A specialist view
11 May 2007
When asked about the effect nanotechnology will have on the packaging industry, Dr Raymond Oliver, director of science and innovation at Cenamps, centre of excellence in nanotechnology, and a technical advisor to the UK's Food Standards Agency, said:
“Any nano based solution to a business need must be cost effective. For example, the use of ultra high performance barrier coatings in food packaging consisting of embedded nanomaterials could improve products' thermal stability, chemical resistance, oxygen and moisture ingress, greatly increasing the lifetime and freshness of perishable goods. The potential for these innovations throughout industry in the years to come is enormous. Certainly in the case of luxury meats and seafood products, the use of nanotechnology could make business sense, significantly improving the freshness of foods, and, more broadly, holding the potential to make packaging 'respond' to the individual customer, and track and trace packages.
“These examples show the use of nanotechnology in packaging as part of a more attractive product, rather than improving packaging materials on their own. Cenamps' remit to work with scientists and industry to link technology to commercial needs and demands applies to all industries. We would certainly be delighted to engage with the packaging industry to offer our insight and advice as to what nanotechnology can offer this sector.”
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