When it comes to packaging food, there are several options for materials to use. One of the most popular choices is plastic, and below are some of the reasons why.
Preservation
Unlike packaging materials such as cardboard that are just a container, plastic is highly effective when it comes to keeping food from spoiling. Food such as vegetables and meat stay fresh for an additional 10 days or more when sealed in plastic. As plastic keeps a firm seal around products, in addition to keeping the contents fresh it also protects them from odors, moisture and other forms of contamination, making it the ideal choice for containing food safely.
Reduced Weight
Technology is always advancing and improving the effectiveness of packaging. Modern plastic food packaging is much thinner and lighter than alternative materials, leading to a reduction in carbon emissions, as less dense packaging improves the efficiency of transportation.
Recyclability
Despite the advantages, many people are hesitant to use plastic because of its reputation for not being eco-friendly. However, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages; because plastic keeps food fresh for longer less of it is wasted, and food waste has a much higher environmental impact than packaging waste. Plastic food packaging also takes less energy both to produce and to recycle when compared to alternatives such as cardboard, and it can repeatedly be recycled, resulting in less waste overall.
Versatility
Plastic is a very versatile material and comes in many different forms. It can be made into a variety of shapes from solid boxes to a thin film and used to contain any food, even liquid sauces. It can also be formed into a customized shape and printed on directly with clear.