Futureproof: On the Go Food Printer
Future Narrative
Well, Weyland has done it again. Their Food Printer FP-400 model is one of the best purchases I have ever made. It is so convenient and offers endless meal possibilities. Just pop in Protein, Veggie, and Seasoning gel-encapsulated pouches in the back of the unit and print out a preferred portion of your favorite meal in minutes. Entrees are steaming hot, delicious, and nutritious. It’s a massive improvement over my grandpa’s lunchbox.
In addition to providing convenient, nutritious meals on demand, The FP-400 uses plant-based gel packaging, thus eliminating plastics from food. As food prints from gel pouches, it is again encapsulated with a gelatin packet coating to seal in moisture. When an item reaches serving temperature, the gel melts away. Even the grey condiment containers with each meal item are gel-based and dissolve within days after use. It is so satisfying to enjoy any of my favorite meals at work. It reminds me of my dad's amazement when the iPod and the concept of having 1000 songs in your pocket was introduced.
Implications
As advanced food printers become available, product shipping is massively simplified. The variety of product SKUs drops significantly, streamlining food distribution and lowering the cost of food.
Plant-based protective gel pouches promise to reduce the amount of plastic in the food chain.
Paper packaging is dramatically reduced as food ingredients are shipped in protein, veggie, and seasoning gel-encapsulated pouches.
In this new age of on-demand, printed meals, brands may shift towards shaping recipes instead of offering the final product.
Early Signals
Futureproof is a series of occasional provocations illustrating possible future paths for technology and culture. Think postcards from the future.