Disposable food packaging is a type of packaging that one can throw away once one has finished the food. One typically sees this type of packaging when making purchases at markets, street fairs, and shopping stores. The main idea is that one buys them, eats the food, and throws it away without needing to wash dishes. However, throwing that packaging away will have a consequence for the environment. An ideal way to keep the planet in mind is to purchase a fish tank and look after another living organism. Should one want to do this, then pondplanet should be used. But, should one want to stick to disposable food packaging, researching companies like cure & simple, who deliver food and recipes, can be asked what packaging they find best.
Some facts about disposable food packaging
Plastic and paper are the most common materials used for disposable food packaging. Manufacturers are currently concerned with the amount of plastic being thrown away, so they are looking into wooden and bamboo alternatives. This material is being looked at because wood can decompose in a couple of months, hence much shorter than the lifespan of plastic. However, one needs to be more aware of these items’ impact on the environment. A scary fact is that more than half of the plastic packaging manufactured every year is dumped at landfill sites, with plastic disposable coffee-type cups and straws being the main culprit. Many people have a lot to say about recycling and reusing disposable packaging, but this begs the question of how many people are physically doing something about it. Over 10 million tonnes of litter are deposited into the oceans yearly! This year, PPT, Plastic Packaging Tax, has been introduced. The objective is to apply an additional tax on items with plastic packaging not composed of a minimum of 30% recycled plastic.
Some benefits of disposable food packaging
Disposable food packaging is more sanitary as it is used once by the person eating it, and then one can decide what to do with the container (probably recycle it). Research has shown that eating food this way is more sanitary than reusing glassware and China plates. Furthermore, it saves water and energy because restaurants using industrialised dishwashers waste much electricity and water in cleaning cutlery and crockery. In addition, disposable food packaging is convenient as it can be people can throw it has been used, or people can reuse it for something else. Worker safety is another aspect that needs to be considered. Most disposable food packaging is very lightweight and usually made of plastic materials, preventing one from cutting themselves on chipped glassware, for example. A bonus is that the packaging is well insulated, so it can keep food hotter for longer.
Choose the proper disposable food packaging for you.
If you run a company or business and are looking for a type of packaging for food, opting for disposable packaging is the way to go! However, never lose sight of the damage you can cause along the way. So make some responsible choices when choosing that packaging.