Active Nanocomposites in Food Contact Materials

Abstract

The traditional application of food packaging materials as mere containers without food interaction has changed to the new concept of active packaging, where interactions between food, packaging materials and the environment increase food quality and shelf-life. This concept takes also into consideration the consumer safety and the nutritional characteristics of food. This has led to the design of active nanocomposites that improve the structural integrity and barrier properties of the packaging materials by the addition of nanomaterials such as nanoclays or metal nanoparticles, and that also increase their antimicrobial and antioxidant performance sing active additives and nanofillers. Here we review active nanocomposites in food packaging. We discuss the relevance, advantages, and limitations of active nanocomposites with respect to their safety and migration regulations.