Plastics have become the go-to material for the food packaging industry due its low production cost, durability, and versatile applications. However, these benefits come at the expense of the environment and living beings, particularly marine animals and birds.
Worryingly, one study found that food packaging products make up 44% of plastic litter in the ocean. That figure is expected to grow in tandem with an increase in online retail activities. Food packaging companies should take steps to make their operations more environmentally friendly, and that starts by switching their plastic food wrappers to biodegradable versions.
Are food wrappers biodegradable?
To put it straight, it depends on the material. We do know that conventional plastics like polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) take up to 500 years to decompose. This is because plastics are made from carbon bonds that require more energy to break down. The same can be said for some bio-based plastics like polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT).
On the other hand, polylactic acid (PLA), gelatin films, and paper can degrade quickly, leading to less waste. As an environmentally conscious company, you may want to switch to these materials to reduce your impact on the environment and ensure a cleaner world for future generations.
What are biodegradable food wraps?
Biodegradable food wraps are defined as any food wrap that can naturally break down over a short time without leaving any harmful residues. Materials used to make biodegradable food wrappers include cellulose, starch, seaweed, and even fruit extracts.
Read more on ‘Rice Paper Packaging’ and ‘Cellulose Bags for Food Packaging’ here.
Is food wrapping paper safe?
Most food wrappers are made out of plastic, which contains chemicals and microscopic particles that can contaminate food and beverages. The most concerning are BPA and phthalates that give plastic its durability.
When ingested into the body, these chemicals can affect natural hormonal production and cause health complications like cancer and problems in the reproductive organs. Moreover, when developing fetuses or children in the first year of their life are exposed to phthalates may develop attention, behavioural, and learning disorders.
Another problem with plastic food wrappers is that they are non-biodegradable and can remain in landfills for centuries.
As time passes, these plastic wrappers will break down into smaller microplastics, which are then carried by rain, wind, or floods into the oceans, only to be eaten by sea animals or birds. This results in blocked digestive tracts, slower absorption of nutrients, and ultimately, the death of the animals.
In recent years, biodegradable options made of plant-based materials like starch and bamboo have been available on the market. These wrappers can break down naturally, which can help counteract global plastic pollution.
But, more importantly, they contain no harmful chemicals that can otherwise contaminate the food. In other words, biodegradable food wraps are good for both your customers and the environment.
Examples of biodegradable food wraps that are being used by the F&B industry
There are many types of biodegradable food wraps that offer unique benefits and applications for food and beverage companies. Below are some options that companies should consider:-
Biodegradable cling film food wraps
Biodegradable cling film food wrap can dissolve faster than traditional plastic cling wrap once it is disposed of. This makes biodegradable cling wraps ideal for single-use scenarios like holiday events or birthday parties.
Compostable biodegradable food wraps
These food wraps make it easy for users to dispose of waste without contributing to the ever-growing problem of plastic pollution. Before buying compostable cling wrap, companies need to first check if the wrapping can be composted at home or if it needs to be sent to an industrial facility to avoid unnecessary waste.
Biodegradable food wrap films
Catering outlets, hotels, and cafes can use biodegradable food wrap film to keep foods fresh and prevent odour and flavour transfer. Some biodegradable wrapping materials, like those made from starch or chitin, are edible and can be eaten alongside food.
Biodegradable plastic wraps for food
Eco-friendly plastic wraps are made from plant-based polymers such as PLA, which is derived from cornstarch and sugarcane. These innovative materials can maintain food hygiene just as well as traditional plastic wraps. At the same time, humans can also reduce their harm to the environment.
Advantages of biodegradable food wraps
As an eco-friendly replacement to traditional plastic food wraps, biodegradable food wraps can benefit both your business and the environment in numerous ways, including:-
- Reducing reliance on non-biodegradable plastic and, thereby, reducing the amount of waste in our environment.
- Reducing harmful chemicals from plastics being disposed of in landfills or incinerators.
- Improving businesses’ reputations by making the switch to eco-friendly products.
- Ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable world.
- Attracting more eco-conscious customers to your front doors.
Disadvantages of biodegradable food wraps
While biodegradable food wraps can be ideal for your business, it also comes with its own set of disadvantages:-
- Biodegradability is dependent on certain conditions, including high temperature, high humidity, plenty of oxygen, and a mixture of various substances.
- Resources that could have been used for food production and maintaining water supply may be diverted to manufacture more biodegradable food wraps to keep up with market demand.
- Tools and machines that are used to convert natural ingredients into biodegradable food wraps can pollute the environment.
- Properly disposing of food wraps comes at a high cost.
- Some plastics may need to be sent to a special facility so that they can be properly composted.
Where can I buy biodegradable food wraps?
Eco-friendly speciality stores are your best bet for finding biodegradable food wraps that are suited to your business needs. Alternatively, online stores like Lazada and Alibaba also supply biodegradable food wraps as part of their ever-growing catalogue of items.
Conclusion
While plastic wraps are useful for protecting foods, they also create more rubbish in our landfills and harm human health. For this reason, food and beverage companies should prioritise switching to biodegradable food wraps. Not only does it benefit the planet, but it is safer for food and can improve your bottom line in the long run.
