Food packaging increasingly uses plastics due to their versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Their broad use across many industries results from their protective qualities, long shelf life, and improved convenience.
However, plastics' widespread use raises safety and environmental concerns, particularly regarding food interactions. As consumers and regulators consider the effects of plastic use, food contact safety and suitability must be assessed.
Learn more about the best plastics for packaging to protect consumers' health and make better business decisions. With the correct information and dependable products from "food packaging companies near me," you can acquire the most effective solutions for your customers.
Rise of Plastics in Food Containment
Early 20th-century polymer science and manufacturing advances led to plastic use in food.
- The 1930s introduction of polymers like polyethylene (PE) changed glass and metal.
- In the 1960s and 1970s, extrusion and blow-moulding technologies mass-produced plastic containers and films, cementing their role in the food industry.
Market Trends
Plastics can be used for everything from single-use wrappers to multi-layered barrier films, which explains its rise. The worldwide market for plastic packs was worth over 367 billion CAD.
- According to industry forecasts, the worldwide market for plastic food wrapping will expand from CAD 76 billion in 2022 to CAD 121 billion in 2032, an annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9%.
- Over 70% of Canadian meals are packaged in plastic, up from 55% a decade ago.
- There were approximately 6.2 million metric tons of plastic in products made for sale in Canada in 2019, with nearly 2.3 million metric tons (or 36.9%) going into packaging.
Common Plastic Materials in Meal Packing
Polystyrene (PS)
Thermoplastic polystyrene (PS) is made by polymerizing styrene monomers. It has unique mechanical and thermal properties. PS is made from aromatic hydrocarbon styrene and can be solid, expanded, or extruded.
- Suitable for mechanical strength and durability applications due to its polymer chain structure's dimensional stability.
- Uses the material's low thermal conductivity as an insulator to maintain temperature stability.
- Expands to cushion and absorb shock. Helpful in containing fragile items.
Safety Considerations
Polystyrene's chemical stability matters in meal packaging. PS monomer styrene can migrate into products, especially when exposed to high temperatures or fatty substances. However, it is still safe to use for wrapping foods.
- Styrene migration data was updated by the Plastics Foodservice Packaging Group for the FDA in 2013.
- Polystyrene products expose people to 6.6 micrograms of styrene per day, which is very low.
- This is over 10,000 times below the FDA's safety limit of 90,000 micrograms per person per day for styrene.
Polyethylene (PE)
Another popular thermoplastic polymer is polyethylene (PE) made from ethylene monomers. LDPE and HDPE are produced in different densities, each with different properties and uses.
Composition and Properties
|
Property |
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) |
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) |
|
Structure |
Branched polymer structure |
Linear polymer structure |
|
Tensile Strength |
Lower tensile strength |
Higher tensile strength |
|
Flexibility |
Flexible and conformable |
Less flexible |
|
Mechanical Strength |
Lower |
Higher |
|
Chemical Resistance |
Good resistance to moisture and chemicals |
Excellent chemical resistance |
|
Common Applications |
Plastic films, bags, and other flexible products |
Rigid containers, bottles, and durable products |
Safety Considerations
- Low Leaching Risk. Because polyethylene is chemically inert, it rarely leaches harmful substances.
- Regulatory Status. Widely used in food wrapping and meets Canadian safety standards. Following international standards set by the FDA and EFSA, Health Canada has established guidelines for the safe use of PE.
- Environmental Impact. PE recycling rates are low compared to other materials. LDPE and HDPE can be recycled, but specialized facilities are needed.
PE sustainability can be improved by improving recycling technologies and promoting recycled content. Canada actively promotes PE recycling and plastic waste reduction to reduce environmental damage.
3. Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene (PP) is a thermoplastic polymer made from propylene monomers. It is highly chemical resistant, thermal stable, and mechanically concentrated.
- PP's linear polymer structure with minimal branching gives it high chemical resistance and thermal stability.
- Due to its high melting point (160°C to 170°C), it is suitable for heat-related applications.
- Durable for meal packing because it resists acids and retains its mechanical properties.
Applications
- Meal Containers/Boxes. Makes rigid salads, sandwiches, and other meal containers. Its moisture and chemical resistance means it preserves edibles well.
- Microwaveable Trays. Popular for microwaveable trays and containers due to its high-temperature tolerance. Can withstand microwave heating without deforming or releasing harmful substances.
- Cups. Used for cups and dairy containers. Clarity and strength make it ideal for dairy wrapping for easy viewing and product integrity.
