Nanotechnology Based Ethylene Scavengers for F&B Packaging
Ethylene gas, released at concentrations of 0.1-1.0 ppm by ripening fruits, acts as a natural ripening hormone that accelerates senescence in fresh produce. Studies show that reducing ethylene levels by just 0.01 ppm can extend shelf life by 2-5 days for sensitive fruits. Traditional ethylene scavengers face functional limitations—including saturation after absorbing only 0.1-0.2 mL/g of ethylene and decreased effectiveness at humidity levels above 85%.
The technical challenge lies in developing packaging materials that simultaneously offer ethylene scavenging capacity, mechanical durability, and barrier properties without introducing components that might migrate into food products.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including polymer-bound palladium-doped CHA framework zeolites, multi-layer structures incorporating ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers with nanomaterials, mesoporous titanium dioxide systems, and silicone elastomer coatings with zeolite-encapsulated adsorbents. These and other approaches provide practical pathways for manufacturers to incorporate ethylene control mechanisms into food packaging while maintaining regulatory compliance.
1. Packaging Material with Multi-Layer Structure Incorporating Ethylene-Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer and Nanomaterial-Enhanced Barrier Layer
Zhejiang Pengyuan New Material Technology Group Co., Ltd., ZHEJIANG PENGYUAN NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD, 2024
High barrier packaging material comprising a substrate, a barrier layer, a composite layer, and an aluminum foil layer. The barrier layer comprises a blend of polyethylene and ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, flaky nanomaterials, spherical alumina particles, and acetylated chitosan nanofibers. The composite layer is formed by casting a polyethylene adhesive layer onto the barrier layer and then laminating a substrate onto the adhesive layer. The aluminum foil layer is laminated onto the composite layer using a polyethylene adhesive layer. The material exhibits improved oxygen and moisture barrier properties while maintaining tensile strength and elongation at break.
2. Polymer-Encapsulated CHA Framework Zeolites with Palladium Doping for VOC Adsorption
JOHNSON MATTHEY PUBLIC LIMITED CO, 2024
Polymer-bound zeolites with the CHA framework type for adsorbing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like ethylene from organic matter and packaging materials. The CHA zeolites are doped with palladium and encapsulated in a polymer matrix to prevent leaching during use. This provides stable, high-capacity adsorbents for VOC removal that can be incorporated into packaging films and coatings to control the internal atmosphere of produce containers and prevent spoilage.
3. Composition with Ethylene Scavenging and Antimicrobial Agents in Polyester Base Material
CHICORA GROUP LLC, 2024
A composition for extending the shelf life of produce by controlling ethylene production and microbial growth through a combination of ethylene scavenging and antimicrobial agents. The composition comprises a base material such as polyester, combined with an ethylene scavenging agent and an antimicrobial agent. The ethylene scavenging agent neutralizes ethylene gas, while the antimicrobial agent inhibits the growth of microorganisms that contribute to spoilage. This composition can be applied to storage containers like corrugated boxes to prevent ethylene-related spoilage and extend the shelf life of produce.
4. Polyethylene Film with Mesoporous Titanium Dioxide and Calcium Oxide Nanoparticles
SICHUAN HELEE INDUSTRY CO LTD, 2023
PE hygroscopic film, preparation method, and packaging composite film for pharmaceutical packaging that prevents moisture and oxygen from entering the package while maintaining the internal dryness of contents. The film contains a PE matrix with mesoporous titanium dioxide and calcium oxide nanoparticles, which create a highly effective barrier against moisture and oxygen. The calcium oxide reacts with water to form calcium hydroxide, while the titanium dioxide provides additional barrier properties. This film maintains its dryness even when exposed to environmental humidity, ensuring the integrity of pharmaceuticals and food.
5. Food Packaging Material Comprising Polyvinyl Alcohol, Quaternary Ammonium Salt Functionalized Nanocellulose, and Iron Tannate
CHINA NATIONAL PULP & PAPER RES INST CO LTD, 2023
High-strength food packaging material made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), quaternary ammonium salt functionalized nanocellulose (CNF-QAS), and iron tannate (TA-Fe). The material provides improved barrier properties, mechanical strength, and antibacterial performance compared to PVA or CNF alone. The quaternary ammonium salt functionalization on CNF enhances hydrophobicity and interacts electrostatically with PVA. Iron tannate provides antibacterial activity under NIR laser irradiation. The material is prepared by mixing PVA with CNF-QAS and TA-Fe solutions, heating, and casting into films.
