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Tag: food packaging

Food Packaging Plastic Containers Harm Health Environment PET

The Hidden Impact of Food Packaging: Understanding the Health and Environmental Risks of Plastic Containers

Despite the ban on single-use plastics, their presence remains prevalent in retail stores. In grocery stores, for example, you’ll notice pre-cut fruits, vegetables, baked pastries, prepared food and bulk snacks all packaged in lightweight, clear plastic containers. When you look for produce, you’ll notice a roll of thin, translucent disposable plastic bags for fruits and vegetables. Although the ban on plastic shopping bags at the retail level has had a significant effect, more work needs to be done to address plastic pollution effectively

We depend on retailers and the Government to implement and enforce the necessary changes required to reduce plastic consumption nationally. Unfortunately, the lack of coordination between the various levels of government and the retail industry hampers progress. To protect themselves from the harmful effects of plastic on their health and the environment, eco-conscious consumers must educate themselves about the chemical composition of plastic materials.

Below is an overview of the chemical composition of the most popular plastic products used for food containers in your grocery stores.

Food Packaging Plastic Harm Health Environment PET

Polyethylene Terephthalate or PET Plastic Containers

Polyethylene Terephthalate or PET are not familiar words we would use in our everyday conversation. Yet, this material is present in our everyday life. PET, as it is known to many, is made from polymerized ethylene glycol (C₂H₄(OH)₂) and terephthalic acid (C₆H₄(CO₂H)₂. Because of its durability, lightweight and resistance to moisture, it is the preferred plastic material for wet and dry food. It is the plastic container or jar used for sauces, condiments, microwavable meals, snack foods, single-serving yogurt cups, and liquid coffee creamers. 

The two primary chemicals in PET are ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. Ethylene glycol is a key ingredient in antifreeze and is used in various industrial processes. It can be toxic if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin in significant amounts. Though ethylene glycol is used in the production of PET, it is not present in the final product. During polymerization, ethylene glycol reacts with terephthalic acid to form PET, which means that the final PET material does not contain free ethylene glycol. As long as PET containers are used according to guidelines, it is deemed to be safe according to the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) and EFSA (European Food Safety Authority).

Although PET plastics are declared to be relatively safe, extreme heat such as microwaving, can make the plastic less stable and will leak chemical substances which is harmful to our health. If PET containers can produce harmful effects to our health in certain conditions, its end-of-life presence in the environment also poses the same risks. 

PET has a recycling code of #1 which is highly recyclable and can be cleaned, shredded and processed into new PET products. But only about 30 – 40% of containers made of PET are recycled in the US and while Canada only recycles 33%. The recycling rates vary by region depending on the recycling infrastructure in place and the adoption of recycling practices. 

Food Packaging Plastic Harm Health Environment PET

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Plastic Containers

For sturdy containers, high density polyethylene (HDPE) is the ideal plastic material. HDPE is commonly used for dairy products like yogurts, milk and creams, juices and large water bottles, frozen meals, bottled condiments and sauces. HDPE’s chemical composition is polymerized ethylene (C₂H₄). Due to its food-grade compliance, durability and strength, chemical resistance to acids and alkalis found in food products, higher temperature tolerance to hot and cold and clarity options (translucent to opaque finishes), it is an attractive and cost-effective option for food manufacturers.

HDPE is a relatively simple type of polymer based on the polymerization of ethylene. The polymer chains in HDPE are linear and closely packed, which contributes to its high density and strength but to enhance its stability further, UV stabilizers and antioxidants are added to extend the life of the container. 

Under low temperatures, HDPE is stable and food safe. It remains flexible and durable making it ideal for use in refrigerated and frozen environments. It does not become brittle and break in frozen temperature. However, HDPE has a melting point between 120°C to 180°C (248°F to 356°F) and when exposed to heat, HDPE may release small amounts of chemicals, though generally not a significant concern under normal conditions. However, long-term exposure or high levels of certain additives could pose risks, which is why regulatory agencies carefully control their use.

