Intelligent plastics packaging that warns when food is going off is being developed at Strathclyde University in Scotland, targeting increased food safety and less food waste.
A new type of indicator, made of 'intelligent plastics', changes colour when food is about to lose its freshness. It is designed to be used in modified atmosphere packaging, which creates conditions to prolong shelf life.
The new type of indicator would be an integral part of the packaging, and ‘far less expensive’ than the alternative of inserting labels in a pack, say the researchers.
"We are aiming to eliminate this cost with new plastics for the packaging industry,” says project leader Professor Andrew Mills.
"We hope that this will reduce the risk of people eating food which is no longer fit for consumption and help prevent unnecessary waste of food. We also hope it will have a direct and positive impact on the meat and seafood industries."
The project has received £325,000 in funding from the Scottish Enterprise Proof of Concept Programme.
