Smart cling film

Food packaging is a product that is barely noticeable — but they are increasingly made from truly efficient substances. For example, plastic packaging is further developed into a "smart" cling film, which not only protects against dirt but also has better light and anti-oxidation functions. In the future, these packages can even signal when they are damaged or the storage temperature is too high.

Research institutes abroad have designed a new type of cling film that is being tested in specialized laboratories. Here researchers study the so-called "oxygen scavenger" effect. This involves different molecules, such as iron compounds or polymers.

Its advantage is that it can reduce the use of additives such as antioxidants in foods. Thomas Wanna, the agency’s project leader, said: “At the moment, these scavengers are mostly able to prevent the oxidation of orange juice in glass or plastic bottles. We expect that in the next few years they can also be used in other products wrapped in plastic wrap.”

At present, the agency's researchers are mainly working on a "scavenger/indicator system" that not only captures oxygen but also emits signals with high oxygen content in the package through discoloration. For example, if the product rots or the packaging is damaged, a dazzling stain appears on the package. The new signal substance works similarly. The substance activates when the storage temperature rises, telling people that the product was once overheated during transit.

Foreign companies have developed a cling film that uses “nano-fillers” that also prevent oxidation of products. This is a polyamide that incorporates only one nanometer thin silicate sheet at the time of production. They are like a polyamide that incorporates only a nano-thin silicate sheet at the time of production. They are like a maze of walls, so that the path of oxygen molecules through the cling film is greatly extended. When the air humidity is about 50%, the thickness of this new cling film will be twice that of the original thickness, saving material and cost. Protection against light can be achieved by dyeing plastic wrap.