Active and Intelligent Packaging for the Food Industry

In the recent past, food packaging was used to enable marketing of products and to provide passive protection against environmental contaminations or influences that affect the shelf life of the products. However, unlike traditional packaging, which must be totally inert, active packaging is designed to interact with the contents and/or the surrounding environment. Active packaging systems are successfully used to increase the shelf life of processed foods and can be categorized into adsorbing and releasing systems (for example, oxygen scavengers, ethylene scavengers, liquid and moisture absorbers, flavor and odor absorbers or releasers, antimicrobials, etc.). Intelligent packaging is characterized by its ability to monitor the condition of packaged food or the environment by providing information about different factors during transportation and storage. Intelligent packaging includes time-temperature indicators, gas detectors, and freshness and/or ripening indicators. At the same time, advances in nanotechnology and the improvement of nanomaterials will enable the development of better and new active and intelligent packaging. Such packaging provides great benefits to the food industry to improve freshness, shelf-life of food, and allows monitoring to control the storage conditions from the place of production to consumption by the final consumer.     

Food Packaging: A Comprehensive Review and Future Trends

Innovations in food packaging systems will help meet the evolving needs of the market, such as consumer preference for “healthy” and high‐quality food products and reduction of the negative environmental impacts of food packaging. Emerging concepts of active and intelligent packaging technologies provide numerous innovative solutions for prolonging shelf‐life and improving the quality and safety of food products. There are also new approaches to improving the passive characteristics of food packaging, such as mechanical strength, barrier performance, and thermal stability. The development of sustainable or green packaging has the potential to reduce the environmental impacts of food packaging through the use of edible or biodegradable materials, plant extracts, and nanomaterials. Active, intelligent, and green packaging technologies can work synergistically to yield a multipurpose food‐packaging system with no negative interactions between components, and this aim can be seen as the ultimate future goal for food packaging technology. This article reviews the principles of food packaging and recent developments in different types of food packaging technologies. Global patents and future research trends are also discussed.     

Active food packaging technologies

Active packaging technologies offer new opportunities for the food industry, in the preservation of foods. Important active packaging systems currently known to date, including oxygen scavengers, carbon dioxide emitters/absorbers, moisture absorbers, ethylene absorbers, ethanol emitters, flavor releasing/absorbing systems, time-temperature indicators, and antimicrobial containing films, are reviewed. The principle of operation of each active system is briefly explained. Recent technological advances in active packaging are discussed, and food related applications are presented. The effects of active packaging systems on food quality and safety are cited.     

Active and intelligent packaging systems for a modern society

Active and intelligent packaging systems are continuously evolving in response to growing challenges from a modern society. This article reviews: (1) the different categories of active and intelligent packaging concepts and currently available commercial applications, (2) latest packaging research trends and innovations, and (3) the growth perspectives of the active and intelligent packaging market. Active packaging aiming at extending shelf life or improving safety while maintaining quality is progressing towards the incorporation of natural active agents into more sustainable packaging materials. Intelligent packaging systems which monitor the condition of the packed food or its environment are progressing towards more cost-effective, convenient and integrated systems to provide innovative packaging solutions. Market growth is expected for active packaging with leading shares for moisture absorbers, oxygen scavengers, microwave susceptors and antimicrobial packaging. The market for intelligent packaging is also promising with strong gains for time–temperature indicator labels and advancements in the integration of intelligent concepts into packaging materials.     

A review on colorimetric indicators for monitoring product freshness in intelligent food packaging: Indicator dyes,preparation methods,and applications

Intelligent food packaging system exhibits enhanced communication function by providing dynamic product information to various stakeholders (e.g., consumers, retailers, distributors) in the supply chain. One example of intelligent packaging involves the use of colorimetric indicators, which when subjected to external stimuli (e.g., moisture, gas/vapor, electromagnetic radiation, temperature), display discernable color changes that can be correlated with real-time changes in product quality. This type of interactive packaging system allows continuous monitoring of product freshness during transportation, distribution, storage, and marketing phases. This review summarizes the colorimetric indicator technologies for intelligent packaging systems, emphasizing on the types of indicator dyes, preparation methods, applications in different food products, and future considerations. Both food and nonfood indicator materials integrated into various carriers (e.g., paper-based substrates, polymer films, electrospun fibers, and nanoparticles) with material properties optimized for specific applications are discussed, targeting perishable products, such as fresh meat and fishery products. Colorimetric indicators can supplement the traditional “Best Before” date label by providing real-time product quality information to the consumers and retailers, thereby not only ensuring product safety, but also promising in reducing food waste. Successful scale-up of these intelligent packaging technologies to the industrial level must consider issues related to regulatory approval, consumer acceptance, cost-effectiveness, and product compatibility.     

