2 Sources
[1]
Using smart technologies, artificial intelligence in food packaging can reduce food waste
Outdated, inaccurate, and frequently incorrect labelling systems -- such as printed expiration dates -- play a major role in food waste issues, resulting in the unnecessary waste of safe, healthy food, higher greenhouse gas emissions, and financial losses.Food insecurity is one of humanity's most pressing challenges, impacting more than two billion people worldwide. Paradoxically, as so many suffer from lack of access to food, more than 30% of the world's food is wasted each year, driven by inefficiencies in production, distribution and consumption. Outdated, imprecise and often incorrect labelling systems - such as printed expiry dates - contribute to these huge problems, leading to the unnecessary disposal of safe, healthy food, increased greenhouse gas emissions and financial losses. Addressing these crises requires bold investment in sustainable technologies that are already tested and available. These include smart food-packaging innovations that provide real-time food quality monitoring in every package. This would allow producers, retailers and consumers to receive up-to-date information through the package itself. Real-time information Unlike traditional expiration-date labels that communicate only time, food packaging innovations use advanced sensors and artificial intelligence to measure spoilage indicators such as pH balance, bacterial growth and biogenic amines. This allows for dynamic and up-to-the-minute tracking of food freshness. These systems would increase food safety and prevent food fit for consumption from being thrown out. The early and highly specific warnings they provide would also reduce the need for costly and labour-intensive testing when problems occur. Despite the promise of these scientifically proven systems, getting them into the marketplace is a significant challenge. Corporations often resist smart packaging due to higher costs and tight profit margins in the highly competitive food sector. Innovative solutions However, the wider economic argument for smart packaging is compelling: food waste contributes to hundreds of billions of dollars in global annual losses, and smart solutions can reduce these losses substantially. By quantifying the potential savings - such as reduced spoilage, fewer recalls, less food-related illness and lower legal liabilities - public and private stakeholders can understand why it's valuable to share the cost of these innovations. These technologies also align nicely with growing consumer demand for sustainability and transparency in food systems. Reducing food waste through smart food packaging would lower greenhouse gas emissions, conserve agricultural resources and reduce the strain on global supply chains. Such innovations can help improve food availability, especially in underserved regions where food insecurity is most acute, fostering healthier and more resilient communities. Policymakers and industry leaders can create an appetite for change by regarding solutions as investments in people and the planet, not just profits. Regulatory bodies must take bold steps, as we have seen in California's elimination of "sell by" dates, which motivated producers to rethink their labelling strategies. Governments can further incentivise smart food-packaging adoption through tax benefits, subsidies, or funding for companies to integrate real-time monitoring technologies. Such measures would make this beneficial change more economically viable for corporations. Empowering consumers Smart food packaging would also empower consumers to make informed decisions. Innovations such as AI-enabled apps that predict food freshness from smartphone photos can help households reduce waste by determining the safety of food without needing to open the package. Smart packaging platforms should prioritize universal applications that work across food types, rather than niche, highly customized systems. Investing in sustainable innovations to address food insecurity would also deliver broader economic and environmental benefits. Reduced food waste translates to lower greenhouse gas emissions, less strain on agricultural systems and significant savings across supply chains. For developing nations disproportionately affected by food insecurity, smart packaging technologies can be transformative, extending shelf life and improving distribution efficiency. Collaboration across industry, academia and government is vital to getting these solutions into broad use. Profit and societal benefits Researchers and innovators must work with corporations to develop proven prototypes into cost-effective, high-performance technologies, while policymakers need to create frameworks to incentivise adoption. Investments must prioritise not just economic returns but also long-term societal benefits. As a researcher developing smart food packaging platforms, I have seen firsthand how interdisciplinary partnerships accelerate the translation of bold ideas into practical solutions. I have led research teams that have developed technologies such as Lab-in-a-Package and sprayable bacteriophage microgels. These innovations simultaneously improve food safety and reduce waste. Addressing food insecurity demands a holistic, sustainable approach that brings together technological innovation, supportive policies and societal awareness. By investing in smart, scalable solutions, we can transform our food systems to ensure less food is wasted.
