{"id":7385,"date":"2025-05-30T06:22:56","date_gmt":"2025-05-30T10:22:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=7385"},"modified":"2025-05-30T06:22:56","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T10:22:56","slug":"northwestern-university-develops-nontoxic-graphene-oxide-solution-for-food-packaging","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=7385","title":{"rendered":"Northwestern University develops nontoxic graphene oxide solution for food packaging"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The material offers an alternative to harmful plastics and PFAS. Credit: Eirene Fagus\/Shutterstock.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Researchers at Northwestern University, US, have developed a new graphene oxide-based water- and oil-resistant material for transforming food packaging.<\/p>\n

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The solution offers a nontoxic, recyclable, and compostable alternative to harmful plastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).<\/p>\n

The material improves the strength and barrier properties of paper-based packaging, making it a viable sustainable option for the food and beverage\u00a0industry, according to the researchers.<\/p>\n

GO-Eco, a subsidiary of Chang Robotics, is commercialising this patent-pending product, which is claimed to have outperformed current market solutions in third-party evaluations.<\/p>\n

The material\u2019s development is a collaborative effort between Northwestern\u2019s mechanical engineering adjunct professor and Chang Robotics chief scientist Timothy Wei, and chemistry professor SonBinh Nguyen.<\/p>\n

The US produces an estimated 14 million tonnes of paper-based food packaging and corrugated cardboard annually, contributing to more than $60bn in sales.<\/p>\n

Traditional packaging often relies on environmentally harmful coatings for water and oil resistance. However, Northwestern\u2019s graphene oxide material is claimed to offer a safe and cost-effective alternative, aligning with increasing regulatory pressures to eliminate toxic substances.<\/p>\n

Extensive testing has demonstrated that the application of small amounts of graphene oxide enhances the barrier performance and strength of various packaging types by 30 to 50%, without incuring a significant cost increase.<\/p>\n

GO-Eco, with support from the InQbation Lab,\u00a0Northwestern\u2019s Office of Undergraduate Research, The Alumnae of Northwestern University, and an exclusive licensing agreement with Northwestern, is now moving towards commercialisation.<\/p>\n

GO-Eco\u2019s advancements have led to funding from a national tableware manufacturer and partnerships for further development. The team\u2019s next steps involve scaling up production, pursuing regulatory approvals, and conducting full-scale production trials to bring this sustainable solution to the global market.<\/p>\n

Wei said: \u201cThis is not just a materials innovation; it\u2019s a market-ready solution.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are thrilled to be taking GO-Eco from the lab to the factory floor, with applications that could ultimately transform the entire food packaging industry.\u201d<\/p>\n

In August 2024, Chang Robotics and Northwestern University\u2019s INVO Lab announced a joint venture<\/a> to reduce contamination from microplastics and PFAS in the US food supply.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

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