Applications of natural polysaccharide-based pH-sensitive films in food packaging: Current research and future trends

With the increased awareness of food safety and growing environmental concern of plastic packaging disposal, the research and development of novel food packaging is extremely urgent and attracts much attention. Natural polysaccharides are ideal candidate materials to develop “green” food packaging due to their biodegradable properties and good film-forming properties. Especially, the natural polysaccharides-based intelligent films can provide consumers the real-time information about the quality and safety of the packaged food through the pH-sensitive indicators. Consequently, this paper summarized the current researches on the development of natural polysaccharides-based pH-sensitive films. Then, the applications of natural polysaccharides-based pH-sensitive films in food packaging, including the packaging for meat products, fruits and vegetables, etc., are emphasized. Finally, an overview of the trends/challenges of pH-sensitive films in food packaging is discussed. Taken together, the natural polysaccharide-based pH-sensitive food packaging films show more advantages as compared with the common food package films, which can not only protect the packaged food, but also monitor the quality of packaged food in real time. Nevertheless, the further studies should continue to focus on the commercially sustainable key points including consumer acceptance and trust, cost, regulatory considerations and multifunctional performance of the pH-sensitive food packaging films.     

Quality and safety aspects of meat products as affected by various physical manipulations of packaging materials

This article explores the effects of physically manipulated packaging materials on the quality and safety of meat products. Recently, innovative measures for improving quality and extending the shelf-life of packaged meat products have been developed, utilizing technologies including barrier film, active packaging, nanotechnology, microperforation, irradiation, plasma and far-infrared ray (FIR) treatments. Despite these developments, each technology has peculiar drawbacks which will need to be addressed by meat scientists in the future. To develop successful meat packaging systems, key product characteristics affecting stability, environmental conditions during storage until consumption, and consumers' packaging expectations must all be taken into consideration. Furthermore, the safety issues related to packaging materials must also be taken into account when processing, packaging and storing meat products.     

Active Packaging Applications for Food

The traditional role of food packaging is continuing to evolve in response to changing market needs. Current drivers such as consumer's demand for safer, “healthier,” and higher‐quality foods, ideally with a long shelf‐life; the demand for convenient and transparent packaging, and the preference for more sustainable packaging materials, have led to the development of new packaging technologies, such as active packaging (AP). As defined in the European regulation (EC) No 450/2009, AP systems are designed to “deliberately incorporate components that would release or absorb substances into or from the packaged food or the environment surrounding the food.” Active packaging materials are thereby “intended to extend the shelf‐life or to maintain or improve the condition of packaged food.” Although extensive research on AP technologies is being undertaken, many of these technologies have not yet been implemented successfully in commercial food packaging systems. Broad communication of their benefits in food product applications will facilitate the successful development and market introduction. In this review, an overview of AP technologies, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant or carbon dioxide‐releasing systems, and systems absorbing oxygen, moisture or ethylene, is provided, and, in particular, scientific publications illustrating the benefits of such technologies for specific food products are reviewed. Furthermore, the challenges in applying such AP technologies to food systems and the anticipated direction of future developments are discussed. This review will provide food and packaging scientists with a thorough understanding of the benefits of AP technologies when applied to specific foods and hence can assist in accelerating commercial adoption.     

Electrospinning of nanofibers: Potentials and perspectives for active food packaging

Electrospun nanofibers with structural and functional advantages have drawn much attention due to their potential applications for active food packaging. The traditional role of food packaging is just storage containers for food products. The changes of retailing practice and consumer demand promote the development of active packaging to improve the safety, quality, and shelf life of the packaged foods. To develop the technique of electrospinning for active food packaging, electrospun nanofibers have been covalently or non‐covalently functionalized for loading diverse bioactive compounds including antimicrobial agents, antioxidant agents, oxygen scavengers, carbon dioxide emitters, and ethylene scavengers. The aim of this review is to present a concise but comprehensive summary on the progress of electrospinning techniques for active food packaging. Emphasis is placed on the tunability of the electrospinning technique, which achieves the modification of fiber composition, orientation, and architecture. Efforts are also made to provide functionalized strategies of electrospun polymeric nanofibers for food packaging application. Furthermore, the existing limitations and prospects for developing electrospinning in food packaging area are discussed.     

