Beer producer SABMiller has launched packaging that tells consumers whether their beer is at the right drinking temperature.
Not unlike the initiative launched by Taylors Wines last year, the brand uses ‘smart sensor’ technology which requires a temperature sensor to be embedded within the pack.
It can accurately display the coldness of the beer inside at the push of a button.
It builds on the thermochromatic ink concept, which the company was already using.
The ink remains transparent at ambient temperatures but turns blue when the beer reaches the right drinking temperature.
“The colour changing ink resonated well with consumers,” Doug Hutt, manager of global packaging and the innovations’ creator, said.
“However, we needed to keep innovating.
“The new smart sensor display system has taken five years to develop and is based around printed electronics (PE) technology which allows the sensor, display and battery to be integrated within packaging."
The new technology is the result of a collaboration between SABMiller and the Germany-based Fraunhofer Institute – also an AIPIA member innovation institute – which has undertaken many packaging projects.
SABMiller has patented the innovation and is confident it will demonstrate the impact and value of printed electronics.
