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1586342 
Journal Article 
Food packaging based on polymer nanomaterials 
Silvestre, C; Duraccio, D; Cimmino, S 
2011 
1 
Progress in Polymer Science
ISSN: 0079-6700 
36 
12 
1766-1782 
WOS:000297489400005 
Since its starting in the 19th century, modern food
packaging has made great advances as results of global trends and consumer preferences. These
advances are oriented to obtain improved food quality and safety. Moreover, with the move toward
globalization, food packaging requires also longer shelf life, along with the monitoring of
safety and quality based upon international standards. Nanotechnology can address all these
requirements and extend and implement the principal packaging functions - containment, protection
and preservation, marketing and communications. Applications of polymer nanotechnology in fact
can provide new food packaging materials with improved mechanical, barrier and antimicrobial
properties, together with nano-sensors for tracing and monitoring the condition of food during
transport and storage. The latest innovations in food packaging, using improved, active and smart
nanotechnology will be analyzed. It will be also discuss the limits to the development of the new
polymer nanomaterials that have the potential to completely transform the food packaging
industry. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. 
Polymer; Nanomaterials; Nanocomposites; Nanotechnology; Properties; Structure; Morphology; Food; Packaging; Environment; Health; Regulation issues; Application; Improved packaging; Active packaging; Smart packaging; Intelligent packaging; Eco-sustainability