Woodhead Publishing 2011, pp 736, ISBN 1 84569 738 3, ISBN-13: 978 1 84569 738 9, £175

Multifunctional and Nanoreinforced Polymers for Food Packaging is a welcome text in a sector that has engendered much research and development over recent years. In terms of packaging competition, the food industry has focused on a number of targets including shelf-life, which also demands the preservation of inherent product characteristics. This has raised issues such as the retention of flavour, texture and nutritional value, and freedom from deleterious and pathogenic micro-organisms. At the same time, reduction in packaging materials on grounds of cost and waste considerations have been key factors as society moves towards sustainability.

This book brings together 24 contributions from experts and researchers in the field of packaging polymers from around the world. It is expertly written. Each contribution sets out the information in a clear and detailed manner and is accompanied by extensive referencing, and the end result is a comprehensive text of interest to those concerned with polymeric packaging materials in R&D and/or application.

The underlying thrust of the work is directed towards the preservation of foods through modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and the extension of shelf-life assisted by the use of adjuncts. This is addressed initially in an essential overview of multifunctional and reinforced polymers for food packaging. The attention given to the permeation properties is notable, for example, mass transport of polymers involved in the functionality of high barriers. This treatment provides a base for understanding the processes involved in solute diffusivity and solubility. An extensive overview of advances in materials for modified atmosphere packaging brings together a range of specific applications and examines different materials from the perspective of transfer of gases and moisture. It also highlights the amount of research in this area.

The fabrication of packaging materials is a crucial stage, and electrospinning is an innovative approach producing nanofibre structures. The nanofibre structures can be porous and formed into ultra-thin mats. The potential in the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields is extensive, and in relation to food highlights the opportunity for technology transfer.

Attention then moves to specific polymers, for example, EVOH, nylon-MXD6 resins and ethylene-norbornene copolymer. The use of nanomaterials is addressed in their capacity as fillers for plastics, but each bringing some essential action to the base material(s). Nanoclays and their role in antimicrobial activity and oxygen scavenging are examined together with the use of hydrotalcites and cellulose nanofillers. The use of thin films with deposited inorganic materials and their manufacture is given comprehensive treatment. The question of safety in respect to migration and the use of functional barriers is examined in terms of mechanisms, and consideration is given to the legislative requirements defined in European Council Directives.

While MAP contributes to the extension of shelf-life, the normal metabolic processes leading to maturation and eventually senescence in fruits and vegetables is a natural hurdle, but it is also necessary to guard against the presence of harmful and deleterious micro-organisms. The incorporation of chemical antimicrobial agents in polymeric materials using organic acids and salts has been one approach. Additionally, the focus has been on natural plant extracts on the grounds not only of their anti-microbial activity, but also of acceptability. The uses of essential oils and derived antimicrobial compounds have been incorporated in polymeric films. Chitosan derived from crustacea wastes has anti-microbial properties that have been exploited in coatings has received a strong research focus. Another approach is the use of natural antimicrobials, such as bacteriocins and enzymes, epitomised by bioactive packaging in which biologically active components are incorporated into the film wall or micro-encapsulation. This approach, for example, has applications in foods that undergo processing where functional components can lose their activity.

The use of silver nanocomposite-based antimicrobial films is examined in detail, and the issues of safety and public concern are acknowledged later under Safety and Regulatory aspects of plastics.

The biopolyester polylactic acid has found favour due to its biodegradability, and it is examined with a focus on its use with nanoclays but still requires further development, it is suggested, in out-performing PET.

The issue of safety and legislative regulation is fundamental to packaging and this is addressed concisely and informatively. It is clear that regulatory authorities have faced the issues and endeavoured to develop comprehensive legislative frameworks.

This is a compendious publication of 700 pages that will be of interest to those concerned with food packaging at a technical, developmental or research level. The editor and the contributors are to be congratulated on an excellent and timely contribution.