The first issue of The Packaging Professional for 2011 reports on an upscaling process that turns waste plastics into carbon microspheres for multiple uses, innovations in 3D lenticular printing with possible packaging design applications, and how to improve maintenance efficiency with a "service-free printer".

Elsewhere in news, WRAP specialist Paul Davidson explains how the industry is moving closer to food-grade polypropylene, and we report on a side-wall strengthening system for rigid shipping containers which could improve top load performance and increase storage space.

This month's lead feature investigates nanotechnology to reduce food waste by increasing shelf-life. In other features we look at how a change in pulp production has impacted on the paper and cartonboard industry, how tracking systems could make packaging manufacturing more competitive, and the ways in which confectionery sales are boosted by trends in packaging design.