Beyond Plastic: The Future of Food Packaging

As an avid advocate for keeping groceries as plastic-free as possible, I have always wondered what prevents supermarkets and local grocers from eliminating plastic altogether. Join me as I explore whether it is reasonable to expect food producers to start switching out plastic for more sustainable packaging materials.

It is estimated that 60% of all plastic ever produced has ended up in landfills as of 2015. As consumers, we know all too well that our use-and-throw habits contribute towards the ever-expanding landfills. But what prompted the rapid proliferation of plastic use within mere decades of its conception, and how did this poster child of materials engineering innovation
Loosely speaking, this is new idea, a new technology, or just a new way of doing things. It usually coincides with some new demand that's popped up.
Where did it all start?

The 20th Century brought global upheaval, most notably the World Wars. During this time, plastics' convenience made them perfect for several applications, from food packaging to military functions like Saran wrap, which was used for equipment protection. Today, Saran wrap can be found on my counter, humbly waiting to cling to a half-eaten sandwich.

Over time, various plastics were introduced to our kitchens, offering convenience, protection, and versatility. It is understandable, really - plastic packaging can be made portable, prevents cross-contamination, regulates portion sizes, is shatter-resistant, allows for the clear marking of nutritional information and other food regulation requirements, and is cheap to produce. With multiple layers being added as reinforcements and additives like plasticizers, stabilizers, absorbers, and retardants being incorporated to better mold the package for its desired purpose, it quickly became the top choice for producers and consumers alike. As guilt-inducing as it is to declare, plastic is ideal for packaging.

What does plastic really cost us?

All of this convenience comes at a price - food contact materials (FCMs) like those made of plastic and its additives can leach or diffuse chemicals into the food product, a process known as migration. These could be carcinogenic, like formaldehyde in PET packaging, or endocrine-disrupting chemicals, like phthalates that, in low doses, may have toxicological effects with prolonged exposure. However, the most conspicuous concern with plastic packaging is its short, linear life cycle - most plastics do not make it to recycling plants and have limited ability to be recycled if they do.

Where are we headed?

Here’s a revised version of the paragraph with improved clarity and flow:

On the Path Toward a Circular Economy

While the circular economy—an economic system aimed at eliminating waste and maximizing resource reuse—holds promise, plastic remains a persistent challenge. Although producing plastic generally has a lower environmental footprint compared to alternatives like paper, glass, or aluminum, the accumulation of plastic waste continues to infiltrate ecosystems worldwide. The EU’s Green Deal, a comprehensive policy framework for achieving a sustainable, circular economy, addresses this issue by proposing revisions to legislation on food contact materials (FCMs) to enhance food safety and promote reusable or recyclable packaging as part of its Farm-to-Fork Strategy. However, recycled plastics come with their own

complications: studies suggest they may contain higher levels of contaminants than virgin plastics, underscoring the need for further innovation and regulation to manage these risks.

This version clarifies key concepts, emphasizes the paradox of plastic’s environmental trade-offs, and highlights both policy efforts and unresolved challenges in achieving a truly circular economy system.

Are there realistic alternatives?

One way to resolve this impasse is through the use of alternatives. The first would be our attempts to replicate plastic using (at least partly) biologically derived materials, known as bioplastics – these could be biodegradable
A substance that can be decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms.

While these are certainly strong strides in the right direction, each alternative comes with its own challenges. Bioplastics, touted as biodegradable or compostable, come with a caveat; for instance, I would not be able to toss my bioplastic container in my backyard compost pile and let the worms get to it. These are primarily only compostable or biodegradable under a specific set of controlled conditions or in an industrial-grade facility. With starch or protein-based materials, there is also the challenge of food safety regulations, shelf life, and water sensitivity. The cost of food waste , in the case of reduced shelf life caused by plastic alternative packaging, is much greater than the environmental footprint

Environmental footprint: the overall environmental impact of an activity, individual, or organisation.

The bottom line

While immediate demands for plastic alternatives stem from a place of rightful concern, we must remember to frame these in an informed context. It is important to remember that going ‘plastic-free’ is not a choice that we as consumers can all make on our own. Well, not all of us, at least. Some food producers and retailers are already switching out plastic packaging and stocking shelves with products that appeal to the environmentally conscious consumer. However, these products are not always affordable or accessible to everyone. At the moment, it is impossible for most of us, irrespective of how strongly we feel about the environmental implications of buying food packaged in plastic, to completely remove it from our kitchens and pantries.
Personally, I do my best to choose the plastic-free alternative whenever I can. I store my leftovers in glass containers, I always pick the chocolate bar wrapped in paper, and I ask the barista not to fix a plastic lid on my cup of coffee whenever I buy it to go. But I must admit that I have not cut Kettle chips out of my life because they come in a plastic package. I have not looked for a new Asian grocery store because my current one refuses to pack fresh tofu in the box I bring from home. So, the bottom line is, you win some, you lose some. And I know that I’m not alone in this quest to find the right balance between reducing dependence on plastic and not eschewing the convenience that the modern world affords us.
As researchers continue to develop bio-alternatives, better packaging design, and improve the recyclable properties of food packaging, I am somewhat reassured that these efforts are being mirrored in our communities, with more attention being paid to low or zero-waste lifestyles and consumption patterns than ever before. I am convinced that the best way forward, for the industry as well as consumers, is to take one step at a time and slowly (but surely) move towards a future where ensuring the safety of food does not come with a side of irreversible environmental damage.

About author

About the Author: SS Engineers and Consultants is a leading engineering firm renowned for its innovative design solutions, commitment to sustainability, and expert project management. Backed by decades of collective experience across multiple industries, the team of skilled engineers and consultants offers customized services tailored to meet the distinct requirements of each client. Their focus on safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness ensures successful outcomes in every project they undertake. This description highlights their professionalism, technical expertise, and dedication to delivering exceptional results. Adjustments can be made to emphasize particular areas of specialization or notable achievements as needed.