Active Nanocomposite Packaging: Functions and Applications

Abstract

Active packaging is a technique of prolonging the shelf life of food products and maintaining their quality by incorporating suitable absorbers or emitters leading to improvement in the quality and shelf life of the product. One of the most studied applications of nanotechnology in the food sector is nanocomposite food packaging. The application of nanotechnology to packaging materials can improve their barrier properties and reduce the weight of food packaging materials. Applications of nanocomposites in active packaging mainly revolve around three areas: antimicrobial nanocomposites, oxygen scavenger nanocomposites, and ethylene scavenger nanocomposites. Applications of nanocomposite regarding active packaging revolves around antimicrobial and scavenging or absorbing functions. This chapter describes various nanomaterials used in nanocomposites along with their characteristics which impart them the potential to act as an active agent. Some of the major applications of nanocomposites along with their mechanism of action in the field of active packaging are also described.