Tony's Talk... Please don't shoot the Messenger

July 1, 2019 Robert Fernandes

For decades our Trade has been well served by a range of trays, cups and boxes made out of expanded polystyrene (EPS). They provide portion-controlled packaging with excellent levels of insulation at a reasonable cost.

However, prompted by ‘Blue Planet’ and environmental pressures “the powers that be” across Europe have legislated to ban the use of EPS from April 2021 stating that it is ‘bad’ plastic that cannot easily be recycled. They have chosen to ignore the fact that EPS has a tremendous latent thermal capacity that could produce much energy once incinerated (probably because we have insufficient incinerators!).

However, we are where we are and along with our Colleagues in Q-Partnership we have been working hard to provide suitable alternatives that would be totally recyclable and comply with current and future legislation. Such packaging exists already using either carton board, corrugated board or Bio Boxes (steam-moulded products from sugar cane or straw waste).

All sectors are now seeking alternatives to ‘bad’ plastics and this is putting ever increasing pressure on the sources of such alternative materials, and prices are rising as we know only too well. KP Films (LINPAC) our long-standing Manufacturer of EPS packaging is currently working hard to replicate their EPS range of products out of a really ‘good’ plastic – Expanded Polypropylene (EPP). EPP is highly valued for being totally recyclable and is regarded as being a very good plastic with lots of positives.

It is not subject to the forthcoming ban. EPP products will be more expensive than their EPS equivalents. However, as the move away from EPS accelerates the costs of producing in EPS is increasing as the economies of scale of production disappear. Indeed, it is believed that EPS supplies could be phased out by October or November next year! As volumes reduce, manufacturers of EPS base materials are withdrawing from the market.

The first boxes to be made from this ‘good’, totally recyclable plastic (EPP) should be available this July or August and you will see a far superior box to its EPS equivalent that also has the advantage of being microwaveable. We are all only too well aware that we have to take drastic action to preserve our Planet and recycle precious raw materials that have a finite supply.

Our Trade has to be seen as responsible purveyors of good, healthy nutritious food and we are working hard to ensure that you have adequate supplies of responsible packaging available.