For a long time now, plastics and polythene have been on the receiving end of a barrage of criticism and condemnation. They have been vilified as being some of the world’s worst polluters and we have seen consistent calls for the control and even outright banning of their use. This has made business very difficult for companies that produce and process plastic and polythene products. However, recent developments seem to be changing the tide. The Fresher for longer campaign which is an initiative of several UK organisations, seeks to educate the public on the important role of packaging in global food security.
One of the main objectives of this campaign is educating the public on the importance of keeping food in its packaging. Studies have shown that most people remove foods from their original package as soon as they get home. This is done in the false belief that the polythene or plastic packaging the food was in will contribute to accelerating the rate at which the food spoils. This concept has however been dismissed as misinformation. Consumers need to realise that the retailer will always pack food in a manner that ensures maximum shelf life so as to avoid losses. Therefore, if you buy your food in a plastic or polythene package, that is the best packaging to keep it in.
Even as the plastic and polythene industry enjoys this precious relief from constant battering, there is a need to keep working on the delivery of high quality products especially when it comes to food packaging materials. While the “Fresher for longer” campaign assumes that quality products are being used to package food, it is up to manufacturers and processors to ensure that this is exactly what gets delivered to the market. Allowing the distribution of low quality products will adversely affect the industry and contribute to the false notion that keeping food in plastic or polythene aids in accelerating the rate at which food spoils. Guaranteeing quality products for the market will see the plastic and polythene industry enjoy many more significant reprieves from a community of satisfied customers.
