The TechPack project aims to develop a portfolio of smart card packaging with technological resources for identifying and detecting temperature, microorganisms and food degradation, applied by direct printing or coating using multiscale functionalization techniques.
Goals
The project will allow identification systems to be printed directly on the packaging using inks added with carbon-based conductive particles, enabling the printing of radio frequency identification (RFID) systems. On the other hand, innovative coatings will be used incorporating biological (enzymatic) and chemical (pH, redox state, temperature, among others) indicators, capable of detecting absolute temperature, food deterioration and microbiological activity in view of exposure to different environmental conditions.
Innovation
The knowledge needed to develop the smart packaging portfolio will be obtained through research and development activities that include:
● R&D of paint functionalization for electrical conductivity purposes, through changes in its chemical formulations, with multi-scale functionalization, namely nano, micro and macro scale through carbon-based materials, including carbon nanotubes, thus enabling the ability to electrical conduction properties paint;
● R&D of electrical circuits incorporated directly into cardboard by means of printing;
● R&D of coatings with chemical or biological agents that indicate the temperature of the packaging, capable of being directly incorporated into the industrial process of José Neves and that allow the monitoring of the temperature within the packaging;
● R&D of coatings with chemical or biological agents that indicate the presence of microorganisms, capable of being directly incorporated into José Neves' industrial process and that allow the monitoring of microbiological activity within the packaging;
● R&D of coatings with chemical or biological agents that indicate food degradation, capable of being directly incorporated into José Neves' industrial process and allowing the monitoring of the viability for food consumption.
The results to be obtained with this project respond to direct market needs in the scope of cardboard packaging, including:
● Traceability - there are millions of requests for tracking packages daily;
● Decrease in food waste - in the order of millions of tons per year;
● Sustainability - resulting from the reduction of waste of goods.
Datasheet
The project TechPack (Project POCI-01-0247-FEDER-045258) is promoted by José Neves & Ca LDA.
