Page 64 - Plastics News Issue November - 2024
P. 64
IN THE NEWS
Food-Grade Plastics: Ensuring Safe Food Con- ing out under normal applications such as heat,
tact acidic or prolonged consumption period. Some
common types of food-grade plastics include:
♦ Polypropylene (PP): Paper products such as
carrier bags and boxes also plates, cups and
spoons. The former is durable and have heat
resistance capability.
♦ Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET): Most not-
ed in drinking water flasks and soda cans,
PET is lightweight and ideal for one time use.
♦ High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): A very
strong plastic commonly used in the mak-
ing of milk jugs and other thick food storage
At the same time, the term “food-grade” plastics plastics.
also gained significance. Food contact plastic is
the type of plastics that meet the stern require- Thus, employing food-grade plastics, manufac-
ment of food safety standards for safe use with turers strive actually to reduce potential threats
foodstuff. These plastics must meet the safety of chemical migration and guarantee that the
standards as provided by the heath and regula- corresponding materials are harmless for long-
tory authorities such the Food and Drug Author- term contact with foodstuffs.
ity of the United States and the European Food Innovations in Biodegradable and Sustainable
Safety Authority. Plastics
In addition to BPA free and food grade plastics
there is an increasing degree of concern for bio-
degradable plastics. Novel earth friendly such
as biodegradable and plant based plastics in-
cluding polylactic acid (PLA) are currently in the
process of research and development. These
plastics deteriorate faster than other standard
plastics and are therefore safer for use in food
packaging.
However, innovations of biodegradable plastics
have its own problems how to be safe in usage
and durable like conventional plastics. Further
Food- contact plastics are intended to conform work should be performed to develop such ma-
to the adage that the container is safe for use terials and to disseminate them in order to reach
with foods and beverages because the plastic’s the greatest number of people.
chemical constituents are not capable of migrat-
64 PLASTICS NEWS November 2024