HDPE has a recycling code #2 recyclable but not biodegradable. Approximately 30% to 35% of HDPE containers are recycled in the US, 33% is recycled in Canada, and 40% are recycled in Europe. The recycling rate is influenced by factors such as local recycling infrastructure, consumer participation, and market demand for recycled materials. Efforts to improve recycling rates continue through better education, infrastructure, and technology.

Polypropylene (PP) Plastic Containers

Polypropylene is widely used for food packaging such as microwavable frozen food, yogurt cups, sauce bottles, deli containers, and flexible pouches for soup mixes, pet food and other dry goods. It chemical composition is made from polymerized propylene (C₃H₆). Due to its heat resistance, chemical resistance and durability, it’s a popular choice for grocery food products.

PP is chemically inert, which means it does not react with food or beverages under normal conditions which minimizes the risk of leaching harmful substances into the food. It’s resistant to many chemicals, including acids, bases, and oils, making it suitable for a wide range of food products.

Polypropylene has a high melting point (around 160-170°C or 320-338°F), which allows it to withstand microwave and dishwasher temperatures without deforming. It’s durable and can withstand impact and stress, providing a reliable option for packaging and storing food. Many polypropylene containers are designed to be microwave and dishwasher safe, making them convenient for everyday use.

Polypropylene is labeled with recycling code #5, indicating that it is recyclable. But while polypropylene is recyclable, it is not biodegradable. Containers made of PP do contribute to environmental waste and can exist in our landfills for centuries.

Polycarbonate (PC) Plastic Containers

Polycarbonate (PC) is typically used for soft drink or water bottles and restaurant containers. It’s considered an ideal material for plastic due to its clarity, durability and impact resistance. The primary monomers used to produce polycarbonate are bisphenol A (BPA) and phosgene. The polymerization of these monomers forms the polycarbonate polymer. The chemical formula of BPA is C₁₈H₁₈O₂. BPA is a key component in the production of polycarbonate and provides the backbone of the polymer chain. The chemical formula of phosgene is COCl₂. Phosgene is used to introduce carbonate groups into the polymer chain.

Polycarbonate plastics often contain bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that has been associated with health concerns. As a result, many manufacturers have shifted to BPA-free alternatives for food containers. When using polycarbonate containers, it is important to check if they are labeled as BPA-free. Regulatory agencies, such as the FDA, monitor the safety of materials used in food contact applications. 

Polycarbonate has a softening point of around 230°C to 250°C (446°F to 482°F) and starts to decompose around 300°C to 350°C (572°F to 662°F). This decomposition releases gasses such as carbon dioxide and can result in a reduction in material strength cause warping or loss of mechanical properties.

Polycarbonate is classified under the recycling code #7, which is a general category for various plastics. Recycling polycarbonate can be challenging due to its specific processing requirements and concerns related to BPA. 

The recycling rate for polycarbonate in the U.S. is estimated to be around 1% to 2%, in Canada at around 2 – 3% and in Europe around 5 – 10%. These low recycling rates are due to the lack of facilities that have specific sorting and processing techniques to recycle polycarbonate.

Food Packaging Plastic Harm Health Environment PET

Minimizing Plastics’ Environmental and Health Impact

Although industry regulators (FDA, Health Canada, EFSA) claim plastics are safe for food storage, exposure to extreme conditions can cause these materials to degrade and leak harmful chemicals into our food. In addition, its non-biodegradable property poses environmental harm. While we wait for the industry to find safer food packaging alternatives, consumers can take actions to minimize plastic use in our environment and retail stores.

Firstly, adopt recycling as best you can to extend the life of plastic containers and reduce landfill waste. Secondly, shop at stores that offer bulk goods with minimal packaging or those that use more sustainable packaging options. Thirdly, choose products packaged in glass jars instead of plastic containers. 

