New technology that unleashed breakthroughs of Ancient Egypt

Like many of you, I celebrated Thanksgiving with family. As we finished another fine turkey with all the trimmings, my father-in-law insisted that I see a show on the History channel. It was about how an Egyptologist and professor from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Dr. Sarah Parcak, used satellites to discover ancient sites all throughout Egypt. Over a dozen new pyramids and 3,000+ settlements were revealed through this cutting edge infrared technology. Historically, archaeology was considered very low tech and extremely time consuming. The technology provided the exact locations where artifacts existed. For the archaeologist, knowing where to dig was no longer a hypothesis or guess-work.

In the show, other Archaeological experts, with over 30+ years of experience, were interviewed to discuss this new breakthrough. As you can imagine, some were hesitant of the Egyptologist’s breakthrough. They could not imagine that her technology would reveal that more than 90%+ of Ancient Egypt is still undiscovered. Other experts embraced Parcak’s use of technology, and were thrilled that this technology potentially would unlock mysteries and riddles that have haunted archaeologists and historians for centuries.

Dr. Sarah Parcak displays satellite imagery revealing ancient Egyptian pyramids.
(Credit: University of Alabama at Birmingham)

What technologies exist today that may help with your company’s innovation?

The new infrared satellite technology that Dr. Parcak used above is revolutionary. However, the technologies that we use every day to make our companies more innovative are more evolutionary. Revolutionary technologies come every so often and can really change the game. For example, social media, specifically Twitter and Facebook, have changed the game forever. There are companies out there that are utilizing these technologies to do amazing things.

In regards to the Packaging industry, there are numerous evolutionary technologies that exist today that can help improve internal efficiencies, better decision making, and improve a customer’s experience. Many of these exist in the realm of packaging, and below are a few that are noteworthy:

• Removing bisphenol A (BPA) from cans – BPA is believed to have possible health effects on humans, which include reproductive problems, developmental issues, diabetes and cancer. BPA is found in numerous items, including the epoxy resins that line metal food cans. General Mills' Muir Glen organic tomato subsidiary announced it will be switching to BPA-free cans, following on the BPA-removal efforts of Eden Foods, which took BPA out of its bean products, and a number of seafood companies.
• 100% Recycled Packaging – Many companies have made the switch to 100% recycled content ultimately reducing the life cycle impacts of their packaging.
• Plant-Based Plastics – SunChips has received the most attention both due its extensive promotion of its corn-based chip bag that is fully compostable in home and industrial compost settings. Many other companies, like Snyder's of Hanover are moving to compostable plant-based packaging.
• Nanotechnology in Food Packaging – Nanomaterials offer some exciting benefits to the food industry, better materials for food packaging and also safer foods on supermarket shelves that have lower incidences of contamination with chemical adulterants and potentially life-threatening microorganisms. Learn more on this innovation by clicking here.

Please add a comment to this packaging perspective and provide other practices and technologies you think can help organizations enhance their impact with their customers?