Nanotechnology for the Solid Waste Reduction of Military Food Packaging
WP-200816
Objective
The amount of packaging waste generated per Meal Ready-to-Eat (MRE) meal is 0.36 lb (22.9% of the total ration weight). When based on the 2004 procurement of 144 million MREs, approximately 67,000 tons of ration-related waste is generated every year. This, coupled with the rising costs of disposal, has increased the need to investigate alternative materials for combat ration packaging applications. The objective of this project is to demonstrate and validate new nanocomposite packaging structures for the military, which have been developed via earlier Environmental Quality Basic Research (EQBR) and Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) projects, as well as to demonstrate industry-based developments in the area of nanocomposite packaging films that have matured into commercially available products. Nanocomposite packaging for the Meal Bag, non-retort pouches, and retort pouches will be demonstrated and evaluated to reduce Department of Defense-specific waste problems by developing recyclable military ration packaging that also meets combat ration operational requirements. The goal is to transition mature technology to material converters and demonstrate manufacturability and durability of nanocomposite packaging structures within the military logistics system.
Technology Description
Nanocomposite materials are a new way to optimize and improve polymer properties for high barrier packaging for military rations. Polymers have been filled with compatible nanoparticles to improve various mechanical properties such as tensile strength, toughness, and diffusion to gases and moisture and to impart dimensional stability at high temperature operations. When dispersed throughout the polymer, the nanoparticles align to form a physical barrier that will slow the diffusion of gases through the polymer by formation of a tortuous diffusion path. This leads to significant improvement in oxygen and water vapor barrier properties, which are essential to the shelf life of military rations. Nanocomposite Meal Bags, non-retort pouches, and retort pouches will be produced commercially, packaged with MRE food, and assembled into pallets of MRE cases. To demonstrate and validate this packaging for future military use, certain properties will be tested, including sensory, storage, handling, distribution/transportation, and insect infestation.
Benefits
These nanocomposites are expected to meet the operational and performance requirements of combat ration shelf life, replacing the existing combat ration packaging systems and decreasing solid waste. By incorporating multifunctional advanced nanocomposites into MRE packaging, it is estimated that the amount of solid waste generated can be reduced by 20-30%. An important benefit of this effort will be reduction of packaging waste by down-gauging films and eliminating excessive materials. In addition, this nanocomposite packaging is entirely polymeric and therefore potentially recyclable, unlike the current MRE ration packaging that contains aluminum foil. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2011)
Points of Contact
Principal Investigator
Dr. Jo Ann Ratto
U.S. Army Natick Soldier RD&E Center (NSRDEC)
Phone: 508-233-5315
Fax: 508-233-5363
Document Types
- Fact Sheet - Brief project summary with links to related documents and points of contact.
- Final Report - Comprehensive report for every completed SERDP and ESTCP project that contains all technical results.
- Cost & Performance Report - Overview of ESTCP demonstration activities, results, and conclusions, standardized to facilitate implementation decisions.
- Technical Report - Additional interim reports, laboratory reports, demonstration reports, and technology survey reports.
- Guidance - Instructional information on technical topics such as protocols and user’s guides.
- Workshop Report - Summary of workshop discussion and findings.
- Multimedia - On demand videos, animations, and webcasts highlighting featured initiatives or technologies.
- Model/Software - Computer programs and applications available for download.
- Database - Digitally organized collection of data available to search and access.