Squid-Inspired Packaging

Innovation is bringing us new hope

Innovative packaging technology inspired by squid skin is set to transform the way we keep our food and beverages at optimal temperatures. Researchers have developed a temperature-regulating material that is not only cost-effective and recyclable but also energy-efficient and sustainable. This groundbreaking material, detailed in a recent Nature Sustainability paper, offers a significant upgrade over traditional metallized plastic films used in packaging.

The new material mimics the heat-regulating properties of squid skin by reflecting more or less heat depending on its degree of stretch. This means that coffee cups, takeout containers, and shipping boxes can maintain their contents at desired temperatures with minimal energy use. A coated coffee cup, for instance, can keep the beverage hot while ensuring the holder's hands remain cool.

Professor Alon Gorodetsky from the University of California, Irvine, highlights the vast potential of this material, especially for temperature-controlled deliveries that surged during the pandemic. The scalable manufacturing process and low-cost raw materials, such as copper and rubber, make this an economically viable and environmentally friendly solution.

Image Credit: Melissa Sung, UCI.