食品智能包装新鲜度指示剂研究进展

作为智能包装不可缺少的一部分——新鲜度指示剂,通过指示敏感材料,与食品腐败过程中产生的特定产物发生反应,并将反应结果转换成易于消费者直接观察和判断的信号,如：颜色信号、电信号、荧光信号等,为消费者提供实时质量监控信息,本文综述了食品智能包装新鲜度指示剂的分类,包括CO₂敏感型指示剂、TVB-N敏感型指示剂、pH敏感型指示剂及其成型工艺,涵盖了食品智能包装新鲜度指示剂的应用,旨在为食品智能包装新鲜度指示剂的发展提供参考,为食品损失和污染等传统包装问题提供了潜在的解决方案,其后续发展应朝着方便、快捷、实时显示食品质量变化的方向,以减少因食品质量差和安全问题带来的健康问题,研发新型的新鲜度指示剂,有利于将智能包装技术推广至更多的包装应用中,为产品质量提供理论指导与技术支撑。     

Application of Modified Atmosphere Packaging and Active/Smart Technologies to Red Meat and Poultry: A Review

This paper reviews the current advances in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) of red meat and poultry products. This type of packaging results in shelf-life prolongation by inhibiting microbial growth and promoting oxidative stability, compared to those packaged aerobically. High O₂ modified atmosphere packaging results in the desirable red colour, but it also enhances both lipid and pigment oxidation and promotes the growth of aerobic spoilage microorganisms. The presence of high levels of CO₂ in modified atmosphere packages inhibits microbial growth but can also cause meat discoloration through oxidation. Low O₂ MAP atmospheres limit microbial growth but change the colour of meat to purple. The use of CO gives promising results due to its positive effects on colour and microorganism growth inhibitions which result in shelf-life prolongation during wider distribution of case-ready products. The use of MAP can lead to an effective growth reduction of pathogenic microorganisms like Listeria sp. and Salmonella sp. The combination of MAP and vacuum with other treatments can be an effective tool in delivering safe minimally processed foodstuffs. In response to the changes in consumer demand and market trends, the area of active and intelligent/smart packaging is becoming more and more important. These relatively new technologies are capable of providing better results regarding product safety and shelf-life prolongation as well as communicating information on several quality characteristics of packaged food during transportation and storage.     

基于生物可降解材料的活性包装在熟肉制品中的应用进展

肉制品不仅营养丰富,而且是微生物的良好生长介质。在贮藏运输过程中科学合理的包装方式能够有效抑制肉制品的腐败变质,从而保证肉制品品质。活性包装作为目前迅速发展的新技术之一,在驱除氧气、控制二氧化碳含量、抗氧化和抑菌方面已取得一定的研究成果,并在肉制品加工产业中得到应用。同时可降解的环保材料能够减少塑料污染,符合绿色生态环保的发展理念,并有助于实现食品包装产业的可持续发展。本文综述了基于生物可降解材料的活性包装在肉制品加工产业中的应用现状,以及该类活性包装对熟肉制品货架期、脂肪氧化和蛋白氧化等品质的影响及其机制,以期推进活性包装在熟肉制品中的应用并为相关研究提供理论指导。     

活性包装对肉制品品质及货架期影响的研究进展

活性包装是一种新型包装方式,它能有效减少食品微生物污染,抑制蛋白质、脂质的氧化,使产品维持较高的品质,延长产品货架期。本文主要介绍了活性包装常用的活性物质及其作用机制,讨论了活性包装影响肉制品品质和货架期的最新研究成果,以期对活性包装在肉制品中的应用提供理论依据,并指导相关的科学研究。     

Current topics in active and intelligent food packaging for preservation of fresh foods

The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of current packaging systems, e.g. active packaging and intelligent packaging, for various foods. Active packaging, such as modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), extends the shelf life of fresh produce, provides a high‐quality product, reduces economic losses, including those caused by delay of ripening, and improves appearance. However, in active packaging, several variables must be considered, such as temperature control and different gas formulations with different product types and microorganisms. Active packaging refers to the incorporation of additive agents into packaging materials with the purpose of maintaining or extending food product quality and shelf life. Intelligent packaging is emerging as a potential advantage in food processing and is an especially useful tool for tracking product information and monitoring product conditions. Moreover, intelligent packaging facilitates data access and information exchange by altering conditions inside or outside the packaging and product. In spite of these advantages, few of these packaging systems are commercialized because of high cost, strict safety and hygiene regulations or limited consumer acceptance. Therefore more research is needed to develop cheaper, more easily applicable and effective packaging systems for various foods. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry     

