- New research shows rising public concern about the impact of plastic on human health
- MPs have backed calls to supercharge the transition to plastic-free packaging
- Experts warn that plastic production is expected to triple by 2060 if decisive action is not forthcoming
A recent study reveals that nearly two-thirds of adults in the UK are worried about the health risks posed by plastics in food packaging. This growing concern highlights the public’s increasing scrutiny of the materials used in everyday takeaway containers.
These findings come at a time when Plastic Free July is motivating millions to cut back on single-use plastics, while also shining a light on the less obvious plastics found in paper and cardboard food packaging.
According to the research, 62% of UK adults expressed concern about the health effects of plastic, and this figure rises to 67% when specifically asked about plastics in food packaging.
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Microplastics and PFAS Are Worrying Consumers
Microplastics are a significant worry for many. Recent studies referenced in the research have found microplastics in human tissues and blood, raising alarms about their impact on health.
Additionally, there’s growing scrutiny around PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals.” These long-lasting substances are used in various industrial processes and consumer products, including some food packaging.
National biomonitoring surveys have identified hundreds of synthetic chemicals, including PFAS, in people of all ages worldwide, even in newborns exposed before birth.
Consumers Are Seeking Plastic-Free Options
Innovative materials are being developed to replace traditional plastic coatings in food packaging.
One such innovator, Xampla, has introduced Morro™, a line of plant-based materials that the company claims are free from plastics, microplastics, and PFAS.
Their flagship Morro Coating range is already available in Europe and is being utilized by global brands like Just Eat Takeaway.com.
The research indicates a strong consumer preference for alternatives to plastic-lined packaging. In fact, nearly two-thirds of respondents (65%) stated that if given a choice between two similar takeaway options, they would opt for the one with plastic-free packaging.
Figuring out which food packaging contains plastic can be quite a challenge for consumers. In fact, nearly half of the people surveyed in Britain (49%) admitted they weren’t aware that many takeaway containers, like burger boxes and chip cartons, are lined with plastic.
Public Calls for Greater Government Action
In recent years, the UK has seen a ban on single-use plastic items, including straws and cutlery, and new EU regulations are on the horizon to limit the amount of PFAS allowed in food packaging.
Earlier this year, the UK Government rolled out its first plan to evaluate the risks associated with PFAS. Still, a whopping 78% of respondents feel that the Government should step up its efforts to cut down on plastic in food packaging.
A growing number of MPs are also voicing their support for a quicker shift to plastic-free packaging as new alternatives become available.
This issue is becoming more urgent, with experts warning that without decisive action, plastic pollution could triple by 2060.
Xampla Calls for Faster Transition to Plastic-Free Materials
Alexandra French, the CEO of materials innovator Xampla, shared her thoughts: “Plastic Free July is a time when many of us make an effort to reduce plastic in our lives. This research highlights just how challenging that can be when so much of it is hidden in the packaging we encounter daily.
“People are rightly worried about what this means for their health, yet we often have no way of knowing it’s even there.
“Fortunately, innovations like Xampla’s plastic-free Morro™ materials provide high-performance alternatives that can replace plastic on a large scale, helping to lessen the impact of packaging on our health.
“The current moment presents a great opportunity for policymakers and industry leaders to embrace these emerging plastic-free solutions, making it easier for the public to make informed choices.”
As the scrutiny of plastics and their potential health effects intensifies, Xampla believes that alternatives like Morro Coating could pave the way for a future of plastic-free food packaging.
