Scientists at Nottingham Trent University in the UK have picked up an award for a potentially ‘revolutionising’ nano-based packaging innovation that stops leaching and opens up plastics to soft drinks and beer manufacturers.
By using nanofillers and a newly developed antimicrobial nanocomposite, Dr Fennge Gao and the team have found a way to introduce anti-microbial materials into plastics packaging.
The innovation could help extend the shelf life of food and drink products in general, but Dr Gao said it is particularly suitable for sensitive beverages.
Barrier properties that prevent oxygen penetration make the packaging proposition attractive to soft drinks manufacturers. Dr Gao also thinks the beer industry could gain from using plastic to benefit from 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.