包装技术在肉制品保鲜中的研究进展

肉制品包装是保障肉制品质量和延长货架期的重要手段。随着消费者对肉制品质量要求的不断提高,现代食品包装技术的重要性日益突出。因此,肉制品包装技术的开发与创新是肉品行业的发展趋势。本文综述了真空包装、气调包装、活性包装以及智能包装在肉制品保鲜领域的研究进展,提出肉制品保鲜包装技术目前存在的问题以及发展趋势,以期为我国未来肉制品包装技术的研发和应用提供参考依据。     

High throughput non-destructive assessment of quality and safety of packaged food products using phosphorescent oxygen sensors

Intelligent and active packaging technologies have gained attention in recent time due to increased demand by the consumers and manufacturers for sustaining the quality and safety of food products, improved shelf-life as well as real time monitoring of the packaging, storage and handling processes. In this context, phosphorescence based sensors for molecular oxygen (O₂) are important tools for monitoring of packaged products, new product development and optimisation. They allow fast, reversible, real-time and quantitative monitoring of residual O₂ levels in a non-destructive manner, being superior over alternative systems. In this review, we describe the main types of phosphorescent O₂-sensitive materials, fabrication methods and general requirements for sensors for food packaging applications. The main developments and representative examples are provided which illustrate the application of such sensors for monitoring of gaseous and dissolved O₂ in various types of packaged foods and beverages. We also compare commercial O₂ sensing instrumentation and disposable O₂ sensors currently in use.     

Recent Application of Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) in Fresh and Fresh-Cut Foods

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) has been applied in the food industry for about 90 years to extend shelf life and maintain quality of fresh and fresh-cut foods. Recently, MAP has experienced a rapid development in both scientific and industrial communities, which was one of the most appropriate and practical technologies for packaging fresh and fresh-cut produce. This paper reviews some recent developments of newly emerged MAP systems such as high-oxygen MAP, controlled MAP, and intelligent MAP and provides an overview of MAP applications for fresh and fresh-cut fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, meat, and aquatic products.     

智能包装技术在食品供应链中的应用研究进展

食物浪费问题是全世界亟待解决的难题,智能包装能实现产品的实时跟踪,为食品包装决策提供信息支持,从而降低食品的损耗。本文综述了智能包装的概念、国内外智能包装技术（时间-温度指示剂、泄漏指示剂、新鲜度监测技术、成熟度监测技术、条码技术、射频识别技术、增强现实技术）在食品领域中的研究进展和智能包装技术现存的问题。提出了智能包装技术低成本化、多功能化以及安全化的发展方向,以期推广智能包装技术的应用,减少食物浪费。     

负载天然色素的生物基智能包装指示器研究进展

智能包装指示器能够基于其检测、感知和记录产品环境变化的能力为消费者提供被包装食品新鲜度、安全性或食品环境条件(温度、pH值、气体氛围)等的有效信息,是传统包装传播信息能力的延伸,并且有助于改善危害分析与关键控制点(HACCP)和质量分析与关键控制点(QACCP)系统,有助于现场检测不安全食品,识别潜在的健康危害,并制定策略以减少或消除食品安全问题发生。生物基智能包装系统因采用可降解、可再生材料向消费者直观显示包装食品在供应链中的品质相关信息,契合循环经济和可持续发展的需求而备受关注。介绍了以天然色素(花青素、叶绿素、姜黄素和甜菜素等)为敏感元件,以生物基聚合物(多糖、蛋白质、脂质和改性纤维素等)为载体的环境友好型智能包装指示器(pH值感应、时间-温度感应、气体感应等)的类型、功能适应性及其在监控食品品质、储运环境等方面的新趋势、新进展。     

Active and intelligent packaging for food: Is it the future?

This paper gives an overview of the legal consequences of a new EU framework regulation on food contact materials which includes controls on active and intelligent packaging. Recent developments in active and intelligent packaging systems are described, two examples of which aim at achieving improvements in quality and safety of food products. The first one is an on-command preservative-releasing packaging system. The second system is an intelligent concept, based on the development of a non-invasive microbial growth sensor to monitor the sterility of food products.