Peak Nano, a materials technology company specialising in polymer engineering, has launched a development programme to create nanolayered biodegradable multilayer polymer films for medical, food and beverage packaging.
The films are being developed using NanoPlex, the company’s proprietary polymer engineering platform, which enables multiple polymer properties to be combined in a single material.
This allows control over characteristics such as atmospherics, molecular permeability, biodegradability, conductivity and insulation.
‘Dial in characteristics’
Dr Michael Ponting, chief scientific officer at Peak Nano, said: “With NanoPlex, we can create nanolayers that let us dial in characteristics like barrier performance, mechanical strength, and even degradability.
“This lets us tackle one of the toughest problems in packaging. We can now design biodegradable nanolayer structures that give converters the barrier and mechanical properties they need, with a much better end-of-life story.”
The programme is supported by research and development funding from the Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub.
It is intended to provide an alternative to conventional multilayer packaging film, which typically contains tightly bonded layers of polymers and additives that are difficult or impossible to recycle.
Peak Nano said its nanolayer coextrusion and biaxial orientation processes improve oxygen and water vapour resistance, strengthening durability so the films can withstand converting and packaging operations without contributing to long term microplastics waste.
Engineered to biodegrade
The company said the materials are engineered to biodegrade over time while protecting product quality and safety.
Hans Dorfi, executive director and chief innovation officer at Polymer Industry Cluster, said: “Peak Nano’s films show how we can align world-class materials science with our region’s deep expertise in polymer science and advanced manufacturing to address global environmental challenges and create new economic opportunities here at home.”
Peak Nano expects to use its manufacturing footprint and regional partners in Ohio to support wider commercial adoption of the films.
