Developers of smart & multifunctional packaging concepts based on nanotechnology can apply for EU funding that aims to harness the expertise & encourage the participation of industrial partners including SMEs. The EC recently published calls for proposals in a wide range of scientific disciplines including nanotechnology, & a total fund value approaching 6.4BN/Euros. Large projects coming under: Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials & New Production Technologies are allocated 279M/Euros. These collaborative projects will request grants in excess of 4M/Euros. For the first time, there will be reserved budgets for SMEs & their participation must reach 35%. Projects will embrace nanocoatings or thin films to enhance consumer safety & extend shelf life of packaged, perishable goods; smart features that use nanotechnology such as indicators, sensors, protection against counterfeit and tampering, product traceability indicators, interactive & biometric components that can be added to packaging using low cost printing technologies, such as roll-to-roll printing; materials from sustainable and renewable sources, recyclable in existing chains or biodegradable; and resource-efficient production. See: www.cordis.europa.eu
