Overview
ISO/TS 21975:2020 - "Nanotechnologies - Polymeric nanocomposite films for food packaging with barrier properties - Specification of characteristics and measurement methods"-defines the characteristics to be measured and recommended measurement methods for polymeric nanocomposite films used to improve food packaging barrier performance. The Technical Specification focuses on barrier-related properties (oxygen, water vapour and UV‑Vis light transparency) and associated measurement and reporting requirements. It does not address safety, health or environmental aspects.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Essential characteristics required to be measured:
- Nano-object: size and size distribution; chemical composition/content.
- Nanocomposite film: total luminous transmittance; ash content.
- Barrier properties: oxygen transmission rate (OTR), water vapour transmission rate (WVTR), UV‑Vis transmittance.
- Optional characteristics (recommended depending on application): nano‑object colour and morphology; nanocomposite appearance; mechanical properties; thermal properties (melting temperature, glass transition); crystallinity and morphology.
- Measurement methods and techniques: the specification lists and uses standard analytical techniques and abbreviations such as AFM, DLS, SEM, TEM, SAXS, XRD, TGA, DSC, UV‑Vis, GC, ICP/MS, ICP/AES, PTA. These support consistent measurement of particle size, composition, transmittance and barrier performance.
- Test specimen preparation and reporting: guidance on preparing specimens, required reporting fields and example table formats to support reproducible test results and clear communication between suppliers and buyers.
- Informative annexes: practical guidance on shelf‑life extension, mechanisms of barrier improvement through nano‑object incorporation, processing effects and polymer characteristics affecting barrier performance.
Applications and practical value
- Improves consistency and comparability of test data for nano‑enhanced food packaging.
- Helps manufacturers and R&D teams evaluate how nano‑objects (e.g., clays, metal oxides) affect film OTR, WVTR and UV‑Vis transmittance, which relate directly to product shelf life and food quality.
- Supports quality control laboratories, material qualification, supplier specifications and commercial communication (buyer–seller agreements) for barrier films.
- Useful for product development, performance benchmarking and material selection when designing packaging solutions to reduce gas diffusion, moisture ingress and light‑induced degradation.
Who should use this standard
- Packaging manufacturers and converters
- Material scientists and nanotechnology researchers
- Quality control and testing laboratories
- Product developers in food and beverage industries
- Procurement and specification writers comparing nano‑enhanced films
Related standards
ISO/TS 21975:2020 references established terminology and test concepts from standards such as ISO/TS 80004 (nanotechnology vocabulary), ISO 15105‑1 (gas transmission concepts), ISO 11357‑2, ISO 472, and others cited within the document. These provide complementary definitions and test principles for measurement consistency.