NASA, We Have a Challenge and It's Food Packaging
Current Packaging: Freeze Dried Foods Packaging The thermoformed base is fabricated from Combitherm PAXX230 [a coextrusion of nylon/medium-density polyethylene (MDPE)/nylon/ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH)/nylon/MDPE/linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)]. The lid is fabricated from Combitherm PAXX115 (a coextrusion of nylon/EVOH/nylon/LF adhesive/HV polyethylene/LLDPE) Natural form (Bite size) foods The bite-size food package is fabricated from Combitherm PAXX115, a coextrusion of nylon/EVOH/nylon/LF adhesive/HV polyethylene/LLDPE. Overwrap Packages are wrapped in a white pouch,.003-mm thick, fabricated from a laminate of polyester/polyethylene/aluminum foil/Surlyn®. This overwrap is removed before the food is prepared and heated. Requirements High barrier packaging - low oxygen and water vapor transmission rates No aluminum layer Mass - <145 grams per m2 Flexible Puncture resistant Approved for food use Amenable to sterilization Able to be heat sealed Preferred (not required) Transparent Retortable, microwavable, high pressure use. Small Business Innovative Research Program - 7 years 8 Phase I contracts 4 Phase II contracts Two workshops to bring together food packaging experts Three internal research tasks Public Outreach - average of 3 presentations/yr. for 8 years describing NASA's challenges Department of Defense Collaboration - Combat Feeding Program No significant improvement in food packaging capabilities after these efforts. It was unlikely that a food packaging solution could be found within the food science community There was a need to go outside to other industries such as pharmaceutical or electrical Although a positive result was preferred, a negative result would also be useful Two Innovation Techniques were used as a comparison InnoCentive - Theoretical Challenge to identify new technologies Yet2.com - A matchmaker between NASA and commercial packaging manufacturers