British company is developing packaging materials containing nano silver

British Nano Nanotech is developing a packaging material containing nano silver to protect perishable food and agricultural products.

The company is currently in the final stages of producing packaging and sprayer prototypes. It has been working with a Korean company to develop nanosilver technology for plastic products.

Robert Kwan, general manager of the company, said: "The ideal situation is for us to license a manufacturer, wholesaler or distributor to bring our prototype design to market."

Nanosilver is uniformly dispersed in different types of polymers. It can be sprayed on the surface of food contact, for example, chopping board.

The company is also working with potential food industry partners in the United States, Canada, and Europe. Kwan believes that the cost of nanosilver materials is only a little higher than traditional materials. He said: "Nano-silver particles are not particularly expensive. Now their cost is only 30% higher and they are declining."

One of the major challenges faced by nanosilver R&D personnel is managing the health regulations of foods in contact with packaging materials.

For example, the EU opposes the migration of additives from plastic packaging to food in order to prevent the quality of food from being affected or cover up the spoilage of food.

Kwan said: "For our testing, nanosilver does not migrate. In any case, silver can naturally exist in a small amount of circumstances."