise harmed during transport either in the supply chain or in the consumer’s shopping bag?
Expanding Layers for Tight Packaging
Especially with carton packaging, materials will inevitably have to be folded. When they are, weak points in the sealing appear especially in the corners. Again, current solutions rely largely on fossil-based materials if the issue is acknowledged at all. However, to achieve sustainability goals in reducing packaging related emissions and material waste, a renewable solution is needed. An example of a solution are expandable materials. Moreover, as empty packages should be transported unfolded taking as little space as possible for minimal carbon footprint, it would be fantastic if the material could be expanded by request. It is a big challenge to tackle, but we believe you have something to offer in this area as well!
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