Protecting the contents of bottled beverages and food

CSIRO's research team at CMIT Victoria has developed a sunscreen formula for glass bottles that screens the contents from damaging wavelengths of ultraviolet and visible violet, indigo and blue light.

The transparent coating, which has been three years in the making, will revolutionise the effectiveness of light-screen coatings applied to glass bottles.

At present, some types of clear and green bottles leave beverages, medicines and personal care products susceptible to light-induced damage. The nanoparticles in CSIRO's formula absorb the more energetic wavelengths while allowing harmless wavelengths to pass through the coated glass. Consequently, protection is provided to the contents of the glass, while maintaining its visibility to the consumer.

The new formula will have a broad commercial appeal, particularly with food and beverage manufacturers. Already, Bottle Magic Australia, a partner in the development, has built a pilot plant in Adelaide to scale up the UV-visible light-screen technology with plans to launch the product worldwide.

The development of the sunscreen coating provides an example of Australian researchers pursuing applied research with a commercial focus and further justifies Australia's growing reputation as a world leader in nanotechnology research and development.