Tony's Talk - Packaging Quandary!

May 11, 2018 Robert Fernandes

Packaging Quandary! (compounded further by projections for a global paper shortage!) As if we didn’t have enough to worry about what with ‘Brexit’, rising prices, overhead increases, and acrylamide lurking just around the corner, Mr. Attenborough comes along and has elevated the issue plastic packaging usage and recycling to a new level. The damage inflicted on our environment by the ever-increasing amounts of waste plastic (12 million tonnes of which enters our Oceans every year!) should be of concern to all of us. Yet plastic itself is not to blame. In its multitude of forms plastic has extended the shelf life and preservation of food, made the carrying of food and drink far more convenient, protected goods in transit and provided highly efficient levels of insulation etc.

Packaging Quandary! (compounded further by projections for a global paper shortage!)

As if we didn’t have enough to worry about what with ‘Brexit’, rising prices, overhead increases, and acrylamide lurking just around the corner, Mr. Attenborough comes along and has elevated the issue plastic packaging usage and recycling to a new level.

The damage inflicted on our environment by the ever-increasing amounts of waste plastic (12 million tonnes of which enters our Oceans every year!) should be of concern to all of us. Yet plastic itself is not to blame. In its multitude of forms plastic has extended the shelf life and preservation of food, made the carrying of food and drink far more convenient, protected goods in transit and provided highly efficient levels of insulation etc.

The fault for the devastating accumulations of waste materials that do not decompose lies fairly and squarely with ourselves! This is underlined by the fact that the UK produces some 2.2mln. tonnes of plastics every year but only recycles 0.8mln. tonnes.

We have not demanded sufficient recycling centres and incinerators to cope with this ever-growing mountain of waste. We have not insisted on clear recycling procedures (witness the confusion of instructions across Local Authorities).and we have been tawdry in the extreme in our waste disposal habits.

A recent ‘Kantar World Panel’ survey of some 5,000 U.K. inhabitants showed that 24.6% are “extremely concerned” over plastic packaging whilst 42% believe food and drink should only be available in genuinely recyclable packaging. Added to the over 27% who are opting only to eat ‘gluten-free’ our Trade is in grave danger of alienating the majority of people on our High Streets unless we address these concerns.

Personally, I will be delighted not to have to stock the ubiquitous plastic F&C carrier bag. It is definitely not fit for purpose as it makes all hot food sweat and reduces my fish and chips to a soggy mess. All the hard work and artistry you have expended in producing a pristine meal is ruined by the time I get them in the car or the office! But, as with cups, trays and boxes, the genuinely compostable alternative costs more.

Where those plastic Fish & Chip Carrier Bags cost about a penny the cheapest paper alternative (a US-style brown paper ‘sack’) costs around 6.5p. The polystyrene cup and lid costs 2 - 2.5p but the biodegradable alternative costs 7 - 8p and likewise pro rata with tray and box alternatives. However, these differences in cost could be narrowed considerably if H.M Government levies taxes on single use plastics?

Many Customers have already switched to genuinely recyclable/compostable packaging and have adjusted their pricing accordingly. They find that most of their customers understand and are really appreciative.

Is it approaching the time when our completely natural, freshly prepared, highly nutritious dish should be served up in packaging that it truly merits?

We are moving into an era where genuinely recyclable and/or compostable packaging will become the norm rather than the exception. Let us hope that increased investment in paper and card production keeps pace with ever increasing demand worldwide or customers will have to revert to bringing enamel bowls in again for your delicious Fish, Chips ‘n Peas!