Antimicrobial, waterproof, traceableâeuros¦ today's carton packaging has many features, but that's nothing compared to what the packaging of the future could be. On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of carton packaging, DS Smith presents the possible evolution of this beverage in the next 50 years.
1. The self-repairing cardboard packaging
According to the London-based recycled cardboard packaging manufacturer, the packaging of the future will repair itself. And for the English group's innovation director, Wim Wouters, "this possibility could be closer than we think".
This packaging will have a networked nervous system, similar to that of the human skin. Printed on the surface of the box, sensors will read all the fibers of the package, in order to detect damage. The surface will stretch and thicken to cover the damaged area. Data will be sent to the shipping company and to the consignee informing them that the package is being regenerated.
This capacity will also be useful after opening, so that the package can be reused.
"Today, the trend in the packaging sector is to invent technologies capable of 'self-healing': self-driving cars are a perfect example. A self-replicating packaging infinitely reusable is still a futuristic concept, even if today, emphasizes the innovation director at DS Smith, we already use the principle of circular economy to design products without waste, and recycle up to 25 times the fibers used."
2. A package that adapts itself to the size of its contents
DS Smith also believes that the packaging of the future will have a self-adapting capacity. The size of these intelligent packages will automatically adjust to their contents, optimizing space and materials.
3. A cardboard package that pulverizes
The third characteristic of the packaging of the future concerns its packaging. "Ãeuros the image of the dress worn by Bella Hadid during Fashion Week aÌeuros Paris (September 30, 2022, Editor's note), we will soon see spray-created packaging."
He continues: "Self-repairing beads are not yet available, so we must innovate at all costs to create materials with this characteristic. We will only succeed with a fresh look and new ideas. We are therefore looking for partnerships to accelerate our transition to a circular economy and we would be delighted to exchange with experts able to accompany us in this project."
