Packaging of the Future® Named a Finalist in the United States for Its Sustainable Seafood Transportation Solution
The smart packaging developed by the Portuguese consortium is one of three finalists in the Sustainability category of PMMI’s “2026 Technology Excellence Awards,” with the winners to be announced in October during the PACK EXPO International trade show in Chicago.
The Intelligent and Sustainable Fish Transportation System with PetriTag®, developed as part of the PPS11 subproject of Embalagem do Futuro®, is a finalist in the Sustainability category of the “2026 Technology Excellence Awards,” organized by PMMI – The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. The solution, led by ZØR Thermal and featuring AlmaScience’s PetriTag® sensors, was selected from a large number of entries from exhibitors around the world, standing out as one of the three finalists in the category.
PMMI represents more than 1,100 manufacturers and suppliers in the packaging and processing industries and organizes PACK EXPO International, one of the world’s largest trade shows in the sector, which will take place in Chicago from October 18 to 21, 2026—the date on which the winners in each category will be announced.
An alternative to single-use Styrofoam
This innovative packaging is insulated and reusable, designed for transporting temperature-sensitive products under strict temperature control. It incorporates a real-time monitoring sensor and the PetriTag®, a paper-based sensor that detects the state of deterioration of fresh fish. It also incorporates plastic collected from the oceans and an interior coating that facilitates sanitization and eliminates the need for refrigeration during transport, addressing the need to replace disposable Styrofoam boxes. Although designed for fresh fish, the technology easily adapts to other cold chains, such as those for pharmaceuticals and electronic components.
Almascience and ZorThermal collaborated with Code One, Inova+, PIEP, Polipop, Riberalves, Sea Eight, and Vangest to develop this packaging.
Photo: PMMI; Illustration: Packaging of the Future®
