NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Materials and films for safe, smart and sustainable (3S) packaging

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Plastic based flexible packaging industry in Canada represents about 5 B$ in sales annually. Flexible Packaging technology and applications, particularly for food packaging, evolves continuously due to consumer and market requirements in terms of high quality, freshness and extended shelf-life of products, with easy-to-use and resistant packaging made with lighter, cheaper and recyclable materials. Additionally, public demand and awareness for food safety has become a significant concern. Technological solutions that could prevent contamination and/or alert consumers may provide better public protection. In the second term of this Chair, the objective of the research program is to address these concerns and develop materials and films for sustainable packages with functional properties for better safety and detection ability. More specifically, the research themes of this Chair program are: the development of safe, performing and cost effective packages**through better and controllable seals, barrier and active (antibacterial) properties; the development of smart packages through the incorporation of sensors in films and; finally, the development of sustainable packages with less material, recyclable and/or biodegradable. The expected outcomes, results and innovations from this Chair program will benefit Canadian companies and consumers in terms of competitive edge and better safety. Finally, an excellence center in packaging with dedicated facilities and expertise is expected to be formed in the medium term and made available to Canadian packaging industry.