Maya Ellison
Plastic is everywhere, from our appliances to our clothing. It is a versatile material that has been used for decades, but its impact on the environment and human health is concerning. With the rise of awareness about plastic pollution and the toxins in plastics, consumers are looking for alternatives. Natural materials like wood, bamboo, and wool are being used to replace plastic in household items, and companies are developing bioplastics and seaweed-based products as sustainable alternatives. But what about the plastic containers we use every day? Are there any natural materials in them, and how safe are they?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Natural materials used in plastic containers | Bamboo, Wood, Ceramics, Paper, Seaweed, Silicone, Bioplastics, Nylon, Polyethylene, Polypropylene |
| Concerns about plastic containers | Health and environmental concerns, lack of data on safety, thousands of unknown compounds, chemical additives, BPA, phthalates |
| Plastic alternatives | Natural cloth, organic cotton, wool, hemp, felted wool, bamboo, wood, ceramics, paper, seaweed-based products, silicone, bioplastics |
| Safe plastics for food storage | HDPE, LDPE, PP, nylon, polypropylene |
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What You'll Learn
Natural plastic is an ambiguous colour
Natural plastic containers are a more sustainable alternative to traditional plastic, which is often derived from fossil fuels. Bioplastics, for example, are made from renewable plant materials, although they may not always be biodegradable. Other natural materials, such as seaweed, bamboo, wood, and silicone, are also being used to create eco-friendly alternatives to plastic containers. These materials are compostable and do not contribute to the growing plastic pollution crisis.
The complex chemistry involved in plastic production makes it challenging to determine the exact chemical composition of plastic containers. This lack of transparency raises concerns about the potential health risks associated with plastic, especially when it comes into contact with food. Researchers have identified thousands of compounds in plastic products, and the effects of these chemicals on human health are not yet fully understood.
Despite the environmental and health concerns surrounding plastic, it remains a versatile and widely used material. Plastic containers are commonly used for food storage and packaging due to their ability to keep contents fresh and clean. However, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the negative impacts of plastic and are seeking eco-friendly alternatives.
As the demand for sustainable options grows, companies are developing innovative solutions, such as compostable pellets made from agricultural waste products, to reduce the use of traditional plastic and its impact on the environment.
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Plastic alternatives include seaweed and silicone
While a completely natural material for plastic containers is yet to be widely available, some alternatives to traditional plastic are already being used, with others in development.
Seaweed
Materials researchers from Flinders University in Australia and German biomaterials developer one • fıve have developed a new non-polluting seaweed-based coating material to replace the conventional fossil-based plastic coatings used in grease-resistant fast-food packaging. This type of packaging is typically laminated with a thin layer of plastic derived from petroleum, which does not biodegrade and breaks up into microplastics. Seaweed, on the other hand, is a fast-growing, carbon-sequestering plant that can break down within a few weeks.
In the Philippines, researcher Denxybel Montinola has developed a biofilm from mango and seaweed that he hopes to commercialize. The development of seaweed-based bioplastics and coatings could boost the livelihoods of seaweed farmers and their families.
Silicone
Silicone is a non-toxic polymer made from combining silicon, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Silicon is an element derived from silica (sand). Silicone is lightweight, flexible, stretchy, washable, and waterproof. It is also shatterproof, making it ideal for kitchenware and medical devices.
However, silicone has a very low recyclability rate and is usually turned into industrial lubricant oil when disposed of. Some also argue that it is a hybrid between synthetic rubber and synthetic plastic polymer, and therefore not a natural alternative.
Other Natural Alternatives
Other natural alternatives to plastic include natural cloth, organic cotton, wool, hemp, bamboo, wood, paper, glass, and stainless steel.
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Plastic containers can be made safe for food
Plastic containers are a very common way to store food. However, research has shown that the body load of most plastic components directly correlates with many chronic diseases. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the plastic containers used for food storage are safe.
Firstly, it is important to use food-grade plastic containers. Food-grade plastic containers will not transfer non-food chemicals into the food. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), non-food grade plastic containers may contaminate food. Food-grade plastic containers must meet regulations and cannot contain dyes, additives, or any harmful products. Food-safe plastic can contain recycled materials, but these must fit appropriate guidelines. The FDA is responsible for determining how materials may act when in contact with food.
Secondly, it is important to follow the safe plastics number chart. Plastics ranked 2, 4, and 5 are safe for food storage. Plastics ranked 1 are only safe if used once and not left in direct sunlight. Plastics ranked 3 or 6 should be avoided for food storage. LDPE containers are generally safe, whereas polyethylene wrap film should be avoided. Polypropylene containers are also generally safe, but extremes of temperature increase the migration of contaminants into food.
