Smart packaging : Modern way for reducing post-harvest losses of horticultural produce

Abstract

Most fresh horticultural commodities are highly perishable and thus require proper care and handling during and after harvesting. Hence, packaging (pre-packaging, primary, secondary and tertiary) becomes an essential operation in prolonging the shelf life of the processed or fresh horticultural produce. Packaging provides containment and protection to the product and convenience and communication about the inside product to the end consumer. Consumer requirements and demands and world wide shifting patterns such as expectation of life and companies putting money into the production and delivery of food are driving innovation in food and packaging. Smart packaging is a novel and fascinating technological area with a lot of positive feedback from today’s consumers. The two primary forms of smart packaging are active and intelligent packaging. Active packaging systems include active compounds put into sachets or pads and then placed in the package, as well as placed directly in the package or on the packaging material. Intelligent packaging comprises signs that describe the product’s safety and quality, history, and the environment surrounding the container. Packaging in the traditional sense functions as a passive barrier, delaying the detrimental impact of environmental factors on the food product. These new innovative packaging systems, on the other hand, allow the package to interact with the environment and food, as well as play a vital part in the preservation of horticultural commodities. Despite substantial study into the innovative packaging technologies, several of these innovations have yet to be successfully deployed in commercial horticultural produce packaging systems. Comprehensive awareness of their potential in horticulture product packaging applications will help with effective development and broad commercial introduction.