Our Innovation Analysts recently looked into emerging technologies and up-and-coming startups in the packaging industry. As there is a large number of startups working on a wide variety of solutions, we decided to share our insights with you. This time, we are taking a look at 5 promising covering/labels/films solutions.
Heat Map: 5 Top Covering/Labels/Films Startups
For our 5 picks of startups, we used a data-driven startup scouting approach to identify the most relevant solutions globally. The Global Startup Heat Map below highlights 5 interesting examples out of 400 relevant solutions. Depending on your specific needs, your top picks might look entirely different.
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Localize – Textual Info Reduction
Consumers are demanding more information about what they are buying but seeking less on-pack clutter that confuses their purchasing decisions. QR codes, RFID, NFC tags and other examples of embedded electronics provide all the necessary information about a product in an interactive form: where it has come from, and how it was produced, what is its nutritional value, etc. Canadian startup Localize develops a system for capturing, managing, and delivering traceable and certified food product information. Their shelf tags and on-package labels enable manufacturers to deliver smarter, affordable, and adaptable smart food labels to modern consumers.
Mimica – Freshness Indicator Labels
Brands apply different features on their product labels, eg. Internet of Things (IoT) tags and spoilage sensors to help customers better understand what’s inside of the packages, how long it’s been there, if it’s still fresh, or whether the food spoiled in transit and more. The UK-based startup Mimica creates a food expiry label that reduces food waste and improves food safety. Their bio-responsive label reacts to the environment around it and gives tactile information.
LogoFrucht – Label Without A Label
Product information is traditionally printed or glued on the packaging of a product. Now, this can be done without a label — no paper/foil, adhesive waste, with an on-product printing process. This applies to fruit and vegetables and can be accurately and individually printed with a neutral, water-resistant, high-contrast food coloring, which is gentle on the product. Swiss startup LogoFrucht develops a procedure for printing on fruit and vegetables of any type and shape. The products can be printed without being damaged, using flavorless and water-resistant food ink.
BreAd – Edible Labels
Brand recognition is one of the challenges for products that are usually sold unpacked (bread, pastries, fruits, etc.). Edible labels don’t require products to be packed as these kinds of labels are attached straight on the product’s surface — making brands recognizable and protecting it from counterfeit. Czech company BreAd Edible Labels produces edible wafer labels made from potato starch, water, and maltodextrin. This helps bakeries, pastry and confectionery makers to distinguish their products from others and to protect their quality.
TIPA – Compostable Film
Compostable film is made from a blend of plant-based and petroleum-based polymers with the characteristics of plastic. The polymers break down into small parts that are eaten by bacteria, returning the material back to the earth. Israeli startup TIPA develops biodegradable and compostable flexible packaging solutions for the food industry. TIPA’s films incorporate high flexibility and durability as well as high resistance to oxygen and water vapor permeation and transparency. They degrade biologically in up to 180 days in industrial compost.
What About The Other 395 Covering/Labels/Films Solutions?
While we believe data is key to creating insights it can be easy to be overwhelmed by it. Our ambition is to create a comprehensive overview and provide actionable innovation intelligence for your Proof of Concept (PoC), partnership, or investment targets. The 5 startups showcased above are promising examples out of 400 we analyzed for this article. To identify the most relevant solutions based on your specific criteria and collaboration strategy, get in touch.
