Plastics for Food Packaging

Use of plastics for food packaging applications is increasing both in quantum as well as in variety. Plastics are available in various forms such as monofilms, co-extruded films, laminates, sachets, jars, bottles, jerry cans, trays, cups and containers of all shapes and sizes. Realising the versatility of plastic packaging which has prompted its wide usage in food packaging in the country, it was considered expedient by the BIS to formulate standard on this subject – IS: 10171-1982, Guide on Suitability of Plastics for Food Packaging.

This standard is expected to provide general guidance to the food packer in selecting the specific thermoplastic material or its combination to design an acceptable food packaging system. The standard, however, does not provide guidance on the actual design of the food packaging system or cover the shelf-life requirements for various food products. The standard also states that the plastics used shall be of food grade material and should be safe for food contact and conform to the relevant Indian Standards and used in conjunction with the following series of standards on food contact plastics of which it forms a part.

Standards and Specifications of Plastic Recycling

The Indian plastic industry has helped formulate standards and specifications for plastics recycling in the country. There are two BIS standards introducing the coding system recycling practices and standards for the manufacture & usage of recycled plastics.

• Recycled Plastics for Manufacturing of Products Designation IS: 14535

Scope:

1. This standard is intended to be used for the identification of the recycled plastic material on the basis of its basic properties and applications.

2. This standard applies to recycled plastics material ready for normal use without any further modifications.

3. Though some modification and test methods have been provided in the standard, any specific modification and the relevant test method, which may be necessary for some specific applications, shall have to be agreed between the purchaser and the supplier.

4. Though this designation system is only indicative of a broad classification of the recycled material, the absolute value of the low results may be provided which shall be agreed to, between the purchaser and the supplier.

• Guidelines for Recycling of Plastics

This standard prescribes guidelines to the manufacturers of plastic products with regard to the marking to be used on the finished product in order to facilitate identification of the basic raw material. It will also help in identifying whether the material used on the end product is recyclate or a blend of virgin and recyclate.

Terminology:

1. End Products: Products made out of the virgin, recycled/reprocessed plastics. Typical suggested end products along with the use of appropriate types of plastic waste/scrap are given. A process by which plastic waste is collected, segregated, processed and returned for use.

2. Classification of Recycling: Plastics recycling technologies have been historically divided into four general types – primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary

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