The amount of food that UK households and businesses waste could be significantly reduced with the help of nanotechnology in packaging, concluded speakers at the Food Packaging and Waste event, held in London, UK, on 29 June.

The event considered what can be done about the 8.3Mt of food thrown away by consumers every year.

Dr Kathy Groves of Leatherhead Food Research in the UK said the use of nanotechnology, such as nanoclays, ‘could make a big difference’ in making packaging lighter, stronger and better at preserving food for longer.

Other attributes that Groves hopes nanotechnology will bestow on packaging include degradability, smart filtering of allergens and free radicals, as well as greater barrier properties.

Already in production are intelligent sensors that indicate whether the contents of a pack have spoiled. Groves said these ‘will prove to be very useful as they give a more scientific basis to the sell-by date’.

Dr Alan Smith of consultancy group AZ-Tech, based in Wimborne, UK, said nanotechnology is already being used in many consumer applications, such as automotive parts. In packaging, he cited nanomaterials that are used as a gas barrier in beer bottles.

When asked about the safety of nanotechnology, Smith said there are numerous examples of nanostructures in the natural world to which people are exposed without any ill effects. Groves stated that UK Government tests on nanotechnology packaging showed no release of nanoparticles when embedded within a polymer system.

Recyclability was another concern raised. Smith responded that ‘nanoclays are used in such small quantities that they do not pose a problem in the recycling chain’.

‘A key driver for growth of nano-technology in packaging,’ added Groves, ‘will be producers being able to reduce costs and increase availability of materials’.

Food for thought

Cost is also a factor affecting the use of anaerobic digestion (AD). Concerns over security of feedstock and limited readily available finance since the recession has resulted in only ‘modest’ progress being made with AD over the last year, according to Steve Lee, CEO of the National Non-Food Crops Centre in York, UK.

‘Finance currently trumps any other issue facing the industry,’ he said.  

However, he added that the Government is starting to recognise the importance of AD in both waste management and energy generation and that the forthcoming Renewable Heat Incentive is a sign that it has ‘started to make sure the policy framework is as supportive as possible’.

On a positive note, Dr Richard Swannell from WRAP, and Jane Bickerstaff, Director of The Industry Council for Packaging & Environment told delegates that brands and retailers were demonstrating their willingness to reduce packaging and food waste by signing up to the second phase of the Courtauld Commitment. The principles of this agreement are to reduce grocery packaging by 10%, household food and waste by four per cent, and product and packaging waste by five per cent.