ACTIPACK: Evaluating safety, effectiveness, economic-environmental impact and consumer acceptance of active and intelligent packagings

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 98.0247

Key words (English)

Packaging; active; intelligent; food; safety

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: FAIR-CT98-4170

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 4. Frame Research Programme - 4.3 Biomedical/Health research

Short description (English)

See abstract

Partners and International Organizations (English)

TNO (NL), VTT (FIN), Uni. Compostela (E), ADRIAC (F), Uni. Ghent (B), DISTAM (I), PIRA (UK), TMI (F), IW&V (NL), Eastman Chemical (NL), Nestec (CH), Danone (F)

Abstract (English)

To establish the acceptance of the European consumer of active and intelligent systems, which have been proved to be suitable and safe, these active and intelligent packaging systems were subjected to an international consumer evaluation study. The results demonstrate that if active and intelligent devices are to have ready acceptance in Europe in the immediate future their introduction into the market place will require support with a substantial information campaign identifying benefits and how they function. They will not gain acceptance purely on the extension of shelf-life. Also to avoid confusion some standardisation, at least of indicators, would be preferable. Attitudes are fairly consistent in Europe with the exception of Spain and possibly Italy. Consumers in Spain were much more ready to accept both active devices (absorbers, including sachets) and indicators, and had a very positive reaction to them. Italy also seemed slightly keener than the rest of Europe. This may be a reflection of a statement expressed elsewhere that both active and intelligent packaging may be more relevant in a warmer climate.
In addition, an evaluation of the economical consequences and environmental implications for active and intelligent systems has been performed. It was concluded that the use of a time-temperature indicator will decrease the generated waste in the long-term and thus allows to offer a higher quality product. Before the beneficial effect of this packaging is experienced, however, it is probable that a period of waste overproduction will be experienced.

To enable the future application of suitable active and intelligent systems in Europe while maintaining the safety of packed foodstuffs recommendations have been drafted for the implementation of active and intelligent systems in relevant European Directives for food packaging. For this purpose discussion with relevant European regulatory authorities will be continued after the completion of the project. Development and validation of dedicated-methods-for testing the migration behaviour of active and intelligent packaging systems should be continued as well.Other relevant regulations e.g. regulations for food additives, flavouring, biocides, pesticides, food hygiene, labelling, product safety and waste, have been studied. These regulations generally do not form a serious hurdle to the introduction of active and intelligent packaging systems. The directive on food hygiene is even an incentive to the use of active and intelligent packaging systems.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 98.0247