Scientists at Nottingham Trent University in the UK have picked up an innovation award for a nano-based packaging solution to leaching that opens up plastics to soft drinks and beer manufacturers.
The title of Food and Drink iNet Innovation Champion 2009 went to scientists led by Dr Fennge Gao, for a new technology that allows the use of anti-microbial materials in plastic food packaging by getting round the leaching problem.
The solution uses nanofillers and a newly developed antimicrobial nanocomposite
The innovation is expected to help extend the shelf life of food and drink products, but Gao said its value added features make it particularly suitable for sensitive beverages.
Barrier properties preventing oxygen from penetrating packaging make the innovation attractive to soft drink makers. And Gao thinks it also opens up the beer industry to plastic, leading to significant weight reduction, and transport and energy savings.
Because the nanofillers are extremely thin they have no effect on the appearance of packaging.
The judges said: “This product has the potential to revolutionise the packaging industry and represents a big shift in thinking.”
Industry collaborations will further test the technology in a real life context, and show to what extent it can prolong the shelf life of food and drink products.
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