26 July 2010, observatoryNANO

Biodegradable Food Packaging - New observatoryNANO Briefing Published

This document summarises and contextualises analysis of nanotechnology developments for biodegradable food packaging, and considers ST, socioeconomic, EHS and regulatory aspects. It is written for those who want a snapshot of the main issues, particularly policy makers.

The volume of waste generated by the European agrifood sector is of increasing concern; in fact Europe's fruit and vegetable industries generate around 30 million tonnes of waste a year. Numerous initiatives aimed at reducing agricultural waste (or finding novel uses for it) have been launched. For example the UK Government recently stated that within 10 years, 75% of all UK household waste should be recycled or composted.

Food packaging waste is predicted to increase as a result of an ever increasing demand for convenience food, and individual wrapping of fresh produce (such as fruit). Plastic packaging (useful for its water‐tightness and rigidity) has been designed with little consideration for disposability or recyclability, resulting in concerns over the environmental impacts when they enter the waste stream.

This BRIEFING outlines a promising area of nanotechnology that may contribute to the management of food packaging waste, adding value to the growing demand for biodegradable food packaging.

Further information can be found in the larger, general reports available from the observatoryNANO website.

More information:

http://nanoforum.org/nf06~modul~showmore~fold [..]

http://www.observatory-nano.eu

Downloads:

• ObservatoryNANO Briefing No 1 Biodegradable Packaging.pdf (499465 Byte)

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