A review is presented concerning the application of nanotechnology in the polymer food-packaging sector. Emphasis is placed on the benefits of polymer nanocomposite materials in terms of their improved mechanical and processability properties but also in terms of more packaging-oriented attributes, such as enhanced barrier properties. In addition, nanotechnology is expected to introduce some novel and beneficial characteristics to plastic packaging materials. These characteristics include the induction of antimicrobial properties, oxygen scavenging, enzyme immobilization, and sensing of food conditions. Besides these novel properties, the need to explore the potential health impact of nanoparticles is also discussed, with a focus on the possibility of nanocomponent migration into the packaged foodstuff. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 122: 3720-3739, 2011