When most people think of packaging, it’s typically printed packaging with brightly colored fonts, logos and images used to sell products that comes to mind. However, like everything else today, the way we think of packaging continues to evolve.
According to a recent study from market research firm Global Market Insights, the advanced packaging market is set to grow from its current market value of more than $25 billion to over $40 billion by 2026, gaining remarkable traction over the 2020 to 2026 period.
Active, smart and intelligent packaging solutions are used with food, pharmaceuticals and several other types of products to help extend shelf life, monitor freshness with temperature control, display information on quality, improve safety and improve user convenience.
Since the start of the pandemic in the U.S., private-brand sales grew 29%, outpacing regular-branded product sales, which grew by 24%, according to the most recent data from Nielsen.
Packaging Strategies and Flexible Packaging editorial director Kristin Joker and PMMI’s Jorge Izquierdo discuss the rapid development of smart packaging. Part 1 of 6
Smart packaging is developing rapidly. A major factor driving the growth of the smart packaging market is increasing demand for packaging that indicates and maintains product quality throughout the supply chain.
Active and intelligent packaging platforms serve different roles. Active packaging acts directly with the packaged product by interacting with it chemically or biologically. It has an effect on the product in the pack to extend shelf life, maintain quality and inhibit microbial or fungal growth, or it provides information about the condition of a product.
Advancements in active and intelligent packaging technologies are helping to ensure that oral solid dose (OSD) drug delivery — which comprises both capsules and tablets — remains the most popular delivery method in use today.
Smart labels allow retailers and brands to engage directly with consumers, and with manufacturers to track inventory through the supply chain — which, in turn, provides consumers with the transparency and convenience they desire in packaging.