Are you using the correct plastic for your food containers?

Last Updated on June 5th, 2020

People these days are making healthy choices in every possible way; be it selecting fruits or vegetables, everyone likes to go the organic way. So much so that we even question the food storage products as most of them are made of plastic. But did we anytime question ourselves for this behavior? Do we really know the facts about a material to avoid it completely, or we believe all the loose talks surrounding it.?

Today, I am writing this to bring some interesting facts to the table and create more awareness about plastic, as people unknowingly assume it to be unhealthy.

Plastic is a very useful material which is a part of our daily lives. It has been used in all shapes and sizes for fulfilling our basic needs, starting from water bottle, lunch box, carry bag, utensils, cutlery or mere storage boxes. Although, there are various good qualities attached to it, people hesitate from using it due to the myths surrounding it.

Let’s start by breaking the first myth that all plastics are the same.

The fact is, there is not just one type of plastic present. There are different types with each type having different strengths and different melting points. A proper differentiation should be made so that you take the right decision during its purchase. While some plastics are good and can be recycled others are strong and tough but cannot be recycled.

Here is an Infographic which explains the same:

• PET

The most common form of plastic is PET which is a very strong and light in weight with most commonly used for packaging purpose. It mostly comes as a rigid plastic and is 100% recyclable. Our medicine bottles, water bottles (packaged drinking water bottles), food containers are made of PET. With its biggest advantage being recycling, you will find a triangle mark formed with arrows, having 1 inside the triangle, on these bottles.

• HD-PE

High-Density Polyethylene is a strong form of plastic that is very effective for any moisturizer. Used for many household items, hair-oil, etc.

• PVC

Polyvinyl Chloride is a thermoplastic with high resistance to chemicals. Its commonly used for household care products, pipelines, and wirings, blood bags, etc.

• LD-PE

LD-PE is the low-density plastic that is flexible and can resist acids and oils. This polyethylene is used for various products packaging including, milk, food, toys, cartons etc.

• PP

Known as Polypropylene which is widely used for furniture, containers such as shrikhand and other food items, . It can maintain smooth shape even with torsion.

• PS

Polystyrene is a non-toxic plastic found in various forms. It can keep its shape for a long term and can be effective against humidity.  Examples in food applications are the single use coffee-cups, the Styrofoam boards, etc.

• All other types of plastic 

These plastics include nylon or PA, ABS, PC and multi-material polymers which have various uses like in water pumps, toys, keyboard keys etc. These are all recyclable plastics.

Now comes the point – Which plastic is safe for storing food and in kitchen?

Answer to this is PET. It is made from safe chemicals and does not contain any cancer causing chemicals. PET is quite strong, does not leach out any chemicals and at the same time light in weight, this is the reason it could be of varied uses. The main point that differentiates PET from other plastics is its safety and recyclable property. It comes in many shapes and is used as a packaging material in food products, customer care products, medicine bottles and much more. 

PET is now known as the wide recycled plastic in the world. According to 2015 report of U.S, about two billion of this plastic has been recycled. According to U.S study of 2007, the PET bottles need less energy and cause less waste of solid than any other plastic.
These properties and its varied uses have made it recognizable amongst health authorities worldwide.

Conclusion

Now, since we know PET is eco-friendly, recyclable and safe for storage, we can make wise decisions starting today and contribute in the betterment of our environment.

Reducing wastage of resources and using recyclable products will help in pollution reduction. Spread the message amongst your friends and family to make them aware about PET as the globally acknowledged and safe container that is 100% recyclable.

CHOOSE HEALTHY TO STAY HEALTHY

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Dr. Amanda

Amanda is a certified nutritionist and fitness yoga trainer, and writer in the areas of health, fitness and nutrition.

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