[2]
Using smart technologies and artificial intelligence in food packaging can reduce food waste
Food insecurity is one of humanity's most pressing challenges, impacting more than 2 billion people worldwide. Paradoxically, as so many suffer from lack of access to food, more than 30% of the world's food is wasted each year, driven by inefficiencies in production, distribution and consumption. Outdated, imprecise and often incorrect labeling systems -- such as printed expiry dates -- contribute to these huge problems, leading to the unnecessary disposal of safe, healthy food, increased greenhouse gas emissions and financial losses. Addressing these crises requires bold investment in sustainable technologies that are already tested and available. These include smart food-packaging innovations that provide real-time food quality monitoring in every package. This would allow producers, retailers and consumers to receive up-to-date information through the package itself. Real-time information Unlike traditional expiration-date labels that communicate only time, food packaging innovations use advanced sensors and artificial intelligence to measure spoilage indicators such as pH balance, bacterial growth and biogenic amines. This allows for dynamic and up-to-the-minute tracking of food freshness. These systems would increase food safety and prevent food fit for consumption from being thrown out. The early and highly specific warnings they provide would also reduce the need for costly and labor-intensive testing when problems occur. Despite the promise of these scientifically proven systems, getting them into the marketplace is a significant challenge. Corporations often resist smart packaging due to higher costs and tight profit margins in the highly competitive food sector. Innovative solutions However, the wider economic argument for smart packaging is compelling: food waste contributes to hundreds of billions of dollars in global annual losses, and smart solutions can reduce these losses substantially. By quantifying the potential savings -- such as reduced spoilage, fewer recalls, less food-related illness and lower legal liabilities -- public and private stakeholders can understand why it's valuable to share the cost of these innovations. These technologies also align nicely with growing consumer demand for sustainability and transparency in food systems. Reducing food waste through smart food packaging would lower greenhouse gas emissions, conserve agricultural resources and reduce the strain on global supply chains. Such innovations can help improve food availability, especially in underserved regions where food insecurity is most acute, fostering healthier and more resilient communities. Policymakers and industry leaders can create an appetite for change by regarding solutions as investments in people and the planet, not just profits. Regulatory bodies must take bold steps, as we have seen in California's elimination of "sell by" dates, which motivated producers to rethink their labeling strategies. Governments can further incentivize smart food-packaging adoption through tax benefits, subsidies, or funding for companies to integrate real-time monitoring technologies. Such measures would make this beneficial change more economically viable for corporations. Empowering consumers Smart food packaging would also empower consumers to make informed decisions. Innovations such as AI-enabled apps that predict food freshness from smartphone photos can help households reduce waste by determining the safety of food without needing to open the package. Smart packaging platforms should prioritize universal applications that work across food types, rather than niche, highly customized systems. Investing in sustainable innovations to address food insecurity would also deliver broader economic and environmental benefits. Reduced food waste translates to lower greenhouse gas emissions, less strain on agricultural systems and significant savings across supply chains. For developing nations disproportionately affected by food insecurity, smart packaging technologies can be transformative, extending shelf life and improving distribution efficiency. Collaboration across industry, academia and government is vital to getting these solutions into broad use. Profit and societal benefits Researchers and innovators must work with corporations to develop proven prototypes into cost-effective, high-performance technologies, while policymakers need to create frameworks to incentivize adoption. Investments must prioritize not just economic returns but also long-term societal benefits. As a researcher developing smart food packaging platforms, I have seen firsthand how interdisciplinary partnerships accelerate the translation of bold ideas into practical solutions. I have led research teams that have developed technologies such as Lab-in-a-Package and sprayable bacteriophage microgels. These innovations simultaneously improve food safety and reduce waste. Addressing food insecurity demands a holistic, sustainable approach that brings together technological innovation, supportive policies and societal awareness. By investing in smart, scalable solutions, we can transform our food systems to ensure less food is wasted.
Share
Copy Link
Innovative smart food packaging technologies using AI and advanced sensors aim to reduce global food waste, improve food safety, and address food insecurity by providing real-time monitoring of food quality.
Food insecurity affects over 2 billion people worldwide, yet paradoxically, more than 30% of the world's food is wasted annually due to inefficiencies in production, distribution, and consumption 12. A significant contributor to this waste is outdated and inaccurate food labeling systems, such as printed expiration dates, which often lead to the disposal of safe, edible food.
To address these issues, researchers and innovators are developing smart food packaging technologies that provide real-time food quality monitoring. Unlike traditional expiration date labels, these advanced systems use sensors and artificial intelligence to measure various spoilage indicators:
This technology allows for dynamic, up-to-the-minute tracking of food freshness, potentially increasing food safety and reducing unnecessary waste 12.
Several AI-powered innovations are being developed to revolutionize food packaging:
The economic argument for smart packaging is compelling:
Additionally, reducing food waste through smart packaging would have substantial environmental benefits, including lower greenhouse gas emissions and conservation of agricultural resources 12.
Despite the potential benefits, implementing smart packaging faces several challenges:
To overcome these obstacles, several strategies have been proposed:
Smart packaging technologies have the potential to transform food systems globally, with particular benefits for developing nations disproportionately affected by food insecurity. These innovations can extend shelf life, improve distribution efficiency, and foster healthier, more resilient communities 12.
As the world grapples with the dual challenges of food insecurity and waste, smart food packaging powered by AI and advanced sensors offers a promising solution. By combining technological innovation, supportive policies, and increased societal awareness, we can work towards a future where less food is wasted and more people have access to safe, nutritious meals.
Google has launched its new Pixel 10 series, featuring improved AI capabilities, camera upgrades, and the new Tensor G5 chip. The lineup includes the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL, with prices starting at $799.
60 Sources
Technology
11 hrs ago
60 Sources
Technology
11 hrs ago
Google launches its new Pixel 10 smartphone series, showcasing advanced AI capabilities powered by Gemini, aiming to compete with Apple in the premium handset market.
22 Sources
Technology
10 hrs ago
22 Sources
Technology
10 hrs ago
NASA and IBM have developed Surya, an open-source AI model that can predict solar flares and space weather with improved accuracy, potentially helping to protect Earth's infrastructure from solar storm damage.
6 Sources
Technology
19 hrs ago
6 Sources
Technology
19 hrs ago
Google's latest smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 4, introduces significant upgrades including a curved display, AI-powered features, and satellite communication capabilities, positioning it as a strong competitor in the smartwatch market.
18 Sources
Technology
10 hrs ago
18 Sources
Technology
10 hrs ago
FieldAI, a robotics startup, has raised $405 million to develop "foundational embodied AI models" for various robot types. The company's innovative approach integrates physics principles into AI, enabling safer and more adaptable robot operations across diverse environments.
7 Sources
Technology
11 hrs ago
7 Sources
Technology
11 hrs ago