Nanomaterials offer an opportunity to enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of
packaging to improve the protection of foods from undesirable mechanical, thermal, chemical, or microbiological effects. For instance, nanoparticles bonded in polymers can enhance material
properties such as reducing weight, increasing recyclability, lessening spoilage and loss of and
cross-contamination of flavors. Nanocor®, a global supplier of nanoclays, has developed
Imperm®. Described as a gas barrier resin, Imperm® is a nanocomposite containing nanoclay
particles, which restricts gas permeation, reducing the loss of carbon dioxide and impeding the
ingress of oxygen, which, when used in the manufacture of beer bottles, maintains the freshness
of the beer, giving it a six-month shelf-life (Asadi and Mousavi. 2006). In addition the bottles are
stronger and lighter and less likely to shatter. Similar technology is also being developed for the
US Government as a bio-security application which may be capable of detecting possible
terrorist attacks on the US food supply (Ravichandran 2010; Nanotechnology 2011; Dingman
2008). Another everyday application is the detection of the molecular changes as milk begins to
spoil. These changes could be used to trigger a reaction with nanoparticles embedded in the milk
cartons, resulting in the carton changing colour indicating a deterioration in the milk quality.
This would provide a visual sign to retailers and consumers about the “freshness” of the milk
(Nanotechnology 2011; Dingman 2008).