So-called “smart packaging” advances seem on the verge of emerging at a healthy clip, especially in the realm of food and beverage packaging. Citing a report from Azo Nanotechnology, earth911.com has an interesting post on some of the promising new food and beverage packaging breakthroughs in the effort to help keep consumers safe and healthy. Here are three examples:
• Bayer has produced a plastic film containing nanoparticles of clay that purportedly blocks oxygen, moisture, and carbon dioxide from spoiling food. Called Durethan, the film is made stronger and lighter by the clay.
• Kodak is in development on an antimicrobial package that absorbs oxygen and keeps food fresh.
• Nanocor, a subsidiary of AMCOL International Corp., reportedly is on the verge of pleasing beer drinkers everywhere by determining how to prolong the shelf life of beer marketed in plastic bottles.