6. Packaging Materials with Polymer-Bound Palladium-Doped CHA Zeolites for VOC Adsorption
JOHNSON MATTHEY PLC, 2023
Packaging materials with built-in adsorbents to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like ethylene from fruits and vegetables during storage and transportation. The materials use palladium-doped zeolites with the CHA framework type that are polymer-bound to prevent loss of adsorption capacity. The zeolites are dispersed in the packaging film layers or coated on the film surfaces. The polymer encapsulation protects the zeolites from water while allowing VOC adsorption.
7. Polymer-Bound Palladium-Doped CHA Framework Zeolites for Volatile Organic Compound Adsorption
JOHNSON MATTHEY PUBLIC LIMITED CO, 2023
Using polymer-bound palladium-doped zeolites with a CHA framework type for adsorbing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in packaging materials like films and coatings. The zeolites retain significant adsorption capacity when polymer-bound, providing a stable and effective way to remove VOCs from packaging.
8. BEA Zeolite with Palladium and Bismuth Doping for Enhanced Ethylene Adsorption
JOHNSON MATTHEY PLC, 2022
Doped zeolites with palladium and bismuth for ethylene adsorption in perishable organic matter packaging. The zeolites have a BEA structure with a specific SAR (SiO2/Al2O3 ratio) and contain 0.5 wt% of other metals (Pd and Bi) on a total weight basis. These doped zeolites exhibit enhanced ethylene adsorption capacity compared to pure palladium-doped zeolites, particularly for ethylene within fresh produce packaging.
9. Silicone Elastomer Coatings with Zeolite-Encapsulated Ethylene Adsorbents
JOHNSON MATTHEY PUBLIC LIMITED CO, 2021
Silicone elastomer coatings with inorganic ethylene adsorbents for controlled ethylene removal from packaging materials. The coatings combine silicone elastomers with zeolites, which encapsulate ethylene adsorbents, providing stable and efficient ethylene capture. The coatings can be applied to packaging materials like films and bags, enabling controlled ethylene management through selective ethylene removal.
10. Nanocomposite of Polycaprolactone with APTES-Modified MCM-48 Nanoparticles
UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE PERNAMBUCO, 2021
Obtaining a nanocomposite formed by polycaprolactone (PCL) with MCM-48 nanoparticles (NPs) modified with 3- (aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) (MCM-48-NH2 NPs) for use in food packaging. The nanocomposite has improved thermal stability compared to pure PCL due to the MCM-48-NH2 NPs containing polar groups that interact with water molecules. Gamma irradiation at 25 kGy did not significantly affect the mechanical properties of the nanocomposite.
11. Polymer Film with Palladium-Doped Zeolite Particles for VOC Adsorption
JOHNSON MATTHEY PUBLIC LIMITED CO, 2020
Packaging films for removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like ethylene from organic products during storage and transport. The films contain small or medium pore palladium-doped zeolite particles dispersed in the polymer layer. The zeolite adsorbs VOCs from the product environment to extend shelf life by preventing accelerated ripening, spoilage, and discoloration. The zeolite particles are blended with the polymer and extruded to form the film layer. The palladium doping enhances VOC adsorption capacity.
12. Palladium-Doped CHA Zeolite-Polymer Composite for VOC Adsorption
JOHNSON MATTHEY PUBLIC LIMITED CO, 2020
Using palladium-doped zeolites bound to polymers for adsorbing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from packaging materials and organic substances like fruits and vegetables. The zeolites with a specific CHA structure are combined with polymers to create materials like packaging films or coatings. This allows adsorbing VOCs internally from produce or externally during transportation without impacting performance. The zeolite-polymer composite can be prepared by mixing zeolite particles with a polymer and extruding it into a film.
13. Polymer Packaging Film with Palladium-Doped Zeolite Particles for VOC Adsorption
JOHNSON MATTHEY PUBLIC LIMITED CO, 2020
Packaging films for produce that adsorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like ethylene to prolong shelf life. The films contain palladium-doped zeolite particles dispersed in the polymer layer. The zeolites have small or medium pore sizes. The zeolites retain significant VOC adsorption capacity when incorporated into the polymer film compared to free zeolote powder. This allows using the zeolites in polymer films instead of separate adsorbent inserts. The films can be made by compounding zeolite and polymer then extruding.
