This book documents the latest developments and applications of smart packaging technologies. Its focus is primarily on food and beverage packaging, but more broad-based topics such as RFID identification are also addressed, as is smart packaging for developing brand protection technology, and smart packaging legislation. Smart packaging can offer a complete packaging system which works in conjunction with the product to deliver greater safety, higher quality, a longer shelf life, and improved convenience; consequently, it is a key topic within the packaging and food industries.

From the Preface: “...A major part of this book is devoted to the challenges and imperatives for tomorrow's packaging for the food industry. Requirements to improve food product quality and safety, enhance or stabilise food composition and nutrition, extend shelf-life product stability or build confidence, information or consumer convenience into food packs are fast becoming market demands. Future packaging formats must be designed with these requirements in mind. Numerous examples of commercially used smart packaging technologies are provided, along with research presenting current areas that are receiving a lot of attention for potential future commercial usage...”

Target Audience: Researchers and postgraduates involved in aspects of packaging, especially in the food and beverage sectors; also valuable for professionals in food companies and packaging solution and application suppliers.

Table of Contents:

Active Packaging of Food

Active Polymer Packaging of Non-Meat Food Products

Smart Packaging of Meat and Poultry Products

Application of Time—Temperature Integrators for Monitoring and Management of Perishable Product Quality in the Cold Chain

Smart Packaging Technologies for Fish and Seafood Products

Antimicrobial Packaging For Food

Freshness Indicators for Food Packaging

An Active Moisture-Management Packaging System for Food and Other Products: A Case Study

Smart Packaging Technologies for Fruit and Vegetables

The Influence of Product and Packaging Characteristics on Passive RFID Readability

How Marks & Spencer Is Using RFID to Improve Customer Service and Business Efficiency: A Case Study

Smart Packaging Technologies for Beverage Products

Consumer Benefits and Convenience Aspects of Smart Packaging

Smart Packaging Technologies Used with Aerosol and Household Cleaning Sprays

Smart Packaging in the Health, Beauty and Personal Care Sectors

Laser Surface Authentication —Biometrics for Brand Protection of Goods and Packaging

Legislative Issues Relating to Smart Packaging

Index