The problem
T-sense addressed the feasibility of innovative colour-changing indicators capable to show if the temperature of perishables in the cold chain is as desired, i.e. with the tolerant temperature range.
Three types of solutions were analysed, the reversible, irreversible, and time-temperature irreversible. Each of these types could have several forms, respect to thermal attributes (temperature of activation, the region in which the colour changes) and design. Combination of the three solutions could solve all the needs for temperature control of cold chain spaces (reversible solution) and for the items travelling inside the chain (irreversible solutions).
For the cold food supply chain, our primary target market, most important are irreversible solutions. They are proposed for the packaging, either as a label or printed directly on packaging. All solutions must be fully sustainable; therefore, the irreversible indicators must be recyclable together with packaging. Efficient use of resources must be guaranteed and environmental benefit of using the innovative solution must be evident.
Some competitors are known; the competitive analysis shows that our solutions could enter the most abundant market, the consumables, because of acceptable price, recyclability together with packaging, and protection benefits for quality and safety of perishable food. The competing products do not fulfil at least one of these demands.
Importance for the society
First significant impact on society is the volume of food waste. About 25% of temperature sensitive food is wasted due to improper storing temperature, and still we may have troubles with low quality and unsafe food. Preventing food waste has large climate, economic, social, and ethical benefits.
T-sense targeted the cold supply chain of (organic) food, where the benefits of proper care on the products in the cold chain is evident. Moreover, the sustainability demands are highly recognized and are a must. This brings us to the second significant impact on society, which is quality of life of population, where labels are helping all entities in the given cold supply chain to act responsibly, assuring that the food is transported and stored at proper temperature range, taking care that customers will consume non-compromised food.
Overall objectives
• To develop reliable temperature indicators suitable for cold chain (food, seeds, flowers, pharmaceuticals, …)
• To develop a sustainable solution with clear environmental benefit
• To enter the market of (organic) food, also on consumables
