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This study explores the suitability of innovative packaging for local and organic food. Attitudes and opinions in local and organic food chains in Southern Finland were collected via eighteen semistructural interviews. The respondents were small-scale producers and processors of fish, meat, berries, and mushrooms, wholesalers, retailers, and institutional kitchens. The aim of this study was to understand factors promoting and preventing the penetration of innovative packaging solutions into the organic and local food market. A clear majority (86%) of respondents considered active and intelligent solutions to be equally suitable for local and organic food as for conventional food. However, less than half would actually use the technologies in their own products.

The aim of this presentation is to demonstrate totally bio-based multilayer barrier packaging films. These films were prepared with a thin coating of fibrillated cellulose as an effective barrier against oxygen and/or mineral oil residues. It is shown that such films are feasible for packing of dry foods in formats such as bag-in-box, flexible pouches, and most recently in paper-based stand-up pouches. The cellulose fibrils can provide the films with a barrier suitable even for demanding products and for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). For example, the bio-based MAP pouches containing ground hazelnuts were able to retain both their shape and internal atmosphere, while maintaining the original product quality. However, processes such as irradiation and aggressive compounds from the food product were found to impair the oxygen barrier provided by the fibrillated cellulose.

The aim of this presentation is to demonstrate totally bio-based multilayer films. These films were prepared with a thin coating of fibrillated cellulose as a barrier against oxygen and mineral oil residues. Such films are feasible for packing of dry foods in formats such as bag-in-box, flexible pouches, and most recently stand-up pouches. The cellulose fibrils can provide the films with a barrier suitable even for more demanding products and for modified atmosphere packaging.

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a layer-by-layer deposition process based on repeated self-limiting gas-solid reactions by using volatile precursors. It is suited for producing dense and pinhole-free inorganic nanoscale coatings uniform in thickness at relatively low temperatures. The purpose of this presentation is to demonstrate the potential and the challenges of using ALD to create functional coatings for polymer films. ALD is an efficient tool for improving the barrier properties of polymer films. However, adequate barrier properties are only one of the key requirements set for the packaging materials. As far as safety issues are concerned, these coatings, for example, seem not to fall under the European definition of nanotechnology and migration is low enough to meet the requirements set by current European regulations. ALD can also be used to create antimicrobial coatings, and thin oxide coatings can be modified for improved mechanical and surface properties. It is recommended that ALD coatings are protected with an additional polymer layer providing also heat sealability. Although ALD is today carried out in batch mode, the development of roll-to-roll processes will enhance the feasibility of ALD for e.g. packaging materials

The goal was to study polymer films and coated paperboard as base substrates for atomic layer deposition (ALD), to understand the parameters affecting layer growth and functional properties, to characterize thin layers, and to assess their safety and sustainability. Barrier properties of most polymer films studied were improved by Al2O3 thin layers. The relative improvement was the most significant with cellulose and polyester films, while certain plastic additives completely prevented thin layer growth. Polymer pre-coatings on fiber-webs have to be smooth and have good film forming properties. Layer growth starts by sorption of precursors onto and into the polymer surface followed by chemical reactions with the polar oxygen groups of the polymer and a possible formation of an interphase. This is followed by cluster formation and growth through clusters. The amount of oxide needed to cover the polymer depends on its' surface chemistry. Surface chemistry of polymer film has an impact on the layer growth and final functional properties. Polymer pretreatments prior to the ALD can be used to improve the barrier properties. Ozone can activate difficult surfaces, and the barrier properties can be adjusted by choosing the oxygen source. In addition, deposition temperature should be as high as possible. Mechanical properties of oxide layers were improved by combining thinner oxide and inorganic-organic hybrid layers into a nanolaminate. In addition, a contact between the oxide layers and the bacteria promoted antimicrobial activity. Uniform Al2O3 barrier layers do not seem to fall under the EU's definition of nanomaterial. Migration of Al2O3 to food simulants was low. However, ALD coated polymers require a top layer to protect the oxide layer from stresses, to prevent dissolution and to act as a sealant.

As part of COST Action FA0904 "Eco-sustainable food packaging based on polymer nanomaterials" a two-day International Workshop "Novel nanostructured polymeric materials for food packaging and beyond" was organized related to Working Group (WG) 1 of this Action. The main goal of WG 1 (Development of new safe PNFP) was to consider new polymer nanomaterials for food packaging - also for other applications - and breakthroughs and knowledge leading to new features gained through nanotechnology. The topics covered by WG 1 included e.g.: * Selection, synthesis, production of matrix, nanoparticles and -devices, * Surface functionalization and chemical treatments of nanoparticles, * Link between nanostructures and macroscopic properties, * Characterization and measurement tools.