3 Major Plastic Packaging Myths That Must Be Debunked

Many people tend to think negatively when they hear the word “plastic.” Plastic packaging, particularly, has many negative connotations of waste and pollution. For this reason, more and more manufacturers and businesses are rethinking their use of plastic as packaging for their products.

However, while is it great that more people are deliberate about minimizing their use of plastic, plastic food packaging still has an essential role to play, especially in the F&B industry. And so, we are here to tackle some of the conflicting information about the subject, reminding ourselves about the advantages of the material and why it is here to stay.

Myth 1: All Plastics Are Bad

This is perhaps the most misjudged and misinformed myth about plastics – that they are all bad in comparison to other types of packaging like aluminium, glass, and paper. However, while undeniably exploited, the use of plastics is actually crucial, particularly in the areas of medicine and F&B business.

When it comes to keeping food fresh, plastic packaging is very necessary. Some studies have found that the use of PET containers and plastic baskets can increase the shelf life of several kinds of food by keeping undesired germs and bacteria away. Indeed, according to experts, the amount of wasted food in the world can increase further if plastic packaging is taken out of circulation.

Myth 2: Only a Few Kinds of Plastics Are Recyclable

This is another common misconception that tends to hinder the development of more efficient waste management. Many people believe that plastic recycling is heavily limited to only a few types of plastics. While your curbside recycle bin may be picky about the kinds of plastic it takes, all polymers are technically 100% recyclable.

As a matter of fact, there are several kinds of plastic that have the perfect reusable lifecycle – recycled to be used over and over again to produce the same item for use. They can either be turned into useful products like takeaway boxes, or they can be transformed into a raw material that will be used in the reproduction of plastics. 

Myth 3: Plastics Can Cause Cancer

The hesitancy of some consumers in using plastic packaging stems from a health concern. A popular myth surrounding plastics is that they can be a potential cause of cancer. Particularly, the use of a plastic wrapper in the microwave and the freezing of a plastic water bottle are both believed to be harmful practices that can increase your risk of cancer.

However, there has never been a single scientific study that has proven the claim that using plastics increases your risk for cancer. Plastic remains one of the most inert materials that is also lightweight, waterproof and cheap to make use of. Thus, it remains one of the most utilized materials when it comes to packaging food. 

Conclusion

The misinformation and myths surrounding plastics have indeed largely contributed to the negative behaviour of businesses and consumers toward them. The common misconceptions about plastics have made them a less preferable and sometimes shunned option for packaging. Plastics are actually very much useful and sustainable, as long as we do not use them wastefully. With proper handling and waste management, using plastics can bring far more benefits than risks.

If plastic food packaging solutions are what you desire for your business, we at Supply Smiths are glad to work together with you. Check out our extensive catalogue of packaging options and we’re sure to find the perfect packaging for your F&B business. Don’t be afraid to check us out today!