Frustration at UK's slow start in the emerging field of nanotechnology

Food packaging could be one of the main beneficiaries of advances in nanotechnology, says a cross-sector industry network - but funding for a major development project needs to be found first.

The Department of Trade and Industry and regional agencies have helped to fund the Micro and Nanotechnology (MNT) Network. But experts claim that central government should be spearheading development in this fast-moving area, where advances tend to come from the US and the Far East.

At least three types of nanostructure can be useful in packaging: nanoparticles can help to filter UV light; nanoclays are used to create gas barriers; and carbon nanotubes can be used to radically alter the strength-to-weight ratio of materials. "This means you can cut down the amount of plastics used, and produce ultra-lightweight containers," explains Dr Alan Smith, associate director of the MNT Network.

Smith points out that the type of vapour deposition coating used to provide polyethylene terephthalate with a gas and light barrier, currently used by brands such as Budweiser in the US, is a prime example of nanotechnology in action. Silver nanoparticles have been applied to surfaces for their antimicrobial effects, he says, and mineral nanocoatings can also be used to give a colour-change effect to glass.

The Leeds-based Faraday Packaging Partnership is in the early stages of setting up a project to focus the packaging needs of food companies in this area. "Rather than just saying 'we want increased shelf-life', we need to know what we are increasing the shelf-life of, and for how long," explains md Dr Walter Lewis. "We're looking at forming a number of working groups to define these needs."

The MNT Network has just published an awareness pack to underline the benefits of nanotechnology in the food and packaging sectors.