Spanish research institute Aimplas is teaming up with Ainia Technological Center to improve packaging properties through the use of nanomaterials.
The partners say they aim to develop prototypes of cosmetics packaging in their Nanopack project due for completion in late 2015. They envision packaging that is safer, more sustainable and competitive.
The institutes will examine clay nanoparticles and the properties they can impart, such as high gas barrier and improved mechanical and thermal characteristics. Use of nanoparticles could eliminate some plastics additives and reduce the number of packaging layers and amount of plastics used.
Aimplas and Ainia, both based in Valencia, Spain, will also add nanoparticles to biopolymers that could help their adoption in cosmetics packaging.
Aimplas said the nanoparticle research also could be useful to other packaging applications for difficult materials.
Email [email protected].