CPIA elaborates on role of plastic packaging

TORONTO (Scrap Monster): The Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) has published an article detailing the role of plastic packaging in everyday life. It highlights the magnitude of wasted food around the world and states that proper packaging materials such as plastic containers, wraps and bags could play significant role in preventing wasted food.

According to UNEP studies, roughly one-third of produced food gets wasted every year. The food wastage in rich countries has increased alarmingly. Studies conducted in Europe have shown that packaged fresh goods have a smaller environmental footprint than unpackaged food. The study concluded that right food packaging can make important contribution to environmental protection. Packaging prevents food spoilage, ensures food quality and safety along the supply chain and at home, it noted.

The lightweight plastic packaging offers possibly the best solution, notes CPIA. Ultrathin plastic film helps block transmission of oxygen, increasing shelf life of fresh meats to 21 days or more, and plastic vacuum packaging prevents discoloration of meats and extends shelf life 10 times longer than store-wrapped meat, resulting in 75 percent less food waste.

The Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) is the national voice for plastics in Canada. It has over 3,170 companies employing 95,400 workers. The CPIA is a dynamic, member-driven organization dedicated to the growth of plastics businesses and helping the industry reach its full potential.