Plastics are preferred material for food packaging despite regulations

07-Nov-05

Increasing emphasis on improved quality and extended shelf life for packaged foods are placing greater demands on food packaging in terms of protecting the quality, freshness and safety of foods. Despite the passing of regulations all over the world, plastics continue to be the preferred material for food packaging because of the increasing flexibility it affords for designing cans and containers. The regulations make room for innovations that reinforces the need for intelligent packaging concepts as manufacturers now have additional responsibilities for proving the suitability of their packaging solutions and meeting the required standards. Plastics offer convenience in food packaging and offers better functionality as well as better portability and storage. Many of the regulations have come into force due to rising health concerns regarding carcinogenic ingredients used in the packaging materials. Bisphenol-A used in plastic food containers is being linked to breast cancer and miscarriages. The most significant is the European Commission's proposed Super Regulation that compels the food packaging industry to use only the materials mentioned in the positive list of permissible ingredients for making plastics.