Food Packaging (Junior Cert Home Economics): Revision Notes

Food Packaging

Reasons for Food Packaging

• Protection: Prevents food contamination during transport and storage.
• Ease of Use: Makes food easier to transport and store (e.g., tinned peas).
• Preservation: Helps to keep food fresh for longer periods.
• Information: Provides nutritional details, storage, and cooking instructions.

Common Packaging Materials

• Metal: Aluminium cans, foil, and trays.

  

• Plastic: Vacuum packaging, cling film, cartons.

  

• Glass: Bottles and jars.

  

• Paper: Cardboard, waxed paper, laminated material.

  

Characteristics of Good Packaging

• Strong, hygienic, and non-toxic.
• Easy to open and resealable if necessary.
• Biodegradable or recyclable: Breaks down naturally (e.g., paper and cardboard).

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Biodegradable and Recyclable Packaging

• Biodegradable: Made from materials that decompose naturally, such as paper and cardboard.
• Recyclable: Can be reused or transformed into new products (e.g., glass bottles, clean plastic containers).

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Disadvantages of Packaging

• Environmental Impact: Some materials, like soft plastics, cannot be recycled and contribute to litter.
• Resource Usage: Packaging like paper and cardboard uses natural resources (e.g., trees).
• Waste: Excessive packaging contributes to more landfills.

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Being a Sustainable Consumer

1. Avoid buying products with excessive packaging.
2. Choose biodegradable or recyclable packaging.
3. Bring reusable shopping bags.
4. Reduce packaging use (e.g., buy loose fruits).
5. Reuse packaging for other purposes (e.g., takeaway cartons).
6. Recycle materials using local systems. Remember the 3Rs:

• Reduce: Minimise the use of packaging.

• Reuse: Find new ways to use packaging.

• Recycle: Ensure materials are processed for reuse.

  

• Ireland's Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) means you pay a small deposit (15c–25c) when buying drinks in plastic bottles or cans.

• You get the money back when you return the empty container to a shop or reverse vending machine.

• The scheme helps recycle more and cut down litter in streets and on beaches.