Printed intelligence in packaging

Printing technologies incorporated with unique sensor materials and systems for packaging technologies are evolving, with a particular emphasis on the global concerns about food safety. VTT, Finland, an independent research organization, has carried out an extensive research on intelligent products and systems, combining biotechnology and information technology to develop printed diagnostic systems and optical reading systems for consumer packages. Researchers developed oxygen-sensitive indicators, which can be attached directly to the packaging material with inkjet printing during packaging, and can detect whether the food or pharmaceutical package has been damaged or opened. Individual product specific indicators also can be used with inkjet printing as an identifier for identification and location of packages in the same batch. Researchers have also developed demonstration software that recognizes the color of the indicator and informs the user the extent to which the color differs from the original color of the products in the packages.