WHAT WILL THE FUTURE OF CANNED GOODS AND CANNING BRING? FUTURIST KEYNOTE SPEAKERS WEIGH IN

From innovations in packaging materials to opportunities around fresh formats and e-commerce distribution, the canning and canned food industry continues to adapt to shifting consumer preferences and sustainability considerations:

(1) Alternative Can Materials – Developers are creating more renewable, recyclable and biodegradable can materials as substitutes for traditional BPA-lined aluminum and steel. Leading options include fully compostable cellulosic cans made of sustainably-sourced wood pulp and coated papers as well as various reusable containers made of polymers, glass and metals.

(2) Expanding Packaging Functions – Cans will transform into smart, active packaging through embedded sensors monitoring product freshness along with indicators communicating peak nutrition and safety to consumers. Antimicrobial coatings and oxygen scavenging films enabling longer shelf life without additives also fall under functionality enhancements around preserving quality.

(3) Emerging Retort Technologies – Advancements in microwave assisted thermal sterilization (MATS) and high pressure pasteurization (HPP) show promise as next-gen retort techniques allowing low-acid foods typically requiring traditional canning to shift into shelf-stable pouches, trays and bowls. It permits lighter-weight transit and wider food choices.

(4) Supply Chain Visibility – Blockchain and RFID tracking adoption for traceability, plus QR codes and embedded digital links will enable complete lifecycle visibility from source ingredients through factories, warehouses and onto store shelves. The transparency around food sourcing, processing and distribution builds consumer trust.

(5) Omnichannel Distribution – Beyond retail, canned food producers will diversify distribution across channels like e-commerce subscriptions, AI-enabled vending machines and meal kit supply partnerships. Direct-to-consumer models will also expand, circumventing traditional retailers for customer data acquisition and personalized offerings based on purchase data analytics.

While maintaining safety and accessibility, innovations to materials, processing and distribution around canned goods cater to modern tastes for freshness, sustainability and food supply chain transparency. Technologies and e-commerce will enable cleaner, smarter canned food production and consumption models.