ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PACKAGING OF CHICKEN AND VEGETABLES

 ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PACKAGING OF CHICKEN AND VEGETABLES

1.    In recent times, advance studies have indicated the need why environmentally product should become priorities in our daily lives. Problems like climate change, environmental pollution and global warming have been exacerbated by continuous production and use of non-environmentally friendly products. In the fight to restore the damage that has be done so far, individuals, companies and bodies all have a role to play. While wholesale changes might not be feasible, small changes to process, products and systems with the environment in mind can go a great length to ensure that the negative impact on the environment is reduced.

2.    One of the process through which this can be achieved is through the adoption of environmentally friendly packaging. This can also be referred to as sustainable packaging. The plastic packaging revolution was set off in 1907 by the Belgian chemist Leo Baekeland, when he created one of the first polymeric moldable materials. Since then, there has been an exponential proliferation of plastic products with some 381 million tonnes produced in 2015. The problem with plastic packaging however is plastic have been shown to have a damaging effect on the oceans and wildlife around the world. The wide spread media coverage of these effects has pointed out these changes. They have contributed to some of the animals being threatened by extinction. In response to this, many companies around the world have promised and taken steps to cut down on their use of plastics. In some cases where they can’t be stopped, they have made the move to switch to biodegradable plastics, which pose fewer challenges. Poultry and vegetable companies are not left out these changes.

LACK OF IMPLEMETATION OF ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY TECHNOLOGY

3.    However, the implementation of these changes are not moving as fast as one would expect, given the massive campaigns that have been done to sensitize companies and get them to employ more environmentally friendly products. Some of the reasons why this is the case is that environmentally friendly options proffered thus far have not been able to meet the standards required for meat and vegetable packaging. In poultry, packaging helps to protect the meat from microbial contamination. It also serves to prevent the effect of light, oxygen or any physical or chemical damage. Meat packaging must be able to withstand adverse temperature like freezing, some of which have posed some challenges to some environmentally friendly packaging. Packaging has to be carefully chosen so as to protect the physio-chemical properties like nature of pigments, sensory attributes and microflora and preserve the meat or vegetable in an attractive form. Packaging should also be able to extend the shelf life of the meat or vegetable.
New packaging options need to be cheaper than traditional packaging methods. This has been a challenge. Most manufacturers are not willing to take on extra cost for packaging since it isn’t a main aspect of their business or come as value added services. When environmentally friendly packaging is not cheaper, the cost difference should be negligible.

ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY TECHNOLOGY IN CHICKEN AND VEGETABLE PACKAGING CHICKEN
4.    Use of Non Foam Packaging Tray: Plastics that contain foam are some of the most environmentally damaging products. While they are non-degradable, they release chemicals that damage marine life. Most non-degradable waste ends up in the seas and ocean through drainage process and patterns. Non-foam packaging is produced by Green Packaging. This packaging looks like regular trays used to package meat but this is different because it is compost within 30 to 90 days, reducing landfill wastes. It is durable and can withstand different temperatures. These packages are made from raw materials that do not contain any plant parts and offer superior performance to the regular packaging trays.
The raw products for these packaging are from plant fibers (bulrush and bamboo), sugarcane bagasse, and wheat or rice straw. All of these are annually renewable agricultural resources and do not put food production at risk.
VEGETABLE
5.    Vegetable Mesh Nets: These are made from polyester or cotton and they are reusable. They are nets that can be used to package fruits and vegetables and reused. They only need to be washed, dried and reused. These nets can be made into bags with a rope at the mouth to hold the vegetable tight. If it is a vegetable like tomato, the net can weave itself around the product without damaging. It also creates space for more products during transport while maintaining durability of the vegetable. At the same time, it reduces the amount of waste generated by single use packaging and distribution bags.
6. As time goes by, more and more options will become available. The quest to find better packaging products for poultry and vegetables will remain as these are basic food consumed around the world. Consumers are beginning to make choice of food to buy and companies to patronize, based on how effective they are with using environmentally friendly technology and that included packaging. Comp amines in the food and agricultural sector must ensure that they comply with the trend that is moving towards environmentally friendly processes to remain viable.