A nanocomposite is made from melt-mixing of polyethylene with organoclay in the presence of a maleated polypropylene. Unexpectedly, the maleated polypropylene and polyethylene are sufficiently compatible to permit excellent dispersion of the organoclay in the nanocomposite. Because maleated polypropylene is compliant with U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations, though maleated polyethylene is not, one can use nanocomposites of the present invention for articles to be in contact with human food.