Foil and plastic wrapping are two solutions that we use to protect our goods. A question that pops up is which one is more environmentally friendly. This is a topic we want to discuss in detail. Read on if you’re interested, then speak to us if you want to use sustainable foils for different projects.
Foil wrapping
Normally, this is the practice of wrapping food or other objects in aluminium foil. It is a versatile substance that you can use for all kinds of purposes. The foil keeps everything fresh and stops it from drying out. Not to mention, it protects everything from elements like moisture and air.
Aside from preserving food, foil wrapping comes in handy for cooking. Foil is able to generate a sealed package for food. You can place it on a grill or in an oven. This approach tends to be used for cooking vegetables, fish, and other delicate foods that might fall apart otherwise.
One thing to note is that concerns exist on the safety of utilising aluminium foil with food storage and preparation. Some studies state that it could leech into food when exposed to acidic elements or heated. However, several authorities deem it safe for food use. This is when you use it correctly and not excessively. You must follow proper food safety practices. Please let us know if you’re looking for high quality sustainable foils.
Plastic wrapping
These solutions enable you to wrap objects in plastic for all sorts of purposes. Presentation, transport, and storage come to mind. Plastic wrap is a flexible, thin substance made of all kinds of plastics. Some are HDPE, LDPE, and PVC.
Plastic wrapping also tends to be used in food preservation and packaging. It helps to keep the food fresh by stopping moisture and air from entering. Furthermore, it can cover dishes or trays during transport to stop contamination or spills.
Also, people use plastic wrapping in commercial and retail environments. This is for presentation and packaging reasons. You can use it to wrap separate or groups of items, like toys, clothing, or gift baskets. The logistics and shipping industries use it to safeguard items during transport too.
It is vital to note that plastic wrapping can negatively impact the environment if not disposed of correctly. It isn’t easy to recycle and can take years to decompose. Thus, you should use it responsibly or look for alternatives.
The impact on our environment
When it comes to the environmental impact, there are three areas we need to look when comparing plastic and foil, including sustainable foils.
Firstly is recyclability. It is technically possible to recycle aluminium foil. Not every recycling program will accept foil, but it is easier to deal with than plastic. So, it is possible to divert the foils from landfills and recycle it into new products. Many plastic wraps aren’t recyclable.
Second is resource use. Aluminium might be a finite resource. Yet, it needs less resources and energy to recycle than it does to produce new aluminium from raw materials. Plastic though is made of non-renewable fossil fuels. It needs a substantial amount of resources and energy to produce.
Last up is biodegradability. Neither option is biodegradable. Saying this, aluminium foil has a lower chance of persisting in the environment. If foil ends up in the environment, it will break down with time. It will turn into small particles that aren’t as harmful as plastic particles. These can persist for hundreds of years.
Use first rate sustainable foils
At Foiling Services, we provide foils for decorative and protective purposes. You get the same results with sustainable ones that you do with regular foil. At the same time, you are keeping the environment safer. You shouldn’t hesitate to use them.
We’d be happy to offer advice and info about sustainable foils and other products. So, let us know if you’d like to do business with us.