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Biodegradable Food Packaging Plastics have long been used to package both hot and cold foods, but many health-conscious consumers avoid plastic entirely. For them, biodegradable options are more attractive because they don’t harm living organisms or ecosystems. However, not all materials are safe to use in food packaging. In fact, some common biodegradable materials (such as corn-based plastics) aren’t technically safe to eat and may even be dangerous! When it comes to sourcing <a href="https://southplastic.com/biodegradable-food-packaging/">Biodegradable Food Packaging</a> material suppliers, you need to know what questions to ask before choosing one: Does your material come in easy-to-use forms such as sheets or pellets? Are there any additives that might make it unsafe or inferior? What is the safe temperature range? How does the material react to high temperatures? What about UV light exposure or grease resistance properties? Do you offer recycled paper-based bags with liners that meet FDA requirements for contact with food items? If so, these products will cost less than plastic equivalents. And although bio-plastic companies often claim their product is better for the environment, this isn’t always true. A recent study from Johns Hopkins University found that disposable cups made of polystyrene foam take an average of 400 years to decompose compared to just 4 months for traditional paper cups. Other studies have found chemicals leaching from coffee containers made of polystyrene foam into coffee. And, the European Union banned most types of PVC plastics due to toxicity issues associated with lead and phthalates which means unless you purchase packaged food labeled EU compliant, then any plastic packaging is potentially hazardous.