WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – Researchers at Clarkson University are on the cusp of changing food packaging for the better.

Scientists are concerned about the way a lot of food is stored – all wrapped in plastic that cannot be recycled. Usually, it goes in the trash.

But professor of chemical and biomolecular science Silvana Andreescu says her team of student researchers at Clarkson University has been developing a product that not only is sustainable but can detect the freshness of the food being stored.

“This happens because there are chemical markers that are released as meat and fish degrade. And this marker, we are incorporating indicators. We are printing indicators within the packaging that will tell you when it’s okay or not okay to consume particular food,” she said.

That means expiration dates will get additional help with “smart food packaging” to notify shoppers when food is at its best. The packaging changes colors based on the freshness of the food.

Smart food packaging could change the way we package our foods. Not only is it a renewable source of material, but it can also biodegrade and is as strong as plastic.

The packaging is made by a 3D printer, and more work needs to be done. A recent $42,000 state grant will help graduate students continue their research.

“If we can generate a biodegradable material that can eventually replace plastic materials, this will possibly reduce or even prevent the pollutions that plastic material is generating right now,” said Oluwatosin Popoola, a Clarkson graduate student.

Smart packaging could soon be in your refrigerator and it may be because of the research being done at Clarkson University.

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