Types and Safety of Food Packaging Materials


There are various types of food packaging materials, which can be roughly divided into several categories based on their material: paper, plastic, metal, glass, and composite materials. Paper packaging is favored for its biodegradable and environmentally friendly characteristics, but the chemical substances that may be added during production, such as fluorescent whitening agents and oil and water repellents, must be strictly controlled to prevent excessive residues. Plastic packaging is widely used due to its lightweight, moisture-proof, and excellent gas barrier properties, but certain plastics, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), may release vinyl chloride monomer during processing and use, which is harmful to human health. Metal packaging, such as aluminum cans and tin cans, is corrosion-resistant and has good sealing properties, but the choice of internal coatings must be made carefully to avoid the migration of heavy metals like lead and chromium. Glass packaging is used for alcoholic beverages and drinks due to its good chemical stability and high transparency, but it has a high risk of breakage, and edge treatment must be precise to prevent cuts. Composite materials combine the advantages of various materials, but the adhesives between the layers may also pose safety risks.