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Nanotechnology in Packaging

Nanotechnology includes any structure with one or more dimensions between 1 and 100 nanometers (1 nm = 0.000000001 m). The FDA also includes in its definition that the structure has novel properties & functions because of small size, and the ability to control or manipulate on atomic scale. Fundamental properties of materials depend on size.

Nanotechnology provides a growing range of tools for industry to improve product performance beyond what could normally be achieved using conventional technologies. The technology is currently being used in many consumer products such as scratch-resistant and protective sunglasses, self-cleaning windows and siding, and personal care products. Potential benefits of nanotechnology maybe seen through increased energy security, improved food security, disease control, clean water, enhanced information exchange and communications, and control, pollution remediation, and packaging.

In food products, the bakery and meat products categories have attracted the most nanopackaging applications, and in beverages, carbonated drinks and bottled water dominate. 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 are in development for food packaging:

enhancement of plastic materials barriers,
incorporation of active components that can enhance functional attributes, and
sensing and signaling of relevant information.

Applications in food 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.

Gas-barrier characteristics of nanoclay in food packaging have sparked great interest. Using nanoclay in packaging films helps to create a better oxygen barrier. Nanoclay will also be used for the tracking of products through the supply chain. From 2009 through 2014 it is estimated that 5 million pounds of nanocomposite material will be used in rigid and flexible 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 can make them lighter, more fire-resistant, stronger, and less gas-permeable.

In 2004, nano-related food & beverage packaging represented US$ 860 million in sales from more than 250 nano-packaging products. The total nano-enabled food and beverage packaging market has grown to over $4 billion in 2009 and is forecasted to grow to over $7 billion by 2014. Active technology currently represents the largest share of the market, and will likely continue to do so by 2014.

The Asia/Pacific region, especially Japan, is the global market leader in active nanoenabled packaging, with roughly half of the current market. In the United States, Japan and Australia, active packaging is already being successfully applied to extend shelf-life while maintaining nutritional quality and ensuring microbiological safety. Examples of commercial applications include the use of oxygen scavengers for sliced processed meat, ready-to-eat meals and beer, the use of moisture absorbers for fresh meat, poultry and fresh fish, and ethylene-scavenging bags for packaging of fruit and vegetables.

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 of the interactions of nano-sized materials at the molecular or physiological levels and their potential effects and impacts on consumers’ health and the environment.

Report Methodology

The information in Nanotechnology in Packaging is based on primary and secondary research. Primary research entailed in-depth interviews with companies, engineers and scientists to obtain information on nanotechnology trends, marketing programs, likely adoption methods and technological breakthroughs. Secondary research entailed data gathering from relevant sources, including technology and industry publications, newspapers, government reports, company literature and corporate annual reports.

What You’ll Get in This Report

Nanotechnology in Packaging makes important predictions and recommendations regarding the future of this market, and pinpoints ways current and prospective players can capitalize on current trends and spearhead new ones. No other market research report provides both the comprehensive analysis and extensive data that Nanotechnology in Packaging offers. Plus, you’ll benefit from extensive data, presented in easy-to-read and practical charts, tables and graphs.

How You’ll Benefit from This Report

If your company is already utilizing or benefiting from nanotechnology in packaging, or is considering it, you will find this report invaluable, as it provides a comprehensive package of information and insight not offered in any other single source. You will gain a thorough understanding of the current market for nanotechnology in packaging applications, as well as projected markets and trends through 2014.

This report will help:

Marketing managers identify market opportunities and develop targeted promotion plans for nanotechnology applications.
Research and development professionals stay on top of competitor initiatives and explore demand for packaging using nanotechnologies.
Advertising agencies working with clients in the packaging and consumer products industries to understand the technology and to develop messages and images that compel consumers and businesses to incorporate packaging with nanotechnology .
Business development executives understand the dynamics of the market and identify possible partnerships.
Information and research center librarians provide market researchers, brand and product managers and other colleagues with the vital information they need to do their jobs more effectively.