Why not banning PVC for packaging?
PVC was one of the first polymers used in food packaging applications that replaced many traditional materials such as glass as well as various forms of card and paper. Some of the key reasons for its success compared to traditional materials are highlighted below: • PVC is lightweight compared with glass, with the added benefit of reduced transport emissions • It is shatter resistant which was seen as an immense benefit as it would reduce the number of accidents in the home and outside. • PVC has excellent organoleptic properties which means that it imparts no taint or taste to foodstuffs • PVC has excellent barrier properties for the preservation of food • Innovative designs and product shapes can be achieved and all with excellent clarity and transparency Compared to other thermoplastics PVC offers some unique properties and these include: • A wider range of additives can be used in PVC compared to any other polymer (this is due to its polar nature). So PVC in packaging can have a d