We still have work to do to improve the recycling rate for recyclable products. But in the meantime, focusing on what we can control can make a positive difference.

restaurant food containers take away food delivery sustainable plastic ban

Canada’s Plastic Ban on Food Containers and Sustainable Alternatives

The food take-out and delivery business was a lifeline for many restaurants during the pandemic.  When in-person dining was on lock-down, the only revenue stream restaurants could leverage was their food delivery business. Unfortunately, the increased customer demand for take-out service, increased the amount of disposable food containers and packaging in our waste system. 

The growing consumption of single-use plastics presents a global environmental pollution crisis. Because plastic has been the material of choice for many products including disposable dinnerware, its global production has doubled every ten years. 

Like many first world countries, Canada has a plastic pollution problem. According to the Environmental Defence report, Canada disposes of 90% of its plastic waste which is roughly equivalent to about 4,426 kilo tonnes of plastic discarded each year of which 50% is food packaging.

In an effort to reduce the gap between the amount of plastic packaging that is currently consumed and disposed of each year and the country’s aim to eliminate plastic packaging waste by 2030, governments at all levels, from municipal to federal, are working together to develop a solution. 

On June 20, 2022, the Government of Canada announced a ban on single-use plastics. The regulations prohibit the manufacturing, importing and sale of six categories of single use-plastics including plastic bags, disposable plastic cutlery, beverage ring carriers, plastic stir sticks and restaurant food containers particularly those that contain expanded or extruded polystyrene foam, polyvinyl chloride, carbon black and and oxo-degradable plastic. 

 

Timeline for the Ban on Plastics in Canada

Any establishment using single-use plastic bags and containers such as retailers, hotels, food services of all types (food trucks, cafes, bakeries, fast food, casual and fine dining restaurants), are affected by this new regulation. The Canadian government outlined the definition of these six affected plastic categories and proposed a graduated timeline for phasing out the products so that businesses have time to deplete their current stock and start finding alternatives to plastic materials.

 

restaurant food containers take away food delivery sustainable plastic ban

Below is a table of the banned plastic product categories with a definition of what each category includes and the proposed material alternatives to replace plastic based takeout or food delivery packaging and supplies. 

Plastic ProductsDescriptionAlternatives
Check out BagsPlastic bags for carrying purchased goods at the point of sale in a retail establishmentUse your own fabric bag, bring a paper bag or reuse plastic bags you have for as long as possible
CutleryPlastic disposable knives, forks, spoons, sporks and chopsticksOffer birch or bamboo cutlery including knives, spoons, forks, sporks, chopsticks
Ring carriersPlastic rings that fit around the beverage containers and designed to carry multiple beverages like a 6 pack togetherDisplay them on the shelves or bag them together
Stir Sticks and lid coverPlastic stir sticks for stirring and plastic lid plugs that prevent liquids from spillingBamboo stir sticks or lid with spout cover built-in
Food service warePlastic food containers like clamshell containers, lidded containers, boxes, cups, plates or bowls which contain expanded or extruded polystyrene foam, polyvinyl chloride, carbon black or an oxo-degradable plasticBamboo fibre, bagasse pulp, kraft paper food containers have no plastic. 
StrawsStraight or flexible straws which have a corrugated section that allows the straw to bend or packaged with beverage containersPaper straws or bamboo straws. 

 

The Government of Canada in collaboration with local municipalities are supporting the transition to plastic free food containers. Some municipalities, such as those in the Greater Vancouver region, are accepting plastic products including cutlery into their recycling stream as a way to deplete those already in circulation. The Government published the timeline for this transition and the approximate dates for the ban so that industry can prepare for the mandatory replacement of single-use plastic. Learn more by downloading this document.

 

Item TypeManufacture and import of plastics for sale in CanadaSaleManufacture, import or sale for Export
Checkout bags, cutlery, foodservice ware, stir sticks, straws*December 20, 2022December 20, 2023December 20, 2025
Ring CarriersJune 20, 2023June 20, 2024December 20, 2025
Flexible straws packaged with beverage containersNot applicableJune 20, 2024December 20, 2025

 

The Various Types of Plastics Used for Food Containers 

A majority of food containers are made from plastics because they are sturdy, heat-resistant and possess properties that create the ideal condition for food storage. They are also cheap to produce making them an attractive option for restaurants that operate with thin margins. 

