Chesapeake, a global packaging supplier, and technology specialist Novalia are working together to integrate printed electronics into consumer packaging in a project being run by the UK National Printable Electronics Centre (PETEC), a business unit of the Centre for Process Innovation, of Redcar.
Carol Hammond, Head of R&D at Chesapeake, says: “The application potential for printed electronics is huge and developing the right solution will benefit many consumer markets. It is well documented, for example, that medical non-compliance costs lives and money. We believe the right packaging format using new developments in printed electronics can offer compliance packaging that will interact with a patient whilst being cost effective. Using a combination of commercially available materials as well as innovative components, the development work is being underpinned by state-of-the-art printing press technology.”
The collaboration is expected to create an interactive printed pack that can help patients comply with their medication regime. It will monitor when the medicine was taken, have the ability to issue a reminder and allow patients to check ongoing dosages as well as background product advice. The blister card containing tablets will be integral to the pack’s electronics.
The interactive elements are being ‘rigorously assessed’ to ensure they will perform throughout the life of the pack. This includes the manufacturing route as well as the product filling process, storage and the rigors of consumer use. The project aims to use commercially available flexo and litho printing.
Ms Hammond says: “We expect to complete the project in 2011. The new development will form the basis for creating a portfolio of interactive packaging solutions that specifically address customer requirements in identified target markets including healthcare, point of sale and brand promotion. It will also allow Chesapeake to demonstrate to its customers its ability to manufacture truly intelligent packaging. Chesapeake plans to engage in discussions with its customers to determine how this technology can enable value to be added their products.”
