A Recycler's Guide To Disposing Of Food-Grade Packaging
When selecting the kind of packaging to use for your food products, you would want to go for something that is cost-effective and good for the environment, right?
As the world becomes increasingly aware of the adverse effects of environmental degradation, many businesses currently feel pressured to go green and become more eco-conscious. One effective way to do this is to invest in food-grade containers that are not just safe with foods but are recyclable and eco-friendly too.
Recyclable food packaging essentially helps reduce environmental damage by enabling the materials to be processed and reused. There are several different kinds of materials that go into making food containers, which can have an impact on the environment. This includes plastics, paper, metal, and even wood. To learn more about the recyclability of some types of food containers, read on as this article provides a brief guide on how you can properly dispose of certain food-grade packaging solutions.
Hard Plastic Containers
Plastic containers in Singapore are pretty easy to recycle – you only need to rinse the container before disposing of it. Both the containers and the lids are recyclable. However, keep in mind that if it is a black plastic material, it is best to throw it into the garbage because it is not technically recyclable. A lot of recycling facilities are unable to identify black plastics because of their colour although the containers could have a recycling symbol. As a consequence, they end up polluting recycling bins.
Foam Containers
Styrofoam is a popular food packaging material, but you must avoid throwing it into your recycling bin. You may rinse a styrofoam container all you like, but since the material is very lightweight and soft, it crumbles and breaks easily. This makes it hard to separate foam containers from other recyclables. In turn, they cause contamination and impact the recyclability of the rest of your recycling bin. As much as possible, take your styrofoam containers directly to a recycling depot.
Paper Containers and Cups
Like PET round containers, paper containers and cups are 100% recyclable. Kraft paper containers, particularly, are quite a popular alternative to glass and plastics. However, before you dispose of them, it is important to make sure that they are squeaky clean. Moreover, some paper containers come with a wax coating, which acts as a gas and moisture barrier to maintain the freshness and quality of the food. This wax coating can make your paper containers and cups no longer recyclable, so be sure to contact and confirm with your recycling facility before disposing of them.
Foil Wrap and Containers
Foil wraps and containers are another type of food storage and packaging solutions that are absolutely recyclable. Numerous kinds of foil can be recycled, such as takeaway containers, kitchen foil, chocolate wrapping, and pie trays. However, to facilitate the proper recycling of foil food containers, be sure to rinse and remove any stuck-on food on them before disposing of them. In some instances, the foil containers may come with foil-lined paper lids that cannot be recycled due to their material mix.
Conclusion
As the world continues to suffer the adverse impacts of environmental degradation, it has become imperative for businesses and households alike to only use food storage and packaging solutions that are recyclable and are therefore good for the environment. While most takeaway containers are recyclable, it is necessary that you become informed on how to properly dispose of them because incorrect disposal can ruin otherwise suitable recyclables and cost your city millions of dollars annually.
For the most high-quality and eco-friendly big and small disposable containers in Singapore, Supply Smiths is the supplier you can count on! We source an extensive array of excellent yet affordable food storage and packaging solutions, ranging from plastic containers and paper lunch boxes to pizza boxes and standing zipper pouches. All our products are made of sustainable materials, so you can provide your customers with premium food containers without having to worry about their impact on the environment.
Please do not hesitate to contact us anytime or go through our comprehensive collection of food packaging products to find out more.