Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Nanotechnology, the science of very small materials, is poised to have a big
impact in food and beverage packaging. Due to very large aspect ratios, a
relatively low level of nanoparticle is sufficient to change the properties of
packaging materials without significant changes in density, transparency and
processing characteristics. The addition of certain nanoparticles into shaped
objects and films has been shown to render them light, fire-resistant and
stronger in terms of mechanical and thermal performance, as well as less
permeable to gases. New packaging solutions will focus more on food safety by
controlling microbial growth, delaying oxidation, improving tamper visibility,
and convenience. Three basic categories of nanotechnology applications and
functionalities appear to be in development for food packaging: enhancement of
plastic materials' barriers; incorporation of active components that can
deliver functional attributes beyond those of conventional active packaging;
and sensing and signaling of relevant information.
The applications of nanotechnology in the food and beverage sector are only
now emerging, but these are predicted to grow rapidly in the coming years.
Applications in this area already support development of improved tastes,
color, flavor, texture and consistency of foodstuffs, increased absorption and
bioavailability of nutrients and health supplements, new food packaging
materials with improved mechanical, barrier and antimicrobial properties, and
nano-sensors for traceability and monitoring the condition of food during
transport and storage.
The rapid use of nano-based packaging in a wide range of consumer products has
also raised a number of safety, environmental, ethical, policy and regulatory
issues. The main concerns stem from the lack of knowledge with regard to the
interactions of nano-sized materials at the molecular or physiological levels
and their potential effects and impacts on consumers' health and the
environment. Research and development in the field of active and intelligent
packaging materials is very dynamic and develops in step with the search for
environmentally friendly packaging solutions. In this context, the design of
tailor-made packaging is a real challenge, and it implies the use of reverse
engineering approaches based on food requirements and not just on the
availability of packaging materials any longer. Nanotechnologies are expected
to play a major role, taking into account all additional safety considerations
and filling present packaging needs.
METHODOLOGY
The research methodology is qualitative in nature and employs a triangulative
approach, which enhances its validity. Initially, a comprehensive and
exhaustive search of the literature on nano-enabled food and beverage
packaging was conducted. These secondary sources included nano-enabled food
and beverage packaging journals and related books, trade literature, marketing
literature, other product/promotional literature, annual reports, nano-enabled
food and beverage packaging analysts' reports, and other publications. A
patent search and analysis was also conducted.
In a second phase, a series of semi-structured fact-finding email
correspondence was conducted with marketing executives, product sales
engineers, international sales managers, application engineers, and other
personnel in the nano-enabled food and beverage packaging companies
themselves. Other sources included nano-enabled packaging magazines published
in the U.S., UK and Japan by academics, technology suppliers, technical
experts, trade association officials, government officials and consulting
companies. These were rich sources of data. Subsequent analysis of the
documents and interview notes was iterative.
The final process included techniques such as: preliminary research, fill-gap
research, historical analysis of end-user market(s), historical supply
chain/raw materials analysis, data consolidation, cross-linking, variance
determination projections, variance factorization and confirmatory primary
research.
INFORMATION SOURCES
Initially, a comprehensive and exhaustive search of the literature on
nano-enabled food and beverage packaging was conducted. Sources included the
latest press releases on company Websites, including application news, company
news, marketing news, product news, brochures, product literature,
energy-storage magazines, technical journals, and technical books, marketing
literature, other promotional literature, annual reports, securities analysts'
reports and other energy-storage business publications. The challenge was to
identify the nanoenabled food and beverage packaging market and evaluate how
it fits into the overall packaging industry globally. An extensive patent
analysis was conducted to gauge technological innovation and to determine
research activity as it applies to new product development.
The second phase involved formal and informal telephone interviews and email
correspondence with personnel in nano-enabled food and beverage packaging
companies. Suppliers, design engineers, consulting companies, other technical
experts, government officials and trade association officials were also
interviewed, as were personnel in companies that use the packaging.
AUTHOR' S CREDENTIALS
Shveta Gupta completed her Masters of Science degree at Roosevelt University
in Chicago in 2005 and has since been involved in research and market analysis
in new technology sectors related to biotechnology, food science and
pharmaceuticals.
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