Demand for active and intelligent packaging in the U.S. is forecast to expand 8% annually to $3.5 billion in 2017, well above total packaging demand growth. Active packaging provides functions such as moisture control, while intelligent packaging incorporates features that indicate status or communicate product changes and other information. Some active and intelligent packaging products have a well-established presence; however, a number of newer, more affordable types are emerging, especially in intelligent packaging. These and other trends are presented in “Active & Intelligent Packaging,” a recent study from The Freedonia Group Inc.

“Ongoing innovations will likely result in the commercialization of new products and usage in applications that are currently unforeseen,” said Esther Palevsky, analyst. Food and beverages were the two largest markets for active and intelligent packaging in 2012. Pharmaceuticals will be the fastest growing active and intelligent packaging market through 2017, with opportunities driven by the health care needs of the aging U.S. population, an increased prevalence of chronic diseases, and the expanding presence of high value, temperature-sensitive biotechnology drugs in the product mix.