Plastic Food Packaging in Indonesia – Exploring Its Types, Benefits

In the present century, the impact of plastic food packaging on the world has been tremendous. You go on a grocery run and buy cheese slices in a plastic pack, ground meat is hygienically packed, and green salads are kept in sealed containers. Today, we are in the world of plastic food packaging, its types, advantages, and how it deals with sustainability concern in today's world.

Plastic food packaging has changed the practicality of storing and transporting food, reaping many benefits for both producers and consumers. In the industry, plastic food packaging is prefered for a number of reasons.

• Firstly, plastic is highly praised for its durability and strength, able to protect food and other goods from water, air or anything that can contaminate it. This helps save on food waste, helps keep waste levels to a minimum, and provides consumers with quality products in return with the increased availability of fresh food. For instance, meat that is sealed in plastic bags through a vacuum becomes more appealing because the removable of the airplane oxygen that is sealed in the vacuum increases the quality and time it can be stored for.

• In addition, it is the unrestricted form and dimension of plastic packaging that is its primary strength. Manufacturers have the capacity to custom make packaging solutions in various food container sizes and shapes. From the portion-packed take out clamshell containers to the big bins for wholesale take away, there is a plastic packaging to meet any and all needs.

As per GMI Research, the Indonesia Plastic Packaging Market is predicted to expand at a robust CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period 2025-2032

Benefits and Common Uses

Food plastic packaging has significantly more positive characteristics which is the reason for the expansion of its usage in the sector.

• Being inexpensive is one positive characteristic that many have come to appreciate. When plastic is compared to glass for packaging purposes, or even metals, the difference in price is colossal. This advantage means that even the micro businesses can afford to use plastic packaging, and in turn, save on their expenditures while still, ensuring their standards of packaging is unwavering.

• Another contributing factor is that plastic materials are very lightweight which greatly reduces the cost of shipping as well as the fuel burnt to transport the good, which diminishes the amount of carbon footprints released into the atmosphere. Then there is the insulative properties of plastic which makes it perfect to use in the packaging of heated and chilled food, which are prone to temperature changes.

• “The Use of Food Plastic Wrapping” Plastic containes are molded and designed to suit the catering service’s needs and also for salads or any on the go meals meant to be consumed straight from the container. The use of plastic containers are increasingly replacing styrofoam containers.

Health and Safety Issues

The use of plastic for wrapping foods marketed by The Food Processors Association of Canada Inc. has been done for the longest period of time. Plastic containers are on the increase for use in food preservation and protection. However, there still remains the concern of the disadvantages posed by certain plastic.

The most serious on these is the possibility of food being chemically react with the plastic, especially when heat is applied or during light acidic stages of the food. Different organizations in the country have tried to control the food plastic wrapping aggression and have put in certain rules about food plastics. These rules are meant to prohibit the contact of harmful substances and food plastic wrapping and to check the food plastic wrapping aggression and to put certain rules about food plastics.

Forms of Plastic Food Packaging

Plastic bottles are standard for packing water, carbonated drinks, juices, and sauces. As convenient packing options, they are available in varying shapes and sizes. Plastic containers are useful for packing snacks, dairy, sauces, leftovers, and other food. Most of these containers are equipped with closures or lids, which provide leak-proof packing and preserve freshness.

▹ Clamshell Packaging. This type of plastic packaging is used for fruits and vegetables, cupcakes and other baked foods, and for some deli containers. These containers, which have a hinge, are easy to open. The packaging allows both visibility and protection to the food inside.

▹ It is critical to emphasized that, different varieties of plastic come with differences in resistance to temperature, as well as, the flexibility, transparency, and toughness of the material.