Is Packaging Harming Our Food?

Published on Thursday, Aug 07 2014

Research has hit the headlines recently announcing that some of the chemicals found in plastic packaging used within the food industry may be damaging our health.
 
But is this just scaremongering or is their truth behind the claims? 

The food industry

The news is full of articles of how food packaging is evolving or advising on how it needs to develop further. There are many health and environmental pressures within the industry that brands need to adhere to, as well as growing consumer awareness and demands for change.
 
There has been mounting worry over the past decade, predominately concerning the chemical Bisphenol A (commonly referred to as BPA) which is widely used within plastic bottles as well as food containers for more than 50 years.
 
The recent study has focused on this area and joins the constantly increasing register of research into BPA. It has been predicted over the past ten years a staggering £150 million has been spent to understand the health implications, and yet it is still not definitive  what exposure to this chemical can have to our health. 

So, what is the food industry doing?

Due to the growing public concern and scientific pressures many brands are having to find an alternative to their BPA packaging.
 
Some are turning back the clocks and are using more traditional materials such as a glass and stainless steel for their products. These materials have been used safely for years, and can be reused enhancing their environmentally friendly image.
 
For some they have moved across to aseptic packaging such as cartons and containers which have a shelf life of around six months; whereas others are going the opposite way and are innovating with new materials and combinations to find suitable substitutes.
 
Leading brands such as Heinz and Campbell now promise their containers are BPA free along with a long record of other companies. This list continues to grow as more replacements are found and the economies of scale work in the favour of the food industry. 

Why Wessex Packaging?

At Wessex Packaging we have years of experience in creating polyethylene foam packaging to help preserve chilled and frozen foods. These packs have minimal impact to the environment and can be reused as well as recycled whilst not impacting upon the packaging’s quality or protection.
 
To find out more about the food packaging solutions we offer contact us today.

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Testimonials

Having worked closely with Wessex Packaging for many years to find solutions to ship our products worldwide, I have at all times received a very competent bespoke prototype packing solution, followed by subsequent on time deliveries of orders, and 1st class service from all members of the Wessex team. Read more

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Their expertise in custom packaging has helped us deliver very expensive and critical systems without any issues in transit. They currently produce several kinds of packaging which we can call off in batches allowing us to stock less. The packaging is a very important part of our product line and it is good to have a company like Wessex packaging supporting us. Great company to work with. Read more

As a leading packaging distribution company we have been dealing with Wessex Packaging for many years and have always found their response to be swift and their finished product to be well made and consistently to specification. Read more

I have used Wessex Packaging for a number of years. They have always provided a fast, friendly, reliable and knowledgeable service. I without hesitation would recommend them as a supplier Read more

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