Navigating the Shift to Eco-Friendly Food Packaging
By Hibba Nawaz, Dietetic Intern
Canada’s Push for Zero Plastic Waste
For brands and businesses, the search is on for packaging that is as convenient and affordable as plastic, but does not pose the same adverse environmental effects. In order to achieve its goal of zero plastic waste by 2030, the Prime Minister of Canada announced on October 7, 2020, a federal ban on harmful single-use plastics, which will be finalized by the end of 2021.
Targeting Harmful Plastics
This will be especially true for plastic products that are not recycled and pose a significant threat to the environment.
Introducing PHAs as an Alternative
PHAs (Polyhydroxyalkanoates) are biodegradable polymers being researched as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional packaging materials. They are produced by the bacterial fermentation of bio-derived feedstock, including waste.
Properties of PHAs
PHAs come with a wide range of properties in terms of renewability, biodegradability, and water vapor barrier, which allows for them to have various applications, one of which is food packaging.
Methods of PHA Production
There are three different methods through which PHAs can be produced: microbiological, chemical, and enzymatic. The microbiological route has proven to be the most feasible so far, followed by the chemical, with the enzymatic method being the least suitable.
Challenges of PHA Costs
The cost of producing PHAs is still considerably high at the moment, and continuous research is required for it to become a widely acceptable alternative to plastic packaging.
Current Eco-Friendly Packaging Options
Some other eco-friendly food packaging, which is recyclable and compostable, that is currently present in the market, is as follows;
- Metal containers
- Glass containers
- Kraft paper packaging (made from wood pulp)
- PET plastic (non-toxic, strong, and recyclable)
- Recycled cardboard and paper packaging
- Packaging made with cornstarch and sugarcane fiber.
Industry Interest in Green Packaging
PHA-based films and other environmentally friendly food packaging options have generated significant interest within the food industry, which is seeking to reduce its carbon footprint. But how easy is this switch in the bigger picture?
Cost Concerns for Businesses
One downside is that it can be expensive for businesses, especially small ones, to switch to green packaging alternatives. It can lead to cost savings in the long run, but there remains ambiguity regarding the timeframe.
Proper Disposal Challenges
Biodegradable and recyclable packaging must also be disposed of correctly; otherwise, there can be cross-contamination. Certain take-out boxes and paper cups are lined with a chemical called perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to prevent our food and drinks from leaking.
Risks of PFAS Contamination
A study showed that PFAs can leech out of the packaging and end up in compost. This can accumulate in plants and end up in our bodies. Research is still ongoing for the medical risks of PFAs.
Ontario Companies Leading the Way
*TekPak solutions, Eco-Packaging, Rootree, Hubert are some companies in Ontario providing eco-friendly packaging.
References
- https://www.chatelaine.com/news/canada-single-use-plastic-ban-faq/
- https://www.plasticstoday.com/packaging/pha-bioplastics-tunable-solution-convenience-food-packaging
- https://www.foodpackagingforum.org/news/review-of-technologies-for-pha-production
- http://www.earthfriendlymomma.com/8-types-of-eco-friendly-food-packaging/
- https://lekac.com/production/the-pros-and-cons-of-eco-friendly-packaging#:~:text=The%20Cons%20to%20Eco%2Dfriendly%20Packaging&text=In%20some%20cases%2C%20the%20switch,what%20point%20that'll%20happen.
- https://www.sciencetimes.com/articles/22410/20190605/what-disadvantage-do-these-biodegradable-food-containers-contain.htm