Plastics are an omnipresent part of our food bought in shops or supermarkets. These are varied in Chemistry. Hopefully now most are recycled . Most of the plastic for recycling is carried to Hong Kong or China and the remainder is processed in the UK.
Vilified as they are, plastic containers are important in the transport and preservation of foods. Whereas 50% of food in India is wasted by the time it comes to be sold, the figure for plastic covered food is 3%
This topic is well aired in an article by Sam Knight in Financial Times Weekend Magazine April 26-27 , 2008 pages 15 to 22
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Fizzy drink and water bottles and salad tray’s
High density polyethylene (HDPE) Milk bottles, bleach, cleaners and most shampoo bottles
(Linear) Low density polyethylene (LDPE)Carrier bags, bin liners and packaging films. Same molecule as HDPE, but less dense structure increases flexibility
Polypropylene (PP) Margarine tubs, and microwaveable meal trays
Polystyrene (PS) Yoghurt pots, foam burger boxes, egg cartons, plastic cutlerj and packaging for electronic goods and toys

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www.nutrition-nutritionists.com

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Martin Eastwood

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