Eliminating Plastic from Food Packaging

Nfinite Nanotech is seeking to address the pressing challenge of food packaging waste through innovative nanotechnology. Each year, the world generates approximately 300 million tons of plastic, with less than 10% being recycled. The food packaging sector is a significant contributor to this crisis, as Canada alone discards about 227 million kilograms of plastic packaging annually. The allure of plastic lies in its affordability and efficacy in preserving food, making it difficult for many businesses to consider more sustainable alternatives despite growing pressure from regulatory bodies and consumers.

Chee Hau Teoh, a Waterloo-based entrepreneur, was particularly troubled by these statistics, especially as a large quantity of the waste ended up in his home country of Malaysia. While pursuing a master's degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Waterloo, he partnered with fellow student Jhi Yong Loke and professor Kevin Musselman to develop novel nanocoatings with diverse applications, including food packaging. Their collaboration led to the establishment of Nfinite Nanotech in 2021, aimed at creating a lightweight, flexible barrier that could extend the shelf life of food products while minimizing environmental impact.

Despite the increasing demand for eco-friendly packaging options driven by consumer preferences and new regulations, many alternatives do not adequately protect against spoilage caused by moisture and oxygen. Teoh and his team discovered that their advanced ceramic nanocoating, which is a thousand times thinner than human hair, could serve as a glass-like barrier applied to paper products. This innovation could enhance the performance of paper packaging to rival traditional multilayer non-recyclable plastics in terms of shelf life, thus reducing reliance on plastic while addressing sustainability concerns within the industry.

Teoh acknowledges the challenges of transitioning to sustainable packaging, noting performance issues and higher costs associated with current alternatives. Many eco-friendly options either include substantial plastic content or lack the necessary barrier performance for durable products. The unique characteristics of Nfinite's nanoscale coating aim to retain the benefits of sustainability while bolstering the effectiveness of existing materials, thus enhancing their recyclability and compostability.

The widespread use of plastic is attributed to its cost effectiveness and convenience. However, Teoh points out that scaling up alternative solutions to match or exceed the performance of traditional plastics is not a simple task, as it has taken decades for plastic materials to achieve their current efficacy. Nevertheless, evolving regulations make a transition toward sustainable packaging more urgent and necessary. Emerging solutions, such as compostable materials and innovative packaging designs, signal a shift in the industry.

Feedback from stakeholders has been mixed; while some early adopters are enthusiastic about Nfinite's technology, others remain cautious. The company is currently focused on piloting products with potential customers, aiming to establish the economies of scale required for mass adoption. Teoh emphasizes that even small measures, such as considering sustainable packaging, play a significant role in addressing larger environmental problems. With global commitments to combat plastic waste and evolving standards, the movement towards sustainable packaging is imperative, positioning it as an essential aspect of future packaging strategies.