research project

Research into new packaging design for
agricultural products and nanotechnology

In recent years the balance among the different distribution channels for agricultural products such as fruit, vegetables and cereals has been shifting and former niche dynamics such as organic production, direct producer-client contact, the "zero mile" approach and farmers' markets but also automatic dispensing, have become a steadily growing phenomenon of considerable impact. A question that arises is how this opens up possibilities to rethink the way products are being packaged for these new delivery modalities.

On the other hand, research in the field of nanotechnology is giving rise to materials with characteristics radically different from those available before and enables surface treatments of traditional materials which can modify the overall product behaviour substantially. Some developments of interest are studies on molecular sensing, permeability of gasses, passage of UV rays and enhanced mechanic performance with improved strength/weight ratio.

This research project aims at studying and developing innovative solutions for the packaging of agricultural products taking into consideration both the undergoing changes regarding the modalities in which these products reach from production to the users and new opportunities offered through the nanostructuring of materials.


Project partners:
Nanofab, a research center dedicated to nanotechnology; Veneto Nanotech, the coordinating institution of the Veneto region's nanotechnology cluster; Coldiretti, Italy's largest agricultural association; two agricultural companies for case studies.

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