Research Achievements

Materials Science and
Engineering

  • Home
  • About MSE
  • Research Achievements
A water-soluble label for food products prevents packaging waste and counterfeiting
교수님성함
Heon Lee
저널명
Nature Food
년도
2024

1d0fdff2ecb0efae596c31914e88aa06_1727326944_7116.png



Sustainability, humidity sensing and product origin are important features of food packaging. While waste generated from labelling and packaging causes environmental destruction, humidity can result in food spoilage during delivery and counterfeit-prone labelling undermines consumer trust. Here we introduce a food label based on a water-soluble nanocomposite ink with a high refractive index that addresses these issues. By patterning the nanocomposite ink using nanoimprint lithography, the resultant metasurface shows bright and vivid structural colours. This method makes it possible to quickly and inexpensively create patterns on large surfaces. A QR code is also developed that can provide up-to-date information on food products. Microprinting hidden in the QR code protects against counterfeiting, cannot be physically detached or replicated and may be used as a humidity indicator. Our proposed food label can reduce waste while ensuring customers receive accurate product information.