PAC and CPEIA launch active and intelligent packaging network

IntelliPACK will focus on new products and applications with printable, organic and flexible electronics (PE) for the packaging industry.

It will do joint research, development and commercialization activities intended to accelerate adoption of intelligent packaging applications that have strong market pull.

Members of CPEIA include ArjoWiggins Creative Papers, DuPont Canada and Netpak Packaging. Founding members of PAC include Bemis, Crown Packaging, Henkel, O-I and Sealed Air (Canada).

Moving beyond concept to commercial​

CPEIA said the challenge, as with all new technologies, is to move beyond conceptual and prototype development to industry engagement that leads to sales and revenues.

The association is developing a framework to allow the Canadian PE technology industry to work with stakeholders in the packaging industry to drive development of products and applications that serve market needs and have a high likelihood of commercial success.

For PE technology developers, it’s an opportunity to work with senior executives, potential business partners and new customers and for the packaging industry it is the chance to be part of a shift that will turn conventional packaging into intelligent devices, it added.

James Downham, president and CEO of PAC, said: “Intelligent packaging enabled by PE could dramatically reduce food waste during transport, retailing and at the consumer end. Brand owners will be able to engage with the consumers like never before through everyday products that are capable of wireless communication.​”

Peter Kallai, president and CEO of the CPEIA, said its focus is to bring together creators and integrators of PE technologies, with end users where the technology offers a competitive advantage.

“With IntelliPACK, we are offering a structured program framework to kick start this process in what we consider to be one of the most promising market verticals – intelligent and active packaging.”​

Why Printable and Organic Electronics (PE)​

Active and intelligent packaging can help manage inventory, maintain product freshness and increase shelf life, enable brand protection, identify materials for recycling and act as an interactive marketing platform to engage with consumers.

These applications and opportunities impact all corners of the packaging value chain, from retailers, consumer brands, package manufacturers and services, waste management to government.

However, they require electronics capable of wireless communication that can be produced in vast quantities at low cost, consume little power, are disposable, flexible and stretchable,

PAC and CPEIA have been working on bringing new PE-enabled packaging solutions to market, through webinars, workshops and conference participation since an agreement last year.

The CPEIA intelliPACK Business Network will begin with Information Collection and Gap Analysis, through workshops and whitepapers, followed by industry engagement.

It will be supported financially invested by participants but success will rest on building financial partnerships with end users in the industry.

The Active and Intelligent Packaging Industry Association (AIPIA), which has a strategic partnership with the CPEIA, is an international partner of the program. The National Research Council of Canada is also a supporting partner.

“IntelliPACK is a great way for Canada’s PE and packaging industries to fill a void in the marketplace with active and intelligent packaging options that serve real needs for PAC Members that include global consumer brand owners, major retailers and our world-leading packaging industry,”​ said Paul Smith, chair of the CPEIA’s Board and VP and centre manager for the Xerox Research Centre of Canada, which is also a member of PAC. 

 The two groups will hold a workshop at Xerox Research Centre of Canada on October 20 on how PE-related technologies or applications can be integrated into packaging.