Intelligent packaging: Concept, applications, and regulatory aspects

In recent years, the development of emerging technologies such as intelligent packaging has advanced dramatically, with an emphasis on alerting consumers about food quality. The development of new materials, technologies, and multifunctional sensing systems to monitor food quality has been facilitated by advances in the domains of sensors and biosensors. This book chapter focuses on an in-depth overview of intelligent packaging, including the various types of intelligent packaging technology and their most recent applications. In addition, the applications of intelligent packaging for various categories, such as meat/fish, fruits and vegetables, and liquid foods, are thoroughly examined. Finally, the industrial application and the regulatory aspects of intelligent packaging materials are discussed. Using various sensors and indicators such as time-temperature indicators, gas indicators, humidity sensors, and optical, calorimetric, and electrochemical biosensors, intelligent packaging is important in detecting defects, quality monitoring, and tracking packaged food products to control storage conditions from the production to the consumption stage. In conclusion, the technologies mentioned have a great deal of potential for use in food packaging and bring us closer to achieving the goal of food monitoring in real-time throughout the supply chain.