Plastic Food Packaging is a vital component when it comes to preserving food, ensuring quality standards and preventing food waste. All the human race's food is produced in small environments, where storage conditions are either of poor standard or non-existent. With the introduction of Plastic Food Packaging, this problem was addressed.
The food industry has been the biggest beneficiary of Plastic Food Packaging. With increased shelf life, reduced cost and increased safety, packaging within food production has never been easier. High melting point plastics also help reduce costs as they do not need any special refrigeration or cooling systems, further reducing costs associated with packaging and shipping.
Plastic Food Packaging is produced in a number of different materials. Low melting point polyethylene is one of the most common forms used. It is also one of the most expensive, contributing about thirty percent of the total plastic manufacturing industry. Polyethylene is made up of chains of ethylene, which is then reformed into countless different molecules. These millions of atoms are then linked together into a particular polymer, which is the base polymer of plastic packaging. The other main plastic packaging material is PVC, which stands for Vinyl Acetate, a thermo-physical plastic that does not melt or break down.
Plastic has revolutionized the food industry by removing the risk of harmful chemicals. The chemicals used in the manufacturing of plastic food packaging are safe, but they cannot be recycled and hence, are disposed of. This is because, according to the United Nations Environment Program, plastic is one of the top contributors to the creation of greenhouse gasses. The other top contributor to greenhouse gasses are wood and paper, and plastics are clearly inferior when compared.
Recycling programs have been initiated by various governments and organizations, to ensure that the high levels of waste created by plastic food packaging are reduced. These programs are encouraging manufacturers to make use of biodegradable packaging, instead of the traditional plastics. Biodegradable packaging, unlike plastic, are highly resistant to degradation after they undergo natural decomposition in the earth's environment. The use of biodegradable packaging ensures that these waste materials are not added to the trashcan, thereby making the environment healthier and safer.
However, it is important for food manufacturers and businesses to properly recycle the plastics. Proper recycling programs help in reducing the amount of garbage produced, thereby helping in the reduction of the accumulation of garbage. These programs encourage the use of recycled plastic products and encourage people to contribute towards this cause. Some industries have their own recycle centers, where plastic waste is collected from every single facility.
There are different kinds of packaging available in the market today. Bags made of polypropylene are generally used to pack drinks and food. Such bags are usually provided with handles and are very convenient to carry. These bags can also be re-used as disposable shopping bags or as water bottles. There are also special bins available that are made out of plastic waste and are specifically used to store paper, books, cartridges and plastic bags, in libraries and schools.
In case, you want to reuse these bottles, you can do so by cutting them into different parts. Reusing the polyethylene packaging is also much more economical than buying new ones. Another good thing about these bags is that they are odorless and tasteless, unlike the plastic bags that retain a pungent odor when being used. Apart from all these, there are many other advantages associated with the usage of the polyethylene food packaging.
The biodegradable feature of these products allows them to be disposed off in a safe manner by millions of people globally. This is possible because they break down into smaller particles that naturally decompose within a matter of years. These particles are usually recovered through the natural processes associated with composting. Unlike the disposable plastic food packaging that releases harmful chemicals into the environment, biodegradable bottles decompose at a faster rate and leave behind only useful materials. Moreover, the use of this product does not entail any harmful byproducts.
If you wish to purchase biodegradable food packaging, there are numerous places where you can get them at reasonable rates. You can check out various supermarket chains, manufacturers of these products and even online stores dealing in them to find the best deals. Outlet stores such as Food Network and Wal-mart offer biodegradable food packaging at an affordable price. Moreover, many takeaway containers stand-up pouches are available online at a discounted price from different manufacturers at a convenient and hassle-free shopping experience.
Another important point to remember while purchasing or using food packaging is to make sure that the packaging does not contain any harmful elements that may prove detrimental for the environment. The two most common examples of harmful elements in packaging are polyethylene and nylon. If you wish to buy food packaging that does not contain these elements, you can check out the market for eco-friendly packaging. Eco-friendly packaging includes recycled paper as well as bamboo or wood packaging that are not harmful for the environment.
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