The European Union-backed a NanoPack project that sought out to create Active Food Packaging. The aim was to find an efficient and safe way to extend the shelf life of yellow cheese, bread, and cherries. The result was a revolutionary anti-microbial packaging that combines natural nanomaterials and essential oils.
Following a series of tests on its anti-microbial packaging film, NanoPack discovered that its enhanced film had the potential to "inhibit mold growth in bread by at least three weeks, increase the saleability of fresh cherries by 40%. and expand the shelf-life of yellow cheese by 50%.
The innovative anti-microbial packaging is intended to potentially minimize the use of harmful food preservatives, as well as to curb any food waste potential.
Shelf Life-Extending Packaging
NanoPack's Active Food Packaging is Anti-Microbial
Trend Themes
1. Active Food Packaging - The development of anti-microbial packaging that can extend the shelf life of perishable products like cheese, bread, and cherries.
2. Natural Nanomaterials - The use of natural nanomaterials in packaging materials to inhibit mold growth and increase the saleability of fresh produce.
3. Reduction of Food Waste - The potential to reduce food waste by extending the shelf life of perishable items through anti-microbial packaging.
Industry Implications
1. Food Packaging Industry - The food packaging industry can explore the use of anti-microbial packaging to provide longer shelf life for perishable products and reduce waste.
2. Food Preservation Industry - The food preservation industry can adopt the use of natural nanomaterials and essential oils in packaging materials to extend the shelf life of various food products.
3. Alternative Preservatives Industry - The industry of alternative preservatives can benefit from the development of active food packaging that minimizes the use of harmful food preservatives.