Reusable and Recyclable. Why Plastic Ticks All The Boxes For Food Packaging

PLASTIC IS FANTASTIC

The fact that the delegates at last weeks United Nations conference in South Korea decided not to impose restrictions on future plastic production is further indication of the growing appreciation of the value of the material to many industry sectors including food packaging.

One of the delegates perfectly summed up the mood of the conference when he stated “If we address plastic pollution there should be no problem with producing plastics.” 

The furore surrounding plastic came to a head following the 2017 screening of the Blue Planet Aquarium program that highlighted the levels of plastic (and other) pollution in our Oceans. From that point, plastic products have been treated like pariahs and the initial 'knee jerk reaction' by several high profile retailers was to make plans to ban plastic packaging from their stores and invite manufacturers to start looking at alternatives.

This opened the door for all sorts of biodegradable and compostable alternatives being offered up from all over the world and many of these were fast forwarded onto the shelves as retailers proudly proclaimed their commitment to the environment.

Customers didn't even seem concerned that this new 'eco-friendly' packaging didn't offer the same protection for their food as they felt they too were 'doing their bit' for the environment . For a while it seemed certain that plastic was going to disappear from our high streets forever but 7 years later there is a growing commitment to reusable plastics in food packaging and here are a few of the reasons why.

1. A DEDICATED COMMITMENT TO REUSE & RECYCLING 

Firstly, it is important to highlight that any waste dumped in the oceans or the countryside is put their by people and the key to cleaning up our planet is for everyone to assume responsibility for their waste.

• Governments and businesses have adopted the recycling mantra and established an infrastructure that encourages the reuse and recycling of plastic waste. Recycling bins are provided by local councils to most domestic residences and businesses and recycling bins are also now present in public areas such as Town Centres, beaches and shopping arcades. These bins are usually accompanied by signs giving clear instruction to ensue that plastic is segregated for recycling. 
• Any business with a turnover of £2 million or more that handles over 50 tons of material must register with the Environment Agency and comply with The Producer Obligations For Packaging Waste Regulations. The UK Government has also started to prosecute businesses that fail to recycle waste and last year the Environment Agency successfully prosecuted 53 Companies.  
• The plastics sector itself has been very proactive in addressing the concerns over plastic waste and the British Plastics Federation (BPF) and Food Packaging Association (FPA) have worked tirelessly with their members to advise and assist them through the challenges and improvements needed and according to the latest figures (source BPF) last year, 86% of plastic packaging was recovered and 49% of plastic packaging was recycled. *recovered refers to material that is not sent to landfill and is repurposed in some way. 
• Single use plastics have been banned from sale so only plastic packaging that has been designed to be reused or repurposed are permitted. Products like the Caterline Serving Platters which are robust and can be washed and reused are encouraged. 
• Plastic Food packaging manufacturers are obligated to emboss clear recycling symbols onto their packs so the consumer knows that it can be placed into the recycling bin. The most widely recycled plastic is rPET (recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate) which is signified by the number 1 in a triangle. Certain plastics are more difficult to recycle and are actively being phased out for food packaging. The numbers 3 ( PVC) 6 (Polystyrene) and 7 (Other) are ones to avoid and by limiting and eradicating these potentially harmful plastics from the waste streams sorting and recycling becomes easier.        

                          Figure 1 Table of plastic symbols. Green = widely recycled in the UK                       

• The UK's current targets for recycled plastic packaging are:

          2025: Recycle 50% of plastic packaging

          2030: Recycle 55% of plastic packaging

          2042: Eliminate avoidable plastic waste

          2050: Achieve zero avoidable waste

2. WHY IS PLASTIC PACKAGING STILL SO POPULAR WITH CATERERS AND FOOD PRODUCERS ?

• Plastic is durable and has great strength which means it can be designed to clip together to provide a leak-resistant seal that helps to keep the contents fresher for longer. This reduces food loss and wastage.
• Plastic is water resistant so the contents are protected from rain and liquids. 
• Plastic protects the contents from bruising, crushing and damage.
• Plastic is lightweight which makes it more economic to transport and easy to lift and handle for caterers and consumers.
• Plastic means the contents are visible and consumers can clearly see the mouth-watering contents and culinary creations.
• Plastic can be moulded to create eye-catching, functional designs

                Figure 2 (ABOVE) Plastic Packaging Gives Great Protection                                  Figure 3 (BELOW) Pulp Packaging Does Not!                                                                    

BIODEGRADABLE & COMPOSTABLE PLASTICS 

Biodegradable and compostable plastic is perceived by some people as a viable solution for food packaging however, the reality is that most of these materials will not necessarily break down in the natural environment. The promotion of biodegradable and compostable plastics could therefore increase the amount of littering as consumers mistakenly think that the plastic packs will degrade and disappear quickly.

The impact of degradable materials on the recycling of conventional plastics is also a major concern for packaging manufacturers as it can create instability in the material and cause forming and functionality issues as well as reduce the amount of recycled plastic feedstock that is available.

IN CONCLUSION

Ultimately, the worldwide aim is to achieve a circular economy where plastic packaging is designed to be reused many times and that once finished with can be collected and recycled without waste. 

While there is still a long way to go, it is clear that with its protective and preservative benefits for food and its reusability, plastic packaging is worthy of the commitment to recycle