Development of a smart packaging system for monitoring food quality and safety

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis presents the development of a smart packaging system designed to enhance the monitoring of food quality and safety throughout the supply chain. The need for such a system arises from the increasing demand for improved food traceability and safety measures. The research delves into the current challenges faced in ensuring food quality and safety, highlighting the limitations of traditional packaging methods in providing real-time monitoring capabilities. The objective of this study is to design and implement a smart packaging system that integrates sensor technologies and data analytics to enable continuous monitoring of key parameters such as temperature, humidity, and gas composition within the food package. Chapter one provides an introduction to the research topic, exploring the background of the study and outlining the problem statement. The objectives of the study are clearly defined, along with the limitations and scope of the research. The significance of the study in improving food safety practices is emphasized, and the structure of the thesis is outlined to guide the reader through the subsequent chapters. Chapter two presents a comprehensive literature review of existing smart packaging technologies and their applications in the food industry. The review covers ten key areas including sensor technologies, wireless communication protocols, data analytics algorithms, and packaging materials. By synthesizing the current state of the art, this chapter provides a foundation for the design and implementation of the proposed smart packaging system. Chapter three details the research methodology employed in developing the smart packaging system. The chapter includes discussions on sensor selection, system architecture design, data collection methods, and testing procedures. A total of eight research methodology components are elaborated upon, highlighting the systematic approach taken to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the system. Chapter four presents a detailed discussion of the findings obtained from the implementation and testing of the smart packaging system. The chapter analyzes the performance of the system in monitoring food quality parameters under various conditions and scenarios. The results are discussed in relation to the research objectives, highlighting the effectiveness of the system in enhancing food safety practices. Finally, chapter five concludes the thesis by summarizing the key findings and contributions of the research. The conclusions drawn from the study are discussed, and recommendations for future research and practical applications are provided. Overall, this thesis contributes to the advancement of food safety practices by introducing a novel smart packaging system that offers real-time monitoring capabilities to ensure the quality and safety of food products throughout the supply chain.