If you have worked in the foodservice industry, then you probably understand that the ‘best-by’ dates come and go long before the product has begun to spoil. In contrast, food can go wrong in ways that people can’t even notice or anticipate, leaving us all susceptible to the consequences of food spoilage every now and then. But what would happen if food packaging could detect and even warn you when something is going bad?
Well, now it can.
Preserve the Food Life of Your Products
Primitives, an intrepid nonprofit based out in San Francisco, California, is currently developing a type of packaging that incorporates a unique material that senses spoilage. It will change its color or give a sign in some way to the buyer or handler when it detects the presence of unwanted chemicals or bacteria.
Of all the plastic that’s been piling up on Earth for decades, ‘single-use’ bags, straws, and plastic bottles might inspire the greatest action. However, Primitives has determined that its ultra-thin, practically vacuum-sealed packaging around produce, meat, and bakery products is one of the most promising items today – and it can be recycled.
Along with the spoiling-sensing technology, Primitive is developing a compostable version. It’s a plastic that can quickly be composed in your garden. You only have to bury it.
Extending Foodlife Is Not ECO
Today’s standard film contains multiple layers of thin plastic sleeves and plastics. With that said, it’s a real challenge for it to be recycled. Primitive initially developed theirs with unique CO2-guzzling algae. However, Primitive is also exploring the potential of other compostable materials.
Some sorts of bio-materials block oxygen from reaching the food inside, even more effectively than plastic. It even works better for blocking the sun’s harmful UV radiation that is, in fact, another common cause of spoilage. No word yet on when the product will be ready for the market, but we will be waiting to see whether this type of product will be convenient for daily use.
