Braskem will highlight its research into technology that allows packs to change colour alerting the consumer when product is unfit for consumption.
The technology developed by Braskem, the biggest producer of thermoplastic resins in the Americas, in partnership with Clemson University in the US and Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul Federal University (UFRGS), will be presented by Braskem at Interpack 2017, Hall 9 – G15.
Intelligent packaging uses specific indicators to demonstrate the state of conservation of its contents, emitting an external alert. The packaging will change colour to warn the consumer if the product is unfit for consumption. This technology can be used for perishable product packaging in various sectors.
Chemical substances able to react to specific indicators of product damage are added to the thermoplastic resin used in the packaging. When product integrity suffers any type of alteration, it’s indicated by a change in the packaging’s hue.
In research conducted with poultry, meat and fish, for example, pH alterations determine a packaging colour change. Patrick Teyssonneyre, Braskem’s global director for Technology and Innovation, maintains that a product’s entire value chain can benefit from this technology.
“This gives consumers greater quality assurance on the products they take home, and, at the same time, allows companies to control product integrity after manufacture, either during transport or at the point of sale,” he points out.
Braskem began researching intelligent packaging in 2013, concluded Proof of Concept trials in 2015, and produced the first prototypes in 2016. It currently has available capacity for further development of studies in this area with interested sectors.
“Intelligent packaging needs to be customised for specific segments: this means it may be a few more years before it appears on supermarket shelves,” explained Teyssonneyre.
source-:http://www.packagingnews.co.uk/news/events/interpack/interpack-2017-braskem-researches-intelligent-packaging-27-04-2017
