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PackTrends
2020
160
quality and new technologies
In the package sector, some applications and
functionalities of the nanotechnology have been
developed, such as:
• Improvement of the barrier properties (gas, aroma,
water vapor and light) of plastic and cellulosic pa-
ckages (through coating).
• Improvement of mechanical properties (plastic and
cellulosic materials).
• Increase of thermal stability of thermoplastic poly-
mers.
• Improvement of adhesion and surface modification.
• ncorporation of active compounds, especially anti-
microbial and oxygen absorbers.
• Production of nanosensors (of microorganisms and
chemical contaminants) and relevant information in-
dicators (smart packages).
• Increase of biodegradability and compostability.
• Increase of recyclability (additive to minimize the
yellowing of recycled PET bottle by ColorMatrix –
Joule RHB – Figure 6.27).
• Production of packages with antistatic, antiadherent
and autocleaning surfaces (repel humidity and dust
and allow an easier removal of the packed product).
• Traceability systems (time-temperature indicators
– TTI and RFID tags based on printed eletronics,
instead of silicon semiconductors, which allow the
product to be monitored and tracked) and safety
systems (safety paints, nanoscaled barcode: nano-
barcode).
Hence, the nanoscience and nanotechnology
allow the development of processes and products that
meet the requirements of the packaging sector in terms
of energy and material reduction, more safety, quality and
freshness of the products, more packages recyclability,
reduction of solid waste, safety at the production and
distribution, product identification and stock control.
The development of nanosensors and
nanoindicators is promising. It is in this field that most
of the academic researches and investments of funding
agencies are focused on. It is a sophisticated and
technologically advanced field, including commercial
application of smart paints, printed electronics and
electronic tongue.
FIGURE 6.27
Additive in nanometric scale
improves the optical properties
of recycled PET bottle
Source: Press Release
Nanotechnology applications in packages and distribution
Besides increased mechanical resistance and
barrier properties,the incorporation of nanomaterials in
polymers and cellulosic materials rises the opportunity
for package material reduction (downgauging or
lightweighting) and price reduction, which ease the
pressure caused by the issues as sustainability and cost.
When the package physical and barrier properties can
be kept with less material, there is energy reduction,
non-renewable source material reduction and reduction
of the packages carbon footprint.
Lightweighting, downgauging