Scientists Pioneer Packaging Technology for Drinks

A packaging material developed by Nottingham Trent University in England has won an award for preventing leaching from bottled drinks.

The university’s school of science and technology uses nanofillers to enhance plastic-packaging materials by a few nanometres (one millionth of a millimetre).

According to the researchers, the nanoscopic technique does not affect the appearance of the plastic packaging and eliminates the need to use heavier materials such as glass.

The technology also saves energy required for the processing and transporting of bottled beverages, according to the scientists.

The research unit has also developed antimicrobial nanocomposite materials which kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms.

The material has won the Nottingham Trent University Food and Drink INet Innovation Champion 2009 award.