Safety Considerations
The food-grade safety of polypropylene is well known. Polypropylene does not contain plasticizers or bisphenol A (BPA), which can contaminate products.
- Other advantages of polypropylene include chemical inertia. This material does not react with foods and chemicals, preventing cross-contamination.
- Its molecular structure also inhibits bacteria and mould growth.
Environmental Impact
Despite low recycling rates, polypropylene is a plastic that is among the easiest to recycle. PP is recycled curbside and can be made into industrial containers and automotive parts.
Its sustainability is being improved through improved recycling technologies and the development of recyclable or compostable alternatives.
4. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a versatile thermoplastic polymer made from vinyl chloride monomers. PVC's flexibility and strength can be tailored by formulation.
- Rigid PVC. This form is hard and strong and is suitable for structural applications. Products like pipes, window profiles, and meal containers use it.
- Flexible PVC. This version has plasticizers for flexibility and softness. Its clarity and strength make it ideal for packing, warehousing, and labeling.
Ideal Applications
- Cling Films. Flexible PVC is used in cling film and plastic wrap supplies. Its flexibility allows it to stretch and adhere to surfaces, blocking moisture and air to keep foodstuffs fresh during delivery.
- Rigid Containers. Fresh produce, dairy, and processed meal containers are made from rigid PVC. Its strength and rigidity protect food.
Safety Concerns
Leaching vinyl chloride monomers and plasticizers from PVC is a significant safety concern. The PVC raw material vinyl chloride can be harmful if it enters food.
The complexity of its chemical composition and additives make recycling difficult. PVC is less recyclable than other plastics and often ends up in landfills.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
PET is a thermoplastic polyester polymer made from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol polycondensation.
Its unique physical properties are due to its high-density crystalline structure after polymerization. The polymer chains are arranged for tensile strength, impact resistance, and dimensional stability.
- PET's glass transition temperature is 70°C to 80°C. Can withstand moderate heat.
- Due to its low haze and adequate oxygen, moisture, and carbon dioxide barriers, PET has high clarity and extends dish and beverage shelf life.
Applications
- Beverage Bottles. Ideal for beverage bottles due to its strength and transparency. It has gas barrier properties and is resistant to impact and deformation under pressure.
- Meal Containers. Used to make salad, snack, and meal containers. The polymer's low gas permeability helps preserve perishables.
- Trays. Used to make frozen foodstuffs and bakery trays. Its mechanical strength and temperature resistance keep trays in shape and functional during handling and cooking.
Safety Considerations
- Minimal Leaching Risk. PET leaches little and is chemically stable. Research shows PET's low migration rates of potentially hazardous substances like antimony and ethylene glycol are within regulatory limits.
- Environmental Impact. PET is recyclable and can be made into new products or fibre for textiles, carpeting, and insulation. Mechanical and increasingly chemical recycling are used to sort and process curbside recycling. Using recycled PET (rPET) in new products and developing closed-loop systems reduce environmental impact.
High-Quality Plastic Packaging Products
|
Product |
Material |
Price per Pack |
|
PET |
$85.96 / 1000 pcs |
|
|
PP |
$78.95 / 600 pcs |
|
|
PP |
$59.95 / 240 sets |
|
|
PET |
$90.95 / 150 sets |
|
|
LHDPE |
$72.00 / 1600 bags |
Choose Reliable Packaging Options in British Columbia
From beverage bottles to meal containers and trays, plastic materials are ideal due to their durability and barrier properties. With their strength, transparency, and low leaching risk, PET, PP, and PE are exceptional high-performance plastics for meal packing.
However, the benefits of plastic depend on the reliability of a packaging company. Patek Packaging ensures the health of clients or customers and product integrity with consistent, high-quality products that meet regulatory requirements.
We offer packaging solutions for Vancouver, BC businesses, perfect for re-packaging and customized packaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it a good idea to use rPET for packing?
Packing from recycled PET (rPET) saves energy, raw materials, and virgin PET resin. By reusing plastic, rPET closes the recycling loop, reduces waste, and supports a circular economy.
Why is chemical stability important in meal packing?
Chemical stability in food packing products prevents unwanted substances from entering the food. Stable materials do not leach monomers or plasticizers that could contaminate foodstuffs and cause health problems. The safety and integrity of perishable products require this stability.
What factors affect the selection of plastic material?
The contract packaging supplies depend on the food type, shelf life, environmental conditions, and regulatory requirements. The materials' barrier properties, chemical stability, mechanical strength, flexibility, and heat resistance are essential. The right packaging selection process also consider the environmental impact and what’s cost effective.