We have studied our technical feasibility to improve Qstamp. As already validated with clients and potential clients, QStamp® cost is an important threshold for its generic and large-scale adoption. Thus, we aimed to reduce fabrication costs making our solution possible for a wider range of food products. For that matter, we have: (i) studied the use of cheaper starting materials, (ii) optimized our conductive ink formulation and nanosensors, and (iii) explored inkjet printing and roll-up methodologies.
After addressing the above-mentioned goals, and according to our current clients and current pilots, we have also further developed our technology for better user interface. So far, QStamp® deployment has been limited by our ability to compile and store data information for all sensors in use. As a first step, we have tackled down this issue by investing on a versatile database platform, which can handle demanding data needs. Next, we added mathematical models to predict food quality regarding the reported variable information (e.g. Temperature profiles), generating in this way a more accurate and a real-time metric for food quality. Finally, we have improved significantly our reporting platform, which has now a dedicated domain (materdynamics.com/portal) and an optional coordinated mobile app.
We have dedicated resources to promote QStamp® in relevant environments such as conferences, tradeshows and other business oriented initiatives. For example, during the execution of the SME Instrument Phase 1 proposal, we attended Web Summit 2017.
We conducted a market study about food packaging, categorized into cups, cans, sachets, bottles, and tubs, and according to the material involved in food packaging (paper & board, rigid & flexible plastic, glass, and metal). The gathered information highlights three main trends in the food packaging sector: (1) packaging materials that can prevent the contamination of food products, (2) smart packaging that report an item’s quality and enhance the consumer interaction through better communication/interaction, and (3) packaging designs also have a significant influence on the purchase decisions of customers.
