Japanese Freshness Label: the Genius Label That Changes Color Based on Meat’s Freshness

A smart label that changes color based on the meat's freshness: this is the idea of ​​a Japanese design studio that promises a real revolution in the field of product preservation and safe consumption. The label, in fact, reacts to ammonia, a gas released by the meat when it begins to deteriorate, changing color if the process is already underway. No more need to worry about freshness and dates reported, the idea developed by To-Genkyo could change the way we approach gastronomic purchases.

How Does the Color Changing Label Work?

The label is shaped like an hourglass, a symbol of the passage of time, and is printed with a natural ink that reacts with ammonia. As the meat loses freshness, the amount of ammonia increases and the ink changes color, going from a light tone to a dark one. When the label becomes completely dark, the barcode is no longer scannable, clearly signaling that the meat is no longer edible. A project that could represent a significant step forward in terms of safety for consumers.

Why is it so innovative? The label allows you to easily and immediately check the freshness of the meat, thus avoiding the consumption of spoiled products and the resulting health risks. Thanks to the label, it is possible to identify in advance meat that is no longer fit for consumption, thus reducing food waste. Finally, the label offers greater transparency to the consumer, allowing him to make more aware and informed choices.

Purple Cabbage Working as Natural Ink

Not only a label that reacts as a sort of biological timer, but also a tool made without any chemical substances that would become difficult to dispose of, if not harmful. The material used to make this special ink, in fact, is a natural pigment extracted from purple cabbage, which reacts chemically to the presence of ammonia. The pigment is activated automatically, without the need for technological supports such as batteries or triggers, which makes this tool not only immediate, but also safe for the consumer who uses it and, last but not least, sustainable for the environment.

To-Genkyo's idea represents a significant step forward in food safety, combining innovative design and technology to ensure greater consumer protection. This smart label could revolutionize the way we buy and consume meat, helping to make our food system safer and more sustainable.