The U.S. Army (Combat Feeding Directorate – Natick, MA) is conducting research on counter-rotational blown film processing of bio-based polymers under the U.S. Army Environmental Quality Basic Research and Development (EQBRD) Program to increase the bio-based content of ration Meal Ready-to-Eat (MRE™) packaging in addition to improving mechanical and barrier properties. Counter-rotational blown film processing is a novel method for imparting multi-directional orientation in a blown film sample. The effects of this process on the mechanical properties of bio-based polymers are unknown; this study aims to identify suitable bio-based polymers and nanoparticles for counter-rotational blown film processing. Currently, Vestamid DS-22 (castor oil based polyamide 10,10) and Cloisite 30B and 93 (bentonite nanoparticle clays) are being examined for processability and film quality. The mechanical testing, including: tensile testing, tear testing, and oxygen/water-vapor barrier testing will be conducted for the blown film blends at various orientation angles to determine the effects this processing has on the selected materials. If there are significant improvements in the mechanical and barrier properties in comparison to the current MRE™ packaging, this material will be a possible candidate for high barrier military food packaging.