NanoKTN,

Online Seminar to Look At Development and Enhancement of Packaging Through Nanotechnology

News Release from: Nanotechnology KTN
20/11/2009

The Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (NanoKTN), one of the UK's primary knowledge-based networks for Micro and Nanotechnologies, in conjunction with Leatherhead Food Research, has announced the date of its next Nanotechnology in Food Special Interest Group (SIG) online seminar, dedicated to raising current awareness of the potential impacts of nanotechnology in the food and drink industry.

The application of nanotechnologies in the food industry is at a very early stage and mainly currently applied in the packaging and nutraceutical areas. The uptake of nanotechnology-based developments in packaging applications is increasing as new materials and sensor development come online. In the food and drink sectors, such applications have risen significantly but only constitute a small part of overall packaging sales. However, the potential future growth is high with opportunities for developments in improving packaging’s ‘green credentials’, improving security features, prolonging shelf life and antimicrobial functionality.

The online seminar, taking place on Thursday 26th November, will be hosted by Dr Graham Moore, Strategic Consultant at Pira International Ltd. Moore has thirty years experience in the paper industry and has examined major issues and technology trends that affect the future of paper, packaging and print. He has appeared on ‘Shop Talk’ on BBC Radio 4 discussing the impact of nanotechnology on packaging and has written a number of papers on this area.

Although current commercial realisation is low, some examples are now coming to fruition. The online seminar will look at the work carried out to date, as well as the key areas the UK industry should be looking at developing to encourage further commercial take up with support from the Government.

Dr Barry Park, Theme Manager at the NanoKTN says, “Events like these are of vital importance if we are to see the necessary advances take place in this market. There are numerous opportunities for nanotechnology within packaging applications and we look forward to seeing what ideas are generated as a result of the online seminar.”

All sectors of the packaging supply chain are encouraged to register for the online seminar, including anyone who is interested in learning about the UK’s efforts to developing applications in the packaging field.