UPM Shelf Life Guard keeps an eye on packaged foods

UPM has developed a smart packaging solution that aids consumers and the food industry to monitor and self-assess their produce's shelf life.

UPM Shelf Life Guard introduces further development in the functionality of food packaging. In addition to performing its primary function, the package also gives consumers directions on use and product information. With UPM Shelf Life Guard, a unique label turns from transparent to blue, informing the consumer that air has replaced the modified atmosphere gases within the package.

Food packaging traditionally uses modified gases to prolong food. UPM Shelf Life therefore clearly shows that food is not fit for consumption due to loss of integrity or damage to the package. Air may cause the quality of a food product to deteriorate. It may result in the growth of unwanted bacterial activity, loss of color and aroma, unsavory odors, loss of nutritional value or physical changes like drying and rancidity.

‘The color change of the packaging label allows the consumer to make a personal assessment of the product based on his/her own sensory findings, and consume the product well before the best before date. An uninterrupted cold chain and the correct storage of products are the basis of food safety. UPM Shelf Life Guard is an easy quality control tool for shops and producers alike,’ said Timo ijl, UPM, venture manager, Smart Labels.

Officials also welcome the idea of functional intelligent packaging solutions. ‘Finland is at the forefront of developing and producing food products with health benefits. Similar development that aids the food industry can be seen in these innovations regarding food packaging,’ said Jaana Husu-Kallio from Evira, the Finnish Food Safety Authority.

UPM Shelf Life Guard has been tested in the Lapin Liha meat factory outlet, Tampere University Hospital and Wigren meat products at the department store Stockmann in Tampere.

The intelligent packaging product family, designed for use in the food industry, also includes the Freshness Guard. It informs if deterioration in poultry or fish products in modified atmosphere or vacuum packages has already begun.

Both UPM Shelf Life Guard and the Freshness Guard adhere to the European Union regulations (EU 1935/2004) regarding food packaging.