The most widely used food containers are made from synthetic plastics which are derived from crude oil, natural gas or coal (fossil fuels) and refined into ethane and propane. Ethane and propane are then treated with heat in a process called “cracking” which turns them into ethylene and propylene. These two are combined to create different polymers such as polyethylene and polystyrene and then injected into the container molds to produce the take out food containers. Most take away food containers are made from these types of plastic. 

  1. Polypropylene (PP) used for microwavable food containers and condiment packaging.
  2. Polystyrene (PS) is the lightweight, rigid plastic used for clamshells, bowls, trays
  3. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is a clear lightweight plastic typically used as a cover lid for food containers.
  4. Polyethylene (PE) is a flexible plastic used as food bags typically in grocery and produce

Containers made with these plastics are non biodegradable and with its widespread use, we are racing against the rapid growth of its disposal in our landfills.

 

Alternatives to Plastic Foodware Containers and Cutlery

Companies continue to innovate with new materials to find more eco-friendly alternatives to plastics. Compostable and biodegradable materials are becoming more popular due to their ability to break down easily and naturally thus lessening the impact on the environment. The most common alternative materials for food packaging include bioplastics, paper and cardboard, bagasse, bamboo and polylactic acid (PLA).

Bioplastics are made from plant-based renewable resources such as cornstarch, sugarcane and potato starch. While they are more sustainable than traditional plastics made from fossil fuels, the product process can still involve significant energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, some bioplastics may not biodegrade quickly or completely under certain conditions and may require composting facilities to break down properly.

Containers made of kraft paper or cardboard is another sustainable option for food packaging but is much less durable than plastic. Paper and cardboard are more vulnerable to mold, fire and water. They don’t have the ability to hold as much weight because they are not as durable and strong or  to retain temperatures well or as long as other more durable materials like bagasse and bioplastic. Because of its poor barrier properties, some are coated with oil and water repellents – chemicals that could affect how they are disposed of. However, there are kraft based containers coated with plant-based poly lactic acid (PLA) making them biodegradable with very little to no impact on the environment. 

restaurant food containers take away food delivery sustainable plastic ban

Bagasse is a byproduct of the sugarcane process. It is the fibrous residue that remains after the sugarcane stalks are crushed to extract their juice. It is biodegradable and compostable. Because it is derived from the waste produced by the sugar-making process, it is a sustainable and organic option and contributes to the zero waste initiative. The only drawback is that bagasse tends to lose its strength and durability at temperatures above 95 degrees celsius. However, it ranks high as a healthier alternative for storing food.

Bamboo containers are made from the pulp of bamboo plants. Its properties are appealing and suitable for food packaging as well as disposable cutlery. Bamboo is renewable, biodegradable and has natural antibacterial properties. It is stronger than bagasse and can withstand higher temperatures without losing its durability.

Polylactic acid (PLA) is made from starches and sugars of corn. The corn is milled and the sugars are fermented into lactic acid. It’s a natural polymer designed to substitute widely used petroleum-based plastics like PET (polyethene terephthalate). PLA is used to produce clear cups, lids and salad boxes and also used as a layer of coating on kraft paper based containers to repel water and oil. The downside to PLA based food containers is that it requires specific conditions for it to be properly composted and must be sorted separately in a closed composting environment otherwise it contaminates the recycling stream.

A Transition Plan for Compliance

All of these alternative materials are considered environmentally friendly and sustainable. But before deciding to switch from plastic based containers to biodegradable or compostable ones, be sure to check with your local waste management program to ensure that the food containers you invest in are truly providing the positive impact that you intended.

For a selection of biodegradable food containers, visit our shop and let us help you with your transition for compliance with the new regulations.

 

restaurant food containers take away food delivery sustainable plastic ban