Tag: plastics
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.
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.
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.
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.
Decoding Plastic: What Each Recycling Code Really Means for Your Health and the Environment
In almost every product we purchase in a plastic container, numbers are printed to identify the type of plastic material used. The number is typically found inside a triangle of arrows, known as the recycling symbol, on the bottom of the container.
This is a coding system implemented by the Plastics Industry Association called Resin Identification Code. While recycling programs can differ by county, city, and region, this system aids in classifying and sorting plastics for recycling. Understanding what each number represents can help you make more informed decisions about recycling and assess the safety of your containers.
There are seven general types of plastics and they are polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene and others (BPA).
#1: PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
PET is often used for bottles and food containers. Products such as water bottles are the most common containers made out of PET. PET is relatively stable and doesn’t leach harmful chemicals into food or drinks under normal use conditions. But when exposed to high temperature over a period of time such as in a hot car, PET can start to degrade and there’s a potential for some leaching.
PET plastics are generally recyclable and widely accepted but not all PET products are recycled, and improper disposal can contribute to environmental pollution
#2: HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
HDPE is often used for milk jugs, detergent containers, and food containers. It’s known for chemical resistance and stability. Under normal conditions, it does not leach harmful chemicals into food or beverages and has a relatively high melting point. However, like all plastics, it should not be exposed to excessive hat or direct sunlight for prolonged periods as it causes degradation
HDPE is widely accepted in recycling programs, and it is considered relatively easy to recycle. Many recycling facilities are equipped to handle HDPE, which helps mitigate its environmental impact.
#3: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
PVC is used for plastic food wrapping, food packaging, shrink wrap, toys and kitchen gadgets. It can be more concerning compared to some other plastics due to its chemical composition and potential health and environmental impacts. PVC is made from vinyl chloride monomer, which is a hazardous substance. The production and processing of PVC can involve toxic chemicals, including dioxins and phthalates. When used in food packaging, PVC can contain additives like phthalates, which are used to make the plastic more flexible. Phthalates have been associated with various health risks, including endocrine disruption.
PVC is not always easily recyclable, and improper disposal can contribute to environmental pollution.
#4: LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)
Due to its flexibility and durability, LDPE is used for a variety of applications such as grocery bags, food wraps, plastic liners, household containers, pipes and tubing and squeeze bottles.. LDPE has a low melting point and can deform or degrade at high temperatures. It is not suitable for use with hot liquids or in high-heat applications nor in microwave as it can soften or release potentially harmful substances.
While LDPE is recyclable, it is less commonly accepted by recycling programs compared to other plastics like PET or HDPE. LDPE’s disposal can contribute to plastic pollution if not managed properly. It’s important to follow local recycling guidelines to minimize impact to the environment.
#5: PP (Polypropylene)
PP’s resistance to chemicals, moisture, and heat makes it suitable for a wide range of applications. PP can be found in packaging, textiles, automotive parts, household goods, medical applications, industrial and construction materials. Polypropylene can withstand moderate to high temperatures, but when exposed to extremely high temperatures or direct flames, it can degrade and potentially release fumes.
PP is less commonly recycled compared to some other plastics, and improper disposal can contribute to plastic pollution.
#6: PS (Polystyrene)
PS in its foam form (commonly known as Styrofoam), is used as styrofoam food containers, drinking cups, insulation, household items and more. Polystyrene, can leach styrene, a chemical that has been classified as a possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). While styrene levels in food containers are generally low, prolonged contact with hot or fatty foods can increase the risk of leaching.
Polystyrene is not biodegradable and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. This contributes to plastic pollution, particularly in marine environments where it can be ingested by wildlife.
#7: Polycarbonate, BPA, and Other Plastics
Polycarbonate is used in eye glasses, phone cases, construction materials and more. Polycarbonate is made using bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that has been linked to various health concerns. BPA is an endocrine disruptor, which means it can interfere with hormone systems. When used for food and beverage containers, polycarbonate products should be used according to manufacturer guidelines to minimize the risk of BPA leaching, especially when exposed to high temperatures or prolonged use.
Polycarbonate is not biodegradable and can persist in the environment for a long time. This contributes to plastic pollution, particularly if not properly disposed of or recycled.
Takeaways
Understanding the types of plastics used in various products can help you make more informed decisions about recycling and safety. By being aware of these characteristics and following proper recycling practices, you can contribute to reducing plastic waste and mitigating its impact on health and the environment. Always refer to local recycling guidelines and consider alternatives when possible to help minimize the negative effects associated with these materials
3 Industries that Cause a Negative Impact on the Environment Today
From the shampoo containers in hotels to the take out styrofoam packages from restaurants -plastics are everywhere and used widely by various industries.
The Difficult Challenges of Recycling
Our increasing appetite and obsession for material things has contributed immensely to the growth of our landfills. Products, whether bought at a store or delivered to our homes, are packaged with materials that are often not biodegradable.