The terms active packaging, intelligent packaging, and smart packaging refer to packaging systems used with foods, pharmaceuticals, and several other types of products. They help extend shelf life, monitor freshness, display information on quality, improve safety, and improve convenience.

Intelligent and smart packaging usually involve the ability to sense or measure an attribute of the product, the inner atmosphere of the package, or the shipping environment. This information can be communicated to users or can trigger active packaging functions. Programmable matter, smart materials, etc can be employed in packages.

What brand owners want is a usable product that adds real value to their brand – without major on-cost – not just a technology or sub-component, or a product that is simply a short-term gimmick. They also want to see active and intelligent packaging developers collaborate, and seek input from design houses and packaging manufacturers, to evolve these total finished solutions.

In its second year, SmartPack– taking place September 16 – 17 in Chicago - is the first industry driven conference focused on collaboration and innovation to accelerate the commercial adoption of intelligent packaging. Over the course of two days, the entire packaging value chain will come together to discuss key innovations, industry growth and application advancements for manufacturers, retailers, brand owners and CPGs.