Scottish tech firm's 'after opening timer' will help consumers reduce food waste

A Scottish tech firm is rolling out an “after opening timer” to help consumers reduce food waste.

Food packaging manufacturers can print the smart ink into the lid film of the packaging and, once opened, the ink changes colour over time to indicate how long the pack has been opened for.

Motherwell-based smart packaging company Insignia Technologies says its system will clearly identify how long a packet of food has been opened for.

The firm’s “smart ink” has been developed as an extension of its original smart label product, and aims to reduce food waste by providing consumers with a clear visual indication of how long a food packet has been open, encouraging them to use the product while at its optimum freshness and preventing food from being thrown away unnecessarily.

According to the Waste & Resources Action Plan, some ten million tonnes of food waste is generated every year in the UK – 70 per cent of which was intended for consumption. When thrown into landfill, food waste produces a large amount of methane. As it degrades, it emits this greenhouse gas which is known to contribute to global warming.

The company’s after opening timer is intended for foods packaged within a modified atmosphere, such as cooked meats and cheeses. Food packaging manufacturers can print its smart ink into the lid film of the packaging and, once opened, the ink changes colour over time to indicate how long the pack has been opened for.

David Kilshaw, founder and chief executive at Insignia Technologies, said: “The amount of food that is wasted by consumers is staggering. Every day, 2.2 million slices of ham are thrown away in the UK, many of which will still be edible. Our ink technology can help to provide a solution.

“Our colour changing smart ink is a simple visual reminder that not only helps prevent people from throwing away food too quickly, but also brings peace of mind to consumers that their food is still safe to eat.

“Consumer research revealed that 55 per cent of people are more likely to purchase food with our ‘after opening timer’, with 74 per cent saying that having the indicator visible prevents them from worrying about how long a packet of food has been opened for.”

He added: “We believe our technology will be vital in changing consumer behaviour and tackling the issue of unnecessary food waste, which is undoubtedly one of the biggest economic and environmental challenges the world faces.”

Graham Skinner, product development manager at Insignia Technologies, said: “Traditionally our colour changing technology was printed as labels that needed to be applied to the inside of the lidding film. However, this created an additional step for food packaging manufacturers.

“As a result, we decided to develop our product further by creating smart ink that can be printed into the lidding film in the same way that other branding design is. This makes the process of packaging and manufacturing much simpler and easier.”

He added: “At Insignia, we care greatly about the environment and climate emergency which is why we have ensured that our smart ink can be printed into lidding film that is recyclable.”

The launch of the ink technology coincides with Food Waste Action Week 2021.

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