14. Composition with Metal Oxide Catalyst and Adsorbent for Ethylene Oxidation and Absorption
NICHEM SOLUTIONS, 2019
Shelf-life enhancer composition for preserving perishable items like fruits and vegetables. The composition comprises a catalyst and an adsorbent, where the catalyst is a metal oxide that selectively oxidizes ethylene gas, while the adsorbent facilitates ethylene absorption. This dual-action system prevents ethylene accumulation while promoting rapid ethylene oxidation, thereby extending shelf life.
15. Three-Layer Co-Extruded Polymer Film with Copper Oxide-Catalyzed Barrier Layers
WUXI FANGCHENG COLOUR PRINTING & PACKING CO LTD, 2019
A green polymer packaging film with enhanced barrier properties of water vapor and oxygen, achieved through a novel three-layer co-extruded composite film structure. The film combines a polyethylene base with a copper oxide-catalyzed water vapor barrier layer and a copper oxide-catalyzed oxygen barrier layer, creating a synergistic barrier system that significantly improves water vapor and oxygen permeability while maintaining structural integrity. The film's unique composition enables rapid degradation through enzymatic catalysis, making it suitable for applications requiring biodegradable packaging solutions.
16. Nanostructured Polymer Matrix for Food Packaging with Integrated Antimicrobial Agents and Enhanced Barrier Properties
ZHEJIANG WEISIDUN ENVIRONMENT TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2019
Nano food packaging material that combines barrier properties with antibacterial properties to enhance food preservation through synergistic effects. The material comprises a nanostructured polymer matrix with integrated antimicrobial agents, exhibiting superior barrier properties and mechanical strength. This nano-packaging system effectively prevents microbial growth while maintaining the food's nutritional and sensory characteristics, enabling extended shelf life and improved food safety.
17. Composite Coating Film with Nano-Fe2O3 Modified PVA Matrix for Antibacterial and Moisture Barrier Properties
ANHUI SONGTAI PACKAGING MATERIALS CO LTD, 2019
A nano-a-Fe2O3 functional modified PVA-based composite coating film for food packaging that combines antibacterial properties with improved moisture barrier properties. The coating film incorporates nano-sized iron oxide nanoparticles into a PVA matrix, enhancing its antimicrobial activity while maintaining its hydrophilic properties. This composite film provides enhanced barrier protection against moisture and gas migration, while maintaining the food's freshness and safety.
18. Polymer-Bound Palladium-Doped CHA Zeolites for VOC Adsorption in Packaging Materials
JOHNSON MATTHEY PUBLIC LIMITED CO, 2018
Polymer-bound palladium-doped zeolites for adsorbing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from organic matter like fruits and vegetables during storage and transportation. The zeolites have the CHA framework type and are incorporated into packaging materials like films and coatings. The polymer binding prevents loss of adsorption capacity compared to loose zeolite powder. The polymer films and coatings can be used to line produce containers or wraps to remove VOCs like ethylene.
19. Polymer Film with Palladium-Doped Zeolite Particles for VOC Adsorption
JOHNSON MATTHEY PUBLIC LIMITED CO, 2018
Packaging films for fresh produce that adsorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like ethylene to extend shelf life by integrating palladium-doped zeolite particles into the film. The zeolite particles are dispersed in the polymer film layer during extrusion to make the film. The zeolites retain significant VOC adsorption capacity despite the processing conditions. This allows the adsorbent to be directly incorporated into the packaging film rather than using separate inserts, protecting the adsorbent from moisture, and reducing processing steps. The zeolites have small or medium pore frameworks like CHA or AEI types.
20. Modified Polyethylene Film with Oxygen-Containing Functional Groups and Structural Porosity for Enhanced Microbial Degradation
JIANGNAN UNIVERSITY, 2018
A high-strength and easily degradable modified polyethylene film for packaging applications. The film incorporates oxygen-containing functional groups and hydrophilic properties, enabling efficient degradation by microorganisms through controlled microbial digestion. The film's structural porosity and thermal sensitivity facilitate water vapor and light penetration, promoting hydrophilic degradation pathways. This innovative material combines improved performance characteristics with environmentally responsible production and disposal, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional polyethylene packaging solutions.
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