The influence of PET and PS plastics on the thermoforming packaging of liquid and viscous dairy products

Abstract

Plastic has become a widely used material in the food packaging industry in the 21st century because it is easy to process, resistant to mechanical shocks, provides excellent protection for packaged food products, and is readily available. However, the use of plastic as a material for producing packaging intended to protect food products is a factor that generates large amounts of waste every year, which, if not properly managed, can have a significant polluting impact on the surrounding environment. Thus, the competent authorities of institutions responsible for environmental protection are constantly trying to find solutions to reduce the impact of plastic waste from the food industry on the environment, by decreasing the level of plastic pollution. One such solution is the use of more easily degradable plastic materials. This paper proposes studying the impact of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and PS (polystyrene) plastics on the thermoforming process of cup-type containers and the actual packaging of liquid and viscous dairy products.