The risks to human health and the environment associated with plastic packaging have led to a growing number of eco-friendly food packaging options. We present them to you here.
The use of plastic is one of the most urgent environmental problems humanity must address to reduce global warming. A large portion of this waste comes from the food industry and its packaging. Therefore, it is important to know about the different types of eco-friendly food packaging.
Millions of tons of plastic waste are accumulating in the oceans, negatively impacting human and animal health, as demonstrated by this study from the University of Seville. The long degradation time of this material is driving the search for alternatives for food storage and transport.
What types of organic food packaging are available?
Eco-friendly packaging refers to food containers that are less polluting than those made from fossil fuels. They are presented as an alternative to plastic packaging, which accounts for 40% of total plastic production, according to a study published in ScienceDirect .
There are many materials considered more environmentally friendly than plastics for food packaging. These include glass, bamboo, wood, and stainless steel. Their use offers numerous advantages, such as a shorter decomposition time, meaning they are biodegradable or compostable.
On the other hand, they don't interfere with the taste of food and withstand high temperatures. However, depending on the material, they have a shorter lifespan. Nevertheless, environmental awareness is one of the most important reasons to shift our daily consumption towards eco-friendly food packaging.
Why are different types of organic food packaging necessary?
According to another study published in ScienceDirect , an estimated 4.8 to 12.7 million tons of plastic end up in the oceans each year. This has led to a historic accumulation in different parts of the world, where at least five islands of plastic waste have already been recorded.
Such waste takes years, and sometimes decades, to decompose. However, due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation, wind, and wave abrasion, the material fragments into particles called nanoplastics.
These tiny pieces affect the aquatic ecosystem, being ingested by marine life and subsequently ending up in human consumption. This is suggested by various scientific studies, such as this work from the University of Granada.
The toxicity of plastic packaging
Another reason to reduce the consumption of plastic packaging is that dozens of chemicals used in its production are harmful to human health. According to this study, 906 polymers, adhesives, and other chemical additives are involved in the composition of plastic packaging.
Of that total, 63 are considered the most hazardous to human health, and 68 are considered the most hazardous to the environment. And this only takes into account chemicals that have been intentionally added.
There are other impurities that arise during the manufacturing process or are a byproduct of the breakdown of additives. These are known as unintentionally added substances, or NIAS, and represent additional hazards that are difficult to identify and investigate.
7 types of organic food packaging
According to UN reports, one million plastic bottles are purchased every minute worldwide, and 500 billion bags are used. Reducing single-use plastics is an everyday task that also applies to food packaging.
Several studies have analyzed more environmentally friendly alternatives for storing, preserving, and transporting food. Some of the materials used include biopolymers based on cellulose nanofibers and essential oils, among other components. Wheat, wood, and bamboo are emerging as materials for producing biodegradable packaging.
In other words, they decompose under natural environmental conditions, thanks to the action of biological agents such as fungi, plants, bacteria, animals, and sunlight. These containers have fewer chemicals than plastics, making them beneficial for human health and the environment.
1Wooden plates and containers
Wooden containers are reusable, meaning they aren't discarded after the first use. A study published in ScienceDirect demonstrated that wheat pulp containers and wooden plates are safe for human health. While they do contain some chemicals, the transfer of these substances to food is much lower compared to plastics.
2. Glass bottles
Glass is a durable, resistant, recyclable material with multiple uses. According to this study, glass containers are recommended for food. This is due to their antibacterial properties and the low migration of toxic substances into food.
Glass bottles are increasingly popular, and there are countless designs for every occasion. However, special attention must be paid to their hygiene to prevent bacteria from accumulating in the spout.
3. PLA Cups
PLA cups are very similar to regular cups; they have a transparent tint and are ideal for water, juice, and any cold beverage. More and more people are using them because they are compostable, meaning they decompose naturally in a short amount of time.
They are also used in composting facilities. They are made from an environmentally friendly polymer derived from potato starch, corn starch, and other plants. A variant with additional additives, called CPLA, is used to withstand higher temperatures.
4. Types of organic food packaging made with rice husks
Containers made from rice husks, a byproduct of rice cultivation, are biodegradable, economical, and durable. Furthermore, a scientific study has shown that this absorbent material has the potential to remove various contaminants. Different food transport containers are available for purchase.
5. Bamboo
Bamboo fibers are widely used to make biodegradable packaging, such as bowls, boxes, lids, and jars. A study published in ScienceDirect highlights their mechanical and thermal properties as highly advantageous for this purpose. However, they have the disadvantage of wearing out more quickly than other materials.
6. Sugar cane
Sugarcane bagasse is a collection of fibers left over from the industrial processing of this plant. This material has begun to be used as a base for manufacturing plates and containers for food distribution. A study confirmed its potential for storage due to its resistance to high temperatures.
7. Stainless steel
Nothing beats a sturdy, durable, rustproof, and reusable material for food storage. This includes items like lunchboxes and thermoses. Additionally, containers with airtight lids are commonly used for storing grains, flours, and spices.
In addition to the above, this is a very environmentally friendly material. Because of its strength, durability, and rust resistance, containers and items made from this material can be easily recycled when discarded. Furthermore, as experts confirm, stainless steel is widely used in other sectors, such as construction, because it helps save energy and water.
Single-use plastics: what they are and which ones we should avoid
These are objects made from plastic materials, manufactured using petroleum derivatives, and discarded after their first use. This causes serious environmental damage, as they take years or even decades to decompose.
But this isn't the only danger these objects pose, as food packaging in plastic carries the risk of transferring toxic substances. Numerous studies, such as the one published on the scientific website Environmental Health, confirm that materials in contact with food are a route of exposure to hazardous chemicals.
This includes some known and others not yet characterized toxicologically. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid consuming the following single-use plastics:
- Wrappers
- Disposable cups and cutlery
- Straws or sorbets
- Bottles
- Bags
Tips for stopping the use of plastics and using other types of eco-friendly food packaging
New legislation in Spain and the European Union limits the sale of single-use plastics. However, there are also individual actions that can be taken in daily life. For example, bringing cloth bags for shopping and using recyclable or reusable hygiene products.
When it comes to food, it's important to avoid single-use utensils and packaging, prioritizing eco-friendly food containers. These items are increasingly manufactured and sold, so the available options are becoming more diverse.
Source: Better with Health
Photos: Pinterest
