Disposable food packaging
Typical products are foam food containers, plates, bowls, cups, utensils, doilies and tray papers.
[5] A major development in disposable foodservice packaging happened in 1948 when the newly founded McDonald's restaurant closed to revamp its menu.
When the McDonald's re-opened six months later, its meals were no longer served with the use of glasses, plates or cutlery, and were taken away from the restaurant by the customers.
The Food Code further states "in situations in which the reuse of multiuse items could result in foodborne illness to consumers, single-service and single-use articles must be used to ensure safety.
Many disposable foodservice products can be made of plastic or plastic-coated paper: cups, plates, bowls, trays, food containers and cutlery, for example.
Some paper products are coated - mostly with plastic - or treated to improve wet strength or grease resistance.
Molded pulp products are made from recycled newsprint and are formed under heat and pressure into plates, bowls, trays and cup carriers.
Currently wood and bamboo products are more costly than traditional plastics and not as widely available, which makes it challenging for some restaurants to switch.
[7] These composite products include cups, plates, bowls, cutlery, sandwich wraps, food containers and trays.
Some products are made from a mixture of PLA and pulp fibers that are molded into disposable foodservice items with heat and pressure.
Others are made from a composite or mixture of starch and other materials, such as limestone and recycled fibers, to give them additional strength.
It can also save money on water and energy used by dishwashers and can eliminate the need to replace reusables that are broken, damaged, stolen or accidentally discarded.
[11] The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also says that an often-cited waste prevention measure is the use of washable plates, cups, and napkins instead of the disposable variety.
[12] Collection costs, the value of scrap material, and increased energy expenditures create an additional economic barrier to recycling foodservice packaging.
For example, the Chinese government stated that by the end of 2020, non-degradable bags will be banned in major cities, and by 2022, the policy will come into force in smaller settlements.
