Proper packaging and timely distribution of food items is essential for the success of a business. Packaging should be first and foremost be economical. Other factors like environment-friendly and practical come after how the cost gets affected. Millions of dollars are spent on research and development in order to incorporate the packaging concepts into a reality. Modern packaging concepts need to be implemented in shopping centers, restaurants and kitchens which will be more than just being safe or durable. There can come a time when your packaging will be eatable, reusable, etc. So in 2015, how close are we to making these concepts a reality? We have listed the top 3 technological advancements in the packaging world, let us take a look.

1. Edible Packaging

A simple apple preserves itself inside its own natural edible covering. Inspired by this, a team of researchers at the Harvard University innovated a wide variety of foods which are tastefully packed and supplied, in suitable edible covering. Something like pumpkin soup delivered in a spinach membrane and chocolate syrup in a cherry membrane. This serves a lot of purposes. Firstly, it reduces thrash and increases the flavor of the food. Interestingly, Japan has been using this kind of packaging for quite a few years now. They pack their candy in edible rice wrappers.

2. Smart Packaging

If your disposable food containers start changing color, don't be surprised. Researchers at the University of Connecticut, Rutgers University and Kraft Foods have invented an "electronic tongue". In order to keep a tab on whether the food has started degrading or no, the idea came to live. The basic idea is to install sensors into the packaging which will give an indication by changing color of its packaging incase food has been rotten or spoiled. Other features such as an instant preservative packaging that saves food right before it begins to decay. Another aspect is antimicrobial packaging, which actively repels decaying agents like bacteria which can damage the food and keeps it fresh This definitely helps in keeping the food fresh for longer period of time. Smart packaging is the new method adopted by packaging companies who want to save themselves from rotting food which is a really important problem.

3. Water Soluble Packaging

The only problem with packaging is it can either be recycled or thrown which eventually does not allow it to decay. Disposing packaging is a real problem and this revolutionary new product, invented by MonoSol for the fast foods and instant foods markets is water-soluble packaging. Used especially in the case of food such as cereals and soups that only require water to cook, this packaging easily dissolves in water and leaves absolutely no traces whatsoever. This method is being highly acknowledged as not only is it time efficient but saves quite a lot effort and is working towards the right direction in reducing wastage.