Breakthrough Packaging Doubles the Shelf Life of Milk

A breakthrough packaging design, unveiled recently, is set to double the shelf life of milk to over two weeks.

Researchers have found a new packaging process that will preserve the milk in a drinkable state for 15 days, unlike the present duration of seven days. This is made possible by adding minuscule pieces of silver to the packaging.

Researchers in Brazil have invented this innovative liquid packaging with a plan to launch soon into the US and European markets.

According to researchers from Agrindus, a cultivation firm in Brazil’s Sao Paulo, the breakthrough packaging would extend the shelf life of grade A pasteurised whole milk from its present seven days to fifteen days.

This feat was achieved by assimilating silver-based microscopic particles with antimicrobial, bactericidal and self-sterilising qualities into the rigid plastic bottles. These bottles were then used for the packaging of milk.

The Way this Breakthrough Packaging Was Developed
Luiz Pagotto Simoes, a researcher who worked on the development, shared a few things about the process involved.

He said the researchers were aware of the fact that the use of bactericidal and antimicrobial elements in flexible or rigid plastic food packaging boosts conservation and enhances shelf life.

So, they choose to test it with polyethylene, which is used in Brazil to bottle fresh milk.

The microscopic particles were incorporated as a powder in the polyethylene, which was used to manufacture plastic bottles. There was absolutely no probability of health hazards as these tiny particles weren’t coming away from the packaging and getting mixed with the milk.

On testing this breakthrough packaging the researchers found that the product’s shelf life was doubled just by adding the tiny particles to the packaging, without the need of mixing milk with any additives.

Researchers have tested the effectiveness of this barrier packaging material in extending the shelf life of whole milk throughout the year. The material was also examined by two different dairies that use plastic bottles to distribute fresh milk across Brazil.

Once the material was certified to be truly effective for extending shelf life, it was decided to launch it into the market.

The US Food & Drug Administration has accorded its approval to market this material for being used in food packaging.

According to Simoes, this breakthrough packaging that extends shelf life will also bring benefits with respect to storage, transport, quality and food safety.

Antimicrobial FabricBreakthrough Packaging Beyond Food Packaging
With this technology, Simoes founded Nanox in 2004 and is now the current CEO of the company. Since then, the company has used the technology for various applications and to win international funding from companies seeking ways to create safe packaging, especially in the food industry. Now, using the technology in breakthrough packaging, Nanox has ventured into other areas where silver nanoparticles are useful and safe.

Paper Based Packaging
Nanox has developed a new type of silver-silica nanoparticle that can be added to the paper during the production process. Since these nanoparticles are integrated into the paper’s structure, they are excellent at preventing the spread of viruses.

This is a significant advance in food safety, as it means that contaminated packaging can be quickly and easily sanitised without the need for expensive and time-consuming sterilisation procedures. The silver-silica nanoparticles are also effective against a wide range of bacteria, so they could potentially be used in other applications such as medical packaging and wound dressings.

Masks Against Viruses
Elka, the plastic toy maker, has partnered with Nanox, the startup, to develop a reusable mask that promises to confer a higher level of protection against contamination by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.

The new mask is made of a material that is said to be more effective at blocking the virus, and it is also dishwasher-safe and can be reused up to 20 times. The partnership between Nanox and Elka is one of the innovative ways companies are rising to the challenge of meeting the demand for protective gear during the pandemic.

With the help of forward-thinking businesses like these, we can all breathe a little easier knowing that we are better equipped to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the virus.

Antimicrobial Fabric
Nanox nanoparticles have a range of potential applications beyond food packaging. One application is the infusion of these particles in fabric for antimicrobial apparel.

By incorporating the nanoparticles into the fabric, it would be possible to create clothing that is resistant to bacteria and other microorganisms. This would be particularly useful for healthcare workers, who are constantly exposed to potential sources of infection.

In addition, the nanoparticles could be used in plastic film and adhesive to protect food products from spoiling. This would extend the shelf life of packaged foods, and reduce wastage.

Finally, the nanoparticles could be used in leather and MDF panels for furniture. This would create a more durable and long-lasting product, as well as provide enhanced fire resistance. Consequently, Nanox’s nanoparticles have the potential to revolutionise a wide range of industries.