Packaging

Understanding The Biodegradable Food Packaging Films

Riya Goel

Biodegradable Food Packaging Films

Packaging is one of the significant components in the contemporary food industry, contributing to product protection when moving and storing the product, brand value, and dependability on the product. Traditional plastic packa

ging, however, has several adverse environmental implications that can be addressed by biodegradable films for food packaging.

In this article, we will examine biodegradable food packaging films, their working principles, advantages, and applications. It will also include why companies are switching to these sustainable alternatives from trusted partners like Bagla Group.

What Are Biodegradable Food Packaging Films?

Biodegradable films for food packaging are eco-friendly, non-toxic materials that decompose back into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass in a suitable amount of time. Conventional plastics can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, whereas biodegradable films have a specific lifespan and leave no toxins behind during decomposition.

Benefits Of Biodegradable Food Packaging Films

The biodegradable films’ features in their use for food packaging of food products are several significant advantages, such as:

  1. Environmental disposal: Biodegradable films decompose in a composting environment, which will lessen and affect other ecosystem dependencies (landfill, ocean).
  2. Sustainability: Biodegradable films were chosen for their sustainability attributes since they come from renewable feedstocks, which, again, helps decrease reliance on fossil fuels and the depletion of the earth’s resources.
  3. Freshness: Newly manufactured biodegradable films provide similar barrier properties regarding oxygen and moisture for perishable food and shelf life protection.
  4. Versatility: Biodegradable films can be designed and manufactured for a variety of respective intended uses, including fruits and vegetables, baked goods, and meat, cheese, and ready-to-eat meals.
  5. Brand Image: Application of biodegradable food packaging films may create a higher perceived value of customers regarding responsible packaging and of responsible businesses. 
  6. Eco-Regulations: For any entity, the application of biodegradable packaging will advance organizations ahead of the quickly changing and evolving government policies. If governments decide to penalize organizations for using or not using fossil-fuel-based products, organizations will no longer be playing catch-up to eco-policy after the fact.

Applications Of Biodegradable Food Packaging Films

Biodegradable films are increasingly being utilized in the food sector. Notable applications are:

  1. Fresh Produce Packaging. Biodegradable films are utilized to pack fruits and vegetables to ensure freshness and reduce waste.
  2. Meat and Seafood Packing. High-barrier biodegradable films are utilized to pack continuously chilled meat and seafood to reduce oxidation of perishable proteins while keeping fresh flavor and texture.
  3. Bakery and Confectionery. Bakery items, including bread, cakes, and candy, will be packaged using biodegradable films for the convenience of consumers and the safety of the products.
  4. Dairy Products. Biodegradable films are used to pack cheese and yogurt to maintain product safety and as an eco-friendly option.
  5. Ready-to-eat meals. Biodegradable films are utilized to pack microwave or takeaway meals to ensure functionality and sustainability.
  6. Snacks. Chips, granola bars, and nuts are packaged in biodegradable film pouches.

Common Materials Used In Biodegradable Films For Food Packaging

Biodegradable food packaging films are formulated to break down naturally with time and under certain conditions to have a lower environmental footprint. In contrast to conventional plastic, biodegradable films are developed using biopolymers, or altered natural ingredients, to make plastic. The common types of plastic in biodegradable films include:

  1. Polylactic Acid (PLA)
  2. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)
  3. Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate (PBAT)
  4. Polybutylene Succinate (PBS)
  5. Starch-Based Plastics

Why Choose Bagla-Group For Biodegradable Food Packaging Films?

Selecting the proper packaging partner is important for quality, dependability, and sustainability, and Bagla Group is a reliable partner and global leader.

  • 35+ Years of Experience: Providing packaging solutions since 1988.
  • State of the Art Technology: 7-layer extrusion and Olympic water-quenching machines for better films.
  • High Capacity: 500 tons of monthly capacity to support large production runs.
  • Broad and Diverse Portfolio: 20+ industries served with tapes, shrink films, and thermoforming films.
  • Global Reach: 40+ countries that we export to, with strong supply options.
  • Sustainability Solutions: Biodegradable, recyclable, or “green” solutions.

Conclusion

Biodegradable food packaging films represent a new era in sustainable packaging options. Transitioning away from harmful plastics, biodegradable films can serve as an ideal option for businesses, consumers, and ultimately, the planet. There are tradeoffs from cost to compostability for businesses, but with more innovation and demand for biodegradable films, these tradeoffs become less of an obstacle to change. 

Food businesses should comprehend the value of moving away from plastic packaging – not just because it is the law, but also because it is in a business owner’s value and responsibility to establish a sustainable brand, and for eco-sensitive consumers as part of a cleaner, greener planet. 

The future of sustainable packaging is biodegradable food packaging films, and for those businesses that establish today, the pace for the biodegradable films for food packaging will help frame the leading future in the biodegradable food packaging market.

Is Biodegradable Film Safe For Food? 

Yes. Biodegradable films, which are food-safe, meet food-safe standards and properties. Biodegradable films also serve as a barrier to moisture and oxygen to keep food fresh and healthy. 

What Foods Can Be Packaged In Biodegradable Film? 

Foods packaged in biodegradable films include fresh produce, baked goods, meat, seafood, dairy, snacks, and prepared meals. 

Are Biodegradable Food Packaging Films More Expensive Than Plastic? 

Yes. They are currently more expensive because of raw material prices linked to technology and production costs, but we expect pricing to flatten as demand increases and product technology improves.

How Long Does Biodegradable Food Packaging Film Take To Break Down?

Biodegradable films will break down into natural elements in a few weeks to a few months, depending on the material and conditions.

Read other Articles
Aluminum Tape
Aluminium Tapes [Uses, Types, & Application]
Read More
Tensile Strength
What Is Tensile Strength In Industrial Tape?
Read More
Classification Of PE Films
Understanding The Classification Of PE Films
Read More