Packaging has been around us for as long as human has been around. In the past, we use animal skin to act as water carrier. However, as time pass by and improvement in technology, we started using metal, ceramic, glass and even plastic as packaging solution.
Until today, all material has its strength and weakness. In the categories of plastics, different plastics exhibits different properties. For example, PE or PP will provide excellent moisture barrier but poor oxygen or carbon dioxide barrier while on the other hand, glass provide excellent moisture and oxygen barrier but is easily shatter or break.
In the current times where we are living in, plastic waste has drawn plenty of attention recently. I am sure that there are more than enough video on YouTube showing the effect of plastic waste. However, it is important to differentiate the importance of single use plastic (SUP) and plastic packaging.
SUPs, as defined by European Commission (EC), are plastic products that are used once, or for a short period of time, before being thrown away. Examples of these products are cutlery, plate, straw and stirrers. These product bring about conveniences and food safety in our life but when they are disposed improperly, it becomes a waste problem.
On the other hand, plastic packaging is an important part of our life. I have recently watch a documentary where the purpose of plastic packaging and also the problem where plastic packaging brings about. In this documentary, the guest speaker said, “Packaging plays a very important role in persevering the quality and freshness of the product from farm to table. So if you look at vegetables that are sold loose versus vegetables that are prepacked, the shelf life extend from four days all the way up to 16 days.”
This statement is important because in the current world where we live in, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation (FAO) reported that one third of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally and this amounts to 1.3billion tonnes per year. One of the sustainable development goals (SDG) that United Nation (UN) has come up Zero waste as one of the goals.
Furthermore, in the current pandemic, it was found that plastic packaging has help to minimize the spread of COVID-19 virus. This is because food packaging reduce the contact surface thus reduce the spread of the virus.
Some of the advantage that plastic packaging offers over other materials are:
1. Versatility and ease of processing
2. Transparency and does not break easily
Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co Inc specializes in developing chemical products ranging from basic chemicals to fine chemicals and performance materials. We seek to create value to share with society and fulfil the expectation of stakeholders.
MX Nylon is a barrier resin that has been used globally in flexible packaging such as film and sheets and also in rigid such as PET bottles. The purpose of MX Nylon is to reduce the amount of oxygen or carbon dioxide entering or leaving the packaging.
Furthermore, by increasing the barrier properties of the packaging, it is possible to extend the shelf life of the food product thereby achieve the following:
1. Reduce food waste and loss
2. Enable the products to sold to a further location