Nano-scale innovations in packaging: Properties, types, and applications of nanomaterials for the future

Abstract

Packaging plays a crucial role in meeting the diverse needs of various industries and consumers, and is created from different types of materials. In the case of food products, packaging serves several important functions, including protecting them from physical, chemical, and biological damage, extending their shelf life, and facilitating storage and transportation. One area of innovation in packaging materials is the use of nanomaterials with particle size in the nanoscale, which exhibit unique physico-chemical and biological properties as compared to bulk counterparts. In the packaging industry, nanomaterials have the potential to offer flexible packaging with super barrier properties, improved biodegradability, and bactericidal and bacteriostatic properties. Polymer nanocomposites are a particularly promising type of packaging material, as they can enhance mechanical properties and provide novel functionalities. With an increasing focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness, biodegradable, active, and smart packaging made from biodegradable polymers based nanocomposites is becoming more prevalent. This paper presents a review of different types of packaging and nanomaterials used in these packaging. Additionally, the beneficial aspects and characteristics in terms of the antimicrobial properties and biodegradability of packaging materials have been explored to provide insight into the applications of various nanomaterials in food packaging.

Keywords

• Packaging
• Nanomaterials
• Clay
• Polymer
• Metal oxides
• Biocompatibility