What’s next in active and intelligent food packaging?
From Packaging World
Among the types of active and intelligent packaging most commonly researched is antimicrobial food packaging. But when will we see commercialization and true marketplace impact? The applications that are commercialized seem to have small and narrow markets. Films or sachets are available containing nisin, chitosan, grape seed extract, allyl isothiocyanate (AIT), rosemary oil, and ethanol, but not all of these are meant for food applications. Of course the main obstacle is cost, but what affects cost is not only the raw material cost but also the cost for production. The good news is that some of these question marks are being addressed. Consequently, innovative process and formulation modifications are taking place that may help make antimicrobial coatings a more feasible option for larger production runs in the future.
Legal concerns regarding proof of material safety under intended use conditions is also important. Methods are being developed to measure and track migration of antimicrobial components that could help such materials demonstrate their safety for food applications.
There is much work to do if the commercial use of antimicrobial packaging is to grow as predicted. I believe making progress will rely upon partnerships not only with research institutes worldwide but also with industry. Since researchers in the packaging field (not just food packaging) have no targeted funding source, it is important to partner with industry. Those of us in universities need industry to provide a reality check to those doing research, and those in industry do not have time to do the applied research performed at universities. Partnerships will be essential for the future success of all kinds of active and intelligent packaging, including antimicrobials.