Brasil Pack Trends 2020

BrasilPackTrends2020 159 qual ity and new technologies Another example of interactive package is the CEREpak, by MeadWestvaco (Figure 6.26). It is not only a package, but a data capture device; it registers day and time of the removal of every capsule or pill. Those information are transferred to a computer, through a special reader, and can be transmitted to the responsible doctor. The technology includes a microprocessor hidden in the blister and conductive paints that indicates the break of each small pill chamber. System technologies to remind the patient of the medication times can even be included in the packaging by using light, sound or vibration. FIGURE 6.26 Indicator of day and time of pharmaceutical consume, interaction device with the pacient Source: Press Release 6.3 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY Nanoscience and nanotechnology are applied in the development of products at manometric scale (10 -9 m), which has different properties from those at macro scale. They promise new solutions for the challenges of the package sector, especially plastic and cellulosic, which have limitations in their properties. They have a huge potential for improving the materials properties and performance, as well as increase the package functionalities, in new applications of active packages (absorbers and emitters), smart packages with nanosensors (pathogens, gases, abuses, contaminants, and theft), indicators (freshness, abuses, quality) and on systems for identification, authenticity and traceability. An impact of at least US$ 3 trillion by the nanotechnology is projected in the global economy in 2020 and also the involvement of 6 millions of workers until the end of the decade (ROCO; MIRKIN; HERSAM, 2012). There are various types of materials involved in nanotechnology: nanoclays, carbon nanoparticles/ nanotubes, metals and oxides in manometric scale, silicate nanoplatelets, nanocomposites (mixture of nanomaterials and petroleum or renewable sources polymers), nanocatalysts and, recently, nanocellulose, amide nanocrystals, chitin, chitosan and other inorganic materials. Due to its high aspect ratio (ratio between length and width), low nanomaterials concentrations are enough to improve certain properties of polymers without significantly altering its density, transparency and, especially, the processing characteristics. The opportunities for development in this field are great, but they still require a lot of research and investment. The target of active and smart packages has been enlarged to many products categories. Retailers will have interest in those technologies for increasing efficiency, reduce losses and keep the quality in the whole distribution and commercialization chain. The focus on new development has also changed from benefits for the producers and retailers, such as shelf life increase, to customer satisfaction with freshness, quality and information benefits. It will be a challenge to the producers to aggregate value to their products associated with the increase of the deriving cost for the use of those technologies. The future of active and smart packages