Writer: Ecrin Tekes
Plastic packaging has become an integral part of modern life, with nearly 40% of global plastic production being used for packaging purposes. While plastic offers convenience and durability, its widespread use poses significant environmental and health risks. Plastics are made from a variety of chemicals and additives, many of which can be harmful. These substances, used during production, or unintentionally added, can leach into the environment or even enter the human food chain. As awareness of these risks grows, it is critical to explore the full impact of plastic packaging and consider more sustainable alternatives (Groh, K. J. et al, 2019).
Plastics are primarily composed of binders, fillers, pigments, plasticizers, and other additives. These components give plastics their unique properties, which play a crucial role in modern technology and industries. Binders are responsible for the primary characteristics of plastics and can be either natural or synthetic, though most modern plastics are based on synthetic resins. One of the most commonly used polymers is polyethylene, produced through the polymerization of ethylene monomers. This material is resistant to acids, water, alkalis, and many organic solvents, making it highly versatile across various applications (Evode, N. et al, 2021).
Plastics are divided into two main categories based on their physical and chemical properties: thermoplastics and thermosets. Thermoplastics can be reheated, reshaped, and hardened multiple times, making them recyclable and versatile. Thermosets, on the other hand, undergo irreversible chemical changes when heated and cannot be melted again.
One of the thermoplastics, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), is widely used in the textile and packaging industries. Despite its industrial benefits, PET waste has become a significant environmental issue. However, the discovery of the bacterium Ideonella sakaiensis, which can degrade PET, offers a promising solution for its biological breakdown. Another thermoplastic, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), is made from ethylene monomers. It is known for its strength and resistance to various chemicals and is used in products like pipes, containers, and protective helmets. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is also one of the most produced plastics, accounting for a significant portion of global chlorine usage. While PVC finds applications in products such as pipes, its environmental impact remains a topic of debate (Pilapitiya, P. N. T., 2024).
Plastics have become the universal workhorse of the modern economy, prized for their low cost and diverse functional properties. However, their widespread use poses serious threats to both the environment and consumer health in various direct and indirect ways. Rising concerns about the impact of plastics have compelled the industry to seek alternatives. This review highlights the current understanding of the benefits and concerns associated with plastic use, particularly regarding health effects in humans. There is increasing alarm over common additives found in plastics, such as phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), which are frequently detected in humans and may adversely affect health. Although studies vary on whether these additives should be classified as carcinogens or toxicants, there is a consensus that they can disrupt the endocrine system. While human data are limited compared to the extensive experimental evidence demonstrating reproductive and developmental toxicity in animals, the concentrations of these additives in young children—who are particularly vulnerable to external exposures—are typically higher, underscoring the urgent need to reduce exposure to these harmful compounds. As the use of plastics continues to escalate and awareness of their health hazards grows, addressing these issues has become increasingly critical (Kumar, P., 2018).
Recycling is one of the most crucial strategies currently available to mitigate the environmental impacts of plastic waste, yet it faces significant challenges. Plastics are inexpensive, lightweight, and durable materials, leading to their extensive production over the past 60 years. However, approximately 4% of global oil and gas production, a non-renewable resource, is utilized as feedstock for plastics, with an additional 3-4% expended for their manufacture. A substantial portion of plastics produced each year is allocated to disposable packaging and short-lived products, often discarded within a year of manufacture. This unsustainable cycle results in the accumulation of end-of-life plastics in landfills and natural habitats worldwide. Although recycling has been practiced since the 1970s, the amount of plastic that is successfully recycled varies significantly by region and plastic-type. While advances in recycling technologies and systems for collection and sorting have fostered rapid expansion in packaging recycling in several countries, the overall recycling rates remain low. Furthermore, challenges such as the degradation of plastic quality during recycling, economic factors, and the complexity of sorting various plastic types hinder the effectiveness of recycling efforts. To truly divert a significant portion of plastic waste from landfills to recycling, a collective effort from the public, industry, and governments is essential, alongside exploring alternative waste-reduction strategies such as using biodegradable materials and promoting product reuse (Hopewell, J., 2009).
The fresh food industry is increasingly focused on developing efficient and innovative packaging solutions that not only ensure quality and distribution but also prioritize environmental sustainability. Currently, plastics account for up to 50% of primary food packaging due to their advantageous properties, including lightweight, flexibility, strength, transparency, impermeability, and ease of sterilization. However, this widespread use leads to significant waste generation, with over 30% of plastic waste ending up in landfills (PlasticEurope, 2016). In this context, biopolymers, such as bio-based and biodegradable polymers, emerge as sustainable alternatives. Nonetheless, for effective food packaging, it is crucial to extend the shelf life of food products to minimize costs, resource consumption, and waste—both from food and plastic perspectives. Unfortunately, not all biopolymers can meet these requirements. This chapter explores existing and alternative packaging solutions, highlighting their weaknesses and opportunities to enhance sustainability within the food sector. The ultimate goal is to assess and reduce the environmental impacts associated with the production, use, and end-of-life of packaging materials (Siracusa, V. et al, 2018).
In conclusion, the extensive use of plastic packaging poses significant environmental and health challenges. With a large portion of plastic waste ending up in landfills and natural habitats, it is clear that current practices are unsustainable. The harmful additives found in many plastics also raise serious health concerns, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Transitioning to sustainable alternatives, such as biopolymers, is essential for reducing environmental impact while meeting packaging needs. Change will require collaboration among manufacturers, policymakers, and consumers to prioritize sustainability and drive demand for innovative solutions. Together, we can work towards a healthier planet and safer future.
References:
Groh, K. J., Backhaus, T., Carney-Almroth, B., Geueke, B., Inostroza, P. A., Lennquist, A., ... & Muncke, J. (2019). Overview of known plastic packaging-associated chemicals and their hazards. Science of the total environment, 651, 3253-3268.
Evode, N., Qamar, S. A., Bilal, M., Barceló, D., & Iqbal, H. M. (2021). Plastic waste and its management strategies for environmental sustainability. Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering, 4, 100142.
Pilapitiya, P. N. T., & Ratnayake, A. S. (2024). The world of plastic waste: a review. Cleaner Materials, 100220.
Kumar, P. (2018). Role of plastics on human health. The Indian Journal of Pediatrics, 85(5), 384-389.
Hopewell, J., Dvorak, R., & Kosior, E. (2009). Plastics recycling: challenges and opportunities. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 364(1526), 2115-2126.
Siracusa, V., & Rosa, M. D. (2018). Sustainable packaging. In Sustainable food systems from agriculture to industry (pp. 275-307). Academic Press.
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