Small Plastic Containers

Small plastic containers may not sound like a subject that is particularly interesting but it is increasingly a subject that is having a talked about more often and not in an overly positive way. As they are used more and more in west societies, so too are rumours that these containers are having a negative impact of our lives, so much so that they may even be causing premature death. This website looks to investigate these rumours to see if there is any truth in them, as well as providing some background information.

Where are Small plastic containers found?

The use of plastic containers has increased so much in recent years that they can be found almost anywhere. Particular hotspots include fast food restaurants such as Burger Kings or fish and chip shops which are no longer able to serve their food in old newspaper and have to use plastic containers instead. Small plastic containers with lids are popular with such establishments as they keep the food piping hot until it is eaten and also prevent any food from being spilt on its journey home.

Small plastic storage containers are also increasingly popular for those who live in slightly cramped conditions. By storing items that aren’t used that frequently in plastic boxes they can ensure their goods are well protected from the damp yet can also be stored easily and easily accessed.

What are Small plastic containers made of?

There are two main types of plastic that most people are aware of: thermoplastics which are things such as polystyrene and thermosetting polymers which are slightly harder. The use of the small plastic container will very much dictate the type of plastic it is made from. Most rigid containers will be made using thermosetting polymers whilst disposable containers tend to be made using thermoplastics.

Within these two different types of plastics are a wide variety of other chemicals and materials which are used, but that is not covered by the scope of this article. More information can be found on the Wikipedia plastics page.

Are they harmful?

Since small plastic containers cam into widespread use in the 1960’s there have been a number of scares involving the toxicity of plastic and the affect it may have on humans (children in particular). In the US and Europe it is now safe to assume that all the plastics that we come into frequent contact with today are safe as all products have to go through stringent toxicology tests before they are allowed on sale in to any of the aforementioned markets, however in the past this has not always been the case.

A number of products previously allowed on sale have been banned because they are now deemed unsafe and these should be avoided at all costs. The list includes DEHP (di-2-ethyhexyl phthalate) although this has never been in small plastic food containers in the UK.

Environmental impact

The biggest concern surrounding small packaging containers these days is not their harm to humans but their harm to the environment. It’s no longer possible to take even a short walk through a town or city without seeing small plastic food containers on the side of the street. Not only does it look unsightly and cost millions of dollars to clear up, it is known to cause the death of animals. They can get trapped beneath the containers or worse still ingest some of it think its food.

The major problem with small plastic container litter is that it takes so long to biodegrade. Whereas an apple may take a couple of months to disappear back into the soil, plastic containers can take over ten years to biodegrade. Some can cause even more problems when they biodegrade as they then get into the ecosystem and damage plants and animals again.

The manufacture of small plastic containers is also under scrutiny from environmentalists. They argue that the plants the manufacture them burn lots of chemicals which end up either evaporated into the sky or dumped as waste in rivers. Because most the manufacturing occurs in 3rd world countries there is little to no regulation and it is argued that large conglomerates take advantage of this to the detriment of the environment.

Hopefully the above has given a clearer understanding of the small plastic container industry. It is by no means an exhaustive guide so please do reading elsewhere before you cast any assertions.