Thirdly, it is important to avoid microwaving food in plastic containers. Glass, ceramic, and certain plastics are safe for microwaving if they are labelled as "microwave-safe". The U.S. Department of Agriculture warns against microwaving in single-use containers not intended for that purpose, such as yogurt cartons, margarine tubs, or foam-insulated cups.
Finally, it is important to properly care for plastic containers. Plastic containers should be washed by hand unless they have a dishwasher-safe label. It is important to clean the grooves around the openings to prevent pathogens from contaminating food. If a container's lid no longer seals well, or the container is worn and has scratches, cracks, or has become misshapen, it should no longer be used. If washing does not remove odours, the container should be disposed of.
In conclusion, by following these guidelines, plastic containers can be made safe for food storage and help prevent unwanted bacteria and toxins from entering the body.
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Plastic containers may contain harmful chemicals
Plastics are made from synthetic polymers and can contain various additives, such as plasticizers, dyes, and bisphenols like BPA. These chemicals can leach into food, especially when the plastic is heated or reused, or when it's old and has been subjected to repeated use and washings. For instance, a 2023 experiment showed that PFAS in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic containers, commonly used for household cleaners and pesticides, could transfer into food items like olive oil, ketchup, and mayonnaise.
BPA, a chemical widely added to food plastics, has been linked to neonatal and infant brain and reproductive harm. Its replacements, BPS and BPF, may also have similar effects. Phthalates, used to make plastic more flexible, have been linked to reproductive dysfunction in animal studies and potentially decreased fertility, neurodevelopmental issues, and asthma in humans.
The constant exposure to these chemicals through food, household products, and even the air we breathe, means they enter our blood and tissue almost as quickly as they are eliminated. The cumulative effects of steady exposure to even small amounts over time could increase health risks, making it challenging to pinpoint specific adverse health outcomes directly caused by these chemicals.
To reduce exposure to harmful chemicals, individuals can opt for plastic-free alternatives, such as natural cloth bags, containers made from sustainable wood or ceramics, and packaging made from local, compostable materials like banana leaves. Additionally, avoiding heating food in plastic containers, reducing the use of single-use plastics, and choosing products with lower levels of chemicals, as indicated on labels, can also help minimize potential health risks associated with plastic containers.
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Plastic is found in many household items
Plastic is a versatile material found in a wide range of household items. From food packaging to appliances and furniture, plastic is a prevalent material in our daily lives.
Food packaging is a major contributor to plastic waste. Items such as cereals, crackers, snacks, tea, coffee, cheese, meat, yogurt, and condiments are often packaged in plastic. Metal cans are also lined with plastic. Plastic wrap, bags, and sacks used for storing and carrying groceries are made of plastic. Beverage containers, including PET bottles, HDPE bottles for milk and water, and LDPE bread bags, are commonly used.
Personal care products also contain plastic. Shampoos, gels, creams, moisturizers, and makeup often come in plastic bottles and tubes, and synthetic polymers (plastic) are common ingredients in these products.
Plastic is used in appliances, such as the casings of lead-acid batteries, and durable goods like furniture. Nondurable plastic goods include disposable diapers, trash bags, cups, utensils, medical devices, and shower curtains.
With the growing awareness of plastic's environmental impact, alternatives are being sought. Natural cloth, organic cotton, wool, hemp, bamboo, wood, ceramics, and paper are some eco-friendly options. Reusable water bottles, cups, and straws help reduce single-use plastic consumption.
Plastic pollution is a significant issue, with an estimated eight million metric tons of plastic entering the ocean annually. Microplastics, resulting from plastic breakdown and manufacturing processes, are found in the environment, wildlife, and even the human body, posing health risks. Recycling rates for plastic are low, with most plastic ending up in landfills, incinerators, or the environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Some natural alternatives to plastic containers include containers made from natural cloth, organic cotton, wool, hemp, bamboo, wood, ceramics, and paper. Seaweed-based packaging, bioplastics, and silicone are also emerging as sustainable alternatives to plastic.
Some common types of plastic used in containers include HDPE (high-density polyethylene), LDPE (low-density polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PS, PETE, and PVC. These plastics are often used for food containers and are generally considered safe for food storage.
There are potential health concerns associated with plastic containers due to the presence of chemicals and additives such as BPA and phthalates. Researchers are still studying the full impact of these chemicals on human health, but it is known that plastic containers can release toxins when exposed to heat or microwaved.
The term "natural" when applied to plastic containers typically refers to the colour rather than the presence of natural materials. Natural-coloured plastic containers are slightly opaque or translucent and are often made from resins such as HDPE, MDPE, LDPE, or PP in their uncoloured state.
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