The History of Active Packaging

by Cilicant In Cilicant

Active packaging is a type of packaging that actively interacts with the packaged product to improve its quality, safety, and shelf-life. This technology has been in development for several decades, and its history is a story of innovation, scientific breakthroughs, and commercial success.

The roots of this kind of packaging can be traced back to the 1950s when the first modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) systems were introduced. These systems, which involved modifying the composition of the air inside the package to slow the spoilage of fresh produce, were a significant step forward in packaging technology. They were widely adopted by the food industry, and by the 1970s, MAP had become a standard packaging method for fresh produce.

The Trace of Its Growth

In the 1980s, the concept of Active packaging technology began to take shape. Researchers began to explore packaging materials that could release active substances, such as antioxidants, antimicrobials, and oxygen scavengers, into the packaged product. The goal was to create packaging that could actively protect and preserve the quality of the product rather than simply providing a passive barrier.

One of the first successful examples of active packaging was using oxygen scavengers in food packaging. Oxygen is one of the primary causes of food spoilage, and oxygen scavengers are materials that can react with oxygen to remove it from the package. In the 1980s, researchers developed oxygen scavengers based on iron powder, which could be incorporated into the packaging material. By the 1990s, these oxygen scavenger systems were used in commercial food packaging.

Another breakthrough in Active packaging technology came in the 1990s with the development of time-temperature indicators (TTIs). These labels or tags can be attached to the packaging to monitor the temperature and time of storage or transport. TTIs can help to ensure that the product has been stored at the correct temperature and for the correct amount of time, which can help to prevent spoilage and ensure food safety.

In recent years, active packaging has continued to evolve and expand. New materials and technologies have been developed that can provide a range of functions, from antimicrobial activity to moisture control. For example, silver nanoparticles have been shown to have antimicrobial properties and can be incorporated into packaging materials to help prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.

Today, Active packaging is a mature and well-established technology used in various applications, from food and pharmaceuticals to consumer goods and electronics. Its success is due to the ongoing research and development in this field and the growing demand for high-quality, safe, and sustainable packaging solutions.