Natural Clay‐Based Food Packaging Films

Nanocomposite material is an emerging trend in food packaging. Nanoclay is a natural phyllosilicate mineral widely available in nature, having platelet form, flaky, soft structure with low specific gravity and large aspect ratio. The incorporation of clay materials into polymer matrix significantly improves physical, chemical, mechanical, and barrier properties. Nanomaterials, such as silver nanoparticles, zeolites, nanozinc oxide, and nanoclay, are primary nanocomposite food packaging available in the market today. Different nanoclay modification processes enable implementation of desirable attributes in packaging films. Extensive research works have been conducted by industries and academia to evaluate the functions and application of nanoclay in food packaging. Nanoclay has the potential to extend the idea of the novel application in active and intelligent food packaging. However, despite the advancement of nanoclay in food packaging, there is growing concern about the safety and potential risk due to the migration of nanoparticles from packaging to food. This chapter discusses the properties of nanoclay composite and nanoclay applications in food packaging and nanoclay safety and risk assessment problems. Further, the potential toxicity induced in humans of nanoclay due to exposure was also discussed.