What is Intelligent Packaging?

Intelligent Packaging provides information communicating in the entire supply chain. 

Some examples of different types of smart and intelligent food packaging include:

1. QR code labels that provide consumers with information on product authenticity, origin, and ingredients.
2. Time-temperature indicators that change color to alert consumers if the product has been exposed to unfavorable temperature conditions.
3. RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) tags that enable real-time tracking of products throughout the supply chain.
4. Smart labels that use Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to connect with smartphones, providing consumers with interactive product information.
5. Intelligent ink that changes color based on the freshness of the product, providing consumers with real-time information on the product's quality.
6. Anti-counterfeit packaging that uses microchips or holograms to prevent imitation products from being sold.
7. Freshness indicators that use sensors to detect the level of oxygen or other gases in the package, indicating the freshness of the product.
8. Packaging that incorporates augmented reality (AR) technology to provide consumers with immersive product experiences.
9. Smart caps that monitor the quality of beverages and indicate when they are past their expiration date.
10. Temperature-controlled packaging that regulates the temperature of the product during transport and storage to ensure product safety and quality.

Dr. Claire Sand
Food Packaging Expert
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PTR has helps countless organizations optimize their packaging with smart and intelligent packaging solutions.  Identifying  the right packaging science and the value chain initiatives is the focus of our work.

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Featured Smart & Intelligent Packaging Case Study

Related Content & Insights

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Read our related Insights >

Select insights on the topic include:

• ARTICLE: 3 Food Packaging Predictions for 2025 You Can’t Afford to Ignore Packaging Digest February 2025
• PRESENTATION: Building the business case for intelligent packaging​
• ARTICLE: Toward Smart(er) Fresh Meat Packaging​
• ARTICLE:  How IoP Can Connect the Packaged Food Value Chain
• PRESENTATION:  Economics of food waste reduction as a function of packaging solutions

Frequently asked questions 

How does Smart Packaging work?
Smart packaging makes use of advanced technologies to deliver functions that go beyond the traditional job of packaging. Smart/Intelligent packaging includes time-temperature indications, freshness sensors, RFID tags, QR codes, and NFC chips. These technologies enable packaging to monitor and convey product information to customers or supply chain stakeholders in real time, such as location, temperature, freshness, and authenticity. This allows for improved product tracking and management throughout the value chain, resulting in higher quality and safety for end users.

​What are the benefits of Intelligent Packaging?
Smart Packaging and Intelligent Packaging can help improve shelf life, reduce food waste, and enhance safety and quality of products and provide enhanced information along the value chain.

Read our related Insights >

Articles, presentations and more on smart and intelligent packaging topics including ​top packaging solutions, category specific insights and more!

We frequently work with food industry clients on  intelligent packaging solutions including:

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Farms & Produce Companies

PTR projects include direct from farm packaging, support of produce packaging including fruit packaging and vegetable packaging 

Frozen Food Companies

Our project work includes frozen bakery packaging, frozen fruit packaging, frozen vegetable packaging and frozen meat packaging.

Bakery

Packaging for fresh breads, pastry packaging, cake packaging, desert packaging and more!