Plastic is everywhere, particularly in the food industry. Sandwich wraps, readymade meal containers, and whatnot—just thinking of life without them makes one ponder about all these. But do you ever consider the hidden cost of convenience? While plastic packaging protects food, it also poses serious risks to the environment, human health, and sustainable living.
Problem of Plastic in Food Packaging
The world produced almost 400 million tons of plastic in 2023, 40 percent of which was used for packaging. Food packaging is responsible for a great part of this count—most of it ends up ultimately in either the landfill or ocean.
Plastic does not easily decompose; it rather breaks down to microplastics that pollute soil and water. According to the UNEP study, in 2023, it was pointed out that microplastics are present in 80% of tap water, thus making people review their health matters. Other reports have proved that these pieces resulted in some problems such as hormonal imbalance, risks of cancer, and organ damage issues.
Why plastic is so heavily used in food packaging
The benefits that make plastic useful for packaging food include:
- It is sturdy: This keeps it away from humidity, air, and microbes.
- Lightweight: Portable and easy to carry.
- Cost Efficiency: Cheaper than alternatives like glass or metal.
Sustainable Alternatives to Plastic Packaging
Following are feasible substitutes:
Biodegradable Materials:
The plastics and paper-based packaging from cornstarch are biodegradable but break down more rapidly.
Edible Packaging:
Edible seaweed wraps and coatings seem to be gradually in vogue with the growing "zero-waste" movement.
Reusable Boxes:
Some alternatives to single-use plastics include glass jars, stainless steel, and silicone bags.
Plant-Based Plastics:
A sustainable alternative is polylactic acid (PLA), sourced from cornstarch or sugarcane.
Look for packed food brands that use either FSC-certified or biodegradable packaging. Collectives of small changes in customer actions make the difference.
Steps Consumers Take to Make a Difference
Simple habits that can drastically decrease plastic waste include:
- Pack your own and carry your own vessels: Refuse prepacked fresh food; carry your own snacks in reusable containers.
- Buy in bulk. Products bought in bulk are usually packaged very well. Bring your own jars or bags, where possible, when items to be bought are at the stores.
- Proper recycling: cleaning and separating recyclable plastic for optimum prevention of contamination.
- Partner with Supportive, Environmentally Responsible Brands: Brands such as "Loop" and "Ecovative Design" are the leaders in changing the sustainable approach of food packaging.
Programs and Advancements
Governments and industries around the world are stepping up.
For instance, in 2023, India introduced more stringent regulations regarding single-use plastics, forcing industries to adapt to greener alternatives.
EU Green Deal 2024: The European Union has established policy objectives concerning the use of reusable and recyclable packaging, aiming for a recycling rate of 55% by the year 2030.
Tech companies are jumping on the bandwagon, with startups like "Notpla" in the development of water-resistant seaweed packaging.
Challenging Ahead
While there are available sustainable packaging options, their use is challenging.
- More Expensive: Biodegradable or plant-based material is more expensive.
- Lousy Infrastructure: Recycling systems are inefficient worldwide.
- Consumer Awareness: People often forget the impact of their daily choices.
But many small collective activities can move industries and governments to prioritize sustainability.