According to the Engineering and Technology Magazine, researchers are trying to create plastic electronic packaging that could be used to decrease food waste. In an article they posted, they explained how researchers have created a circuit that could be used in packaging to test whether or not food is safe to eat. They also went on to explain how scientists at Eindhoven University of Technology have made a plastic analogue-digital converter that might be able to aid in decreasing food waste throughout the world. Businesses along with consumers frequently throw food away; their studies believe it is an estimate 100 kilograms worth of food per person! The primary reason people throw away food is because they end up wanting to consume it is about to expire. The source also suggests that stores should put an earlier expiration date on the packaging so when buyers purchase the products they will eat them at an earlier date.
They want your smart phone to be able to install an application in which the consumer can place over the food product they wish to buy and it will tell them how fresh it is. The only problem with this idea researchers are facing is the price; they claim right now it is too expensive. Wouldn't it be nice to take your smart phone, scan it over a container of fresh berries and know how fresh they really are? Many people want to eat clean and healthy unfortunately; fresh fruits go bad quickly due to lack of preservatives. Over time, a packaging system like this will come about, twenty years ago people probably did not think they would be able to go to the grocery store and check themselves. The advances in technology over the last two decades have been life changing; we hope this packaging quickly becomes more affordable.
