Nanotech packaging can cut food waste

In a Seminar in London on 29^th June 2010 (The Westminster Food & Nutrition Forum's event), it was expressed that the use of nanotechnology in packaging can help the UK reduce the huge amount of food it wastes. About the 8.3 million tonnes of food thrown away by consumers every year. According to Use of nanotechnology, such as nanoclays, can make a big difference by making packaging lighter, stronger and better at preserving food for longer. Other attributes that Groves hopes nanotechnology will bestow on packaging include degradability, smart filtering of allergens and free radicals, and hygienic coatings. Already in production are intelligent sensors which indicate whether the contents have spoilt, which will prove to be very useful as they give a more scientific basis to the sell-by date.

Nanotechnology is already being used in many consumer applications, such as automotive parts. In packaging,nanomaterials are used as a gas barrier in beer bottles. About the safety of nanotechnology, there are numerous examples of nanostructures in the natural world to which people are exposed without any ill effects. UK government tests on nanotech packaging showed no release of nanoparticles, which are embedded within the polymer system.

Recyclability was another concern. Nanoclays are used in such small quantities that they did not pose a problem in the recycling chain. The situation with nanostarch and nanocellulose was not clear cut and more research was needed.