Cans that change colour when perfectly chilled are heading to a fridge near you, thanks to a breakthrough by scientists.

Can manufacturers had previously struggled to print thermochromic ink, which changes colour when it cools, onto the top of cans. But now, packaging specialist Rexam has got it to work, enabling it to produce can ends that change colour when their contents hit the right temperature. Rexam has exclusivity on the thermochromic ‘printed ends’ technology until 2015.

Rexam has also launched photochromic ink, which changes colour when exposed to sunshine.

“These innovations focus on interactivity between consumer and brand,” said Rexam innovation and NPD manager Marianne Freund.