Some people prefer using Styrofoam for food packing. Would you also the same? What would be the effect of this? What other alternative can you think of?
Answers
Answer:
Plastic foam or polystyrene is one of the most widely used types of plastics due to its low cost, moldable qualities, and its capability to generate its lightweight counterpart EPS (Styrofoam). Its various desirable performance attributes such as heat tolerance and retention and it's low-cost, has made it the preferred takeout container for many restaurants and businesses. Until recently, that is.
Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the negative effects of foam on the environment and human health, and are demanding more sustainable options. As a result, state and local bans and regulations have been enacted to reduce the use of polystyrene products.
Regulations, legislative pressures, customer demands and the trend towards sustainability are requiring businesses that use Styrofoam foodservice products to source more sustainable options.
Check out this map on where polystyrene bans are taking place.
Under the bans, food service establishments may no longer sell, offer, or possess single-use foam food containers such as takeout clamshells, cups, plates, bowls, trays, etc.
As a business that serves food, you will need to find a suitable alternative for your to-go or leftover meals.
Choosing an alternative to Styrofoam foodservice packaging that is best for you comes with many considerations. Your foam alternative needs to be the right combination of price, performance, and appearance for your business.
In this blog, we will go over some of the advantages and disadvantages of 5 Styrofoam alternatives to help you choose the best one for your business.
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What are Some of the Alternatives to Styrofoam Foodservice Products?
For some, making the switch away from Styrofoam will be an opportunity to become more sustainable and will seek products that leave a smaller footprint on the earth. But for others, the best alternative will be the product that performs as similarly as possible or is simply closest in price to foam.
Keep in mind that the price of any alternative is likely going to be higher than Styrofoam, but that doesn’t mean that alternative substrates can’t bring efficiencies to your business. Products which are more environmentally friendly and can be reused, recycled, or composted at the end of life help reduce businesses disposal fees and landfill waste.
Eco-Friendly Food Packaging Alternatives
Environmentally conscious products are made from renewable materials and lead to a smaller footprint on the earth due to their low energy manufacturing processes and end of life compostability.
Eco-friendly materials include:
PLA Lined Paper
Bagasse
Molded Fiber
PLA Lined Paper
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PLA lined paper is the most sustainable option. PLA stands for polylactic acid and is a resin made from corn starch. PLA is used to make clear compostable containers. It is also used as an impermeable liner in paper cups and containers to keep the paper from getting soggy.
PLA lined paper is suitable for hot and cold cups or containers.
Temperature Range:
It can withstand temperatures between 32 and 185 degrees Fahrenheit before distortion.
PLA lined paper is not microwaveable or ovenable.
Advantages:
Corn
PLA lined paper is made from paperboard that is lined with polylactic acid, a resin generated from plants rather than petroleum.
The plant-based resin acts as a barrier which prevents the paper part of the cup from absorbing the liquid and becoming soggy or leaking. (It is soak-through resistant)
Explanation:
Effect of using Styrofoam in food packing :
When Styrofoam used with food products, especially when heated, Styrofoam releases toxic chemicals into the food causing a contamination which can be hazardous to your health In addition , when exposed to sunlight , Styrofoam creates harmful air pollutants which contaminate landfills and deplete the ozone layer.
Additionally , physicians increasingly concerned with the effects of eating from Styrofoam containers.
According to the article "clouds in your coffee", scientists have found that when hot food or beverages are placed in polystyrene containers, the styrene chemicals leech from from the containers into your food and then into your body.
Over time, this can lead to reproductive issues or even cancer.
Alternatives for Styrofoam :
- PLA Lined Paper
- Bagasse
- Molded Fibre
- Mineral-Filled Polyproplyene