page_title: Active packaging
section_title: Controlling package temperatures
hierarchical_section_title: Active packaging / Controlling package temperatures
caption_attribution_description: English: Self-heating field rations for up to 18 soldiers.
context_page_description: The terms active packaging, intelligent packaging, and smart packaging refer to packaging systems used with foods, pharmaceuticals, and several other types of products. They help extend shelf life, monitor freshness, display information on quality, improve safety, and improve convenience.
  The terms are closely related. Active packaging usually means having active functions beyond the inert passive containment and protection of the product. Intelligent and smart packaging usually involve the ability to sense or measure an attribute of the product, the inner atmosphere of the package, or the shipping environment. This information can be communicated to users or can trigger active packaging functions. Programmable matter, smart materials, etc. can be employed in packages.
  Depending on the working definitions, some traditional types of packaging might be considered as "active" or "intelligent". More often, the terms are used with new technologically advanced systems: microelectronics, computer applications, nanotechnology, etc.
context_section_description: For critical vaccines, insulated shipping containers are passive packaging to help control the temperatures fluctuations seen even with a controlled cold chain.  In addition, gel packs are often used to keep the temperature of the contents within specified acceptable temperature ranges.
  Some newer packages have the ability to heat or cool the product for the consumer.  These have segregated compartments where exothermic or endothermic reactions provide the desired effect.Self-heating cans are available for several products.
caption: Self-heating field rations for up to 18 soldiers
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