Environmentally friendly materials are trying to replace non-biodegradable plastics, setting off a “green revolution” in food packaging. But the question is, are environmentally friendly packaging really more environmentally friendly? Can they completely replace plastics?
As consumers’ environmental awareness increases, many countries and companies around the world are promoting the “green revolution” of food packaging, using degradable, recyclable and reusable packaging materials. The following are several major environmentally friendly packaging materials:
1. Degradable bioplastics
Representative materials: PLA (polylactic acid), PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate)
Features: Made from renewable resources such as corn starch, sugar cane, cassava, etc., and can be decomposed under industrial composting conditions.
Advantages: Degradation speed is faster than traditional plastics, reducing microplastic pollution.
Challenges: Some bioplastics are still difficult to degrade in the natural environment and have high production costs.
2. Edible packaging
Representative materials: seaweed-based film, edible wax, protein film
Features: Made of seaweed, milk protein or edible wax, can be eaten directly or decomposed quickly.
Advantages: Completely pollution-free, suitable for food packaging such as snacks and candies.
Challenges: Easy to absorb moisture, storage conditions are limited, and has not yet been promoted on a large scale.
3. Paper-based packaging
Representative materials: kraft paper, plant fiber paper, pulp molding
Features: Made from recyclable paper, bamboo pulp, etc., commonly used in takeout boxes and beverage cups.
Advantages: Recyclable, degradable, and reduces the use of plastic.
Challenges: Some paper packaging still requires coating (such as PE coating) to prevent water and oil, which may affect recyclability.
4. Glass, metal and reusable packaging
Glass bottles: can be used multiple times, suitable for high-end food and beverage packaging.
Aluminum packaging: 100% recyclable, commonly used in canned food and beverages.
Reusable packaging: such as silicone food bags and reusable takeout boxes, are becoming a new environmental trend.
Which of the above four types of environmentally friendly packaging would you choose?
Post time: Apr-29-2025
