New research on the growing uses of recycled polypropylene in plastic food packaging finds that it performs well and has the potential to meet environmental and cost-savings goals.
The conclusions suggest that both cost and sustainability goals can be reached by increasing the use of post-consumer recycled materials in food packaging.
Polypropylene (PP) is often used in containers for hot liquids as well as in some yogurt and syrup containers, medicine bottles, caps and straws.
The new study was supported by IAFNS’ Food & Chemical Safety Committee and tested a small collection of recycled plastics and found that they performed well mechanically in terms of strength, flexibility, integrity and heat resistance.
If future performance studies support these findings, it could be a win-win for those seeking more sustainable and cost-effective food packaging.