Research on impact of usage of plastic in food pakaging

1           Description of Data

The study has implied three types of research method and thus three different data sets were obtained. Firstly, the interview data was obtained from 4 individuals encompassing; regular buyer utilizing plastic food packaging, plastic free store holder, a retail manager and the co-founder of a sustainable food retail company. Secondly, the data set for social media observation has included total 25 posts on Instagram and Facebook combine, from all around the world. Thirdly, the personal observation of the researcher have formed the data.

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2           Framework Identification

4           Data Analysis and Research Findings

4.1         Interview Findings

The coding of interview data has shown that mainly two key themes have emerged from the data, which were about the; effect of plastic food packaging on food quality and on health of humans. The interviewees were mainly of the view that quality of food is deteriorated when plastic particles are released into the food. Most of the plastic types are said to lave traces on the food, which allows the leaching or merging of chemicals into the food. The response of James, who is co-founder of sustainable business, has shown that;

“Not all plastic particles are hazardous and some, such as paraben, has enhanced capacity to leach into the food. There is need to carry out detailed assessment of the adverse effects of plastic chemicals on food quality. Being an advocate of sustainability, I think that use of plastic in food packaging should be prohibited”.

Likewise, same kind of response was given by Ella, who is a general consumers, mentioning;

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“Though I lack technical knowledge of how chemicals merge with food to affect its quality, yet I surely know that plastic is not good for human health. The disposable water bottles should only be used once and use of any plastic wrapped food items or beverages should be avoided to the possible extent.”

Justin who was retail manager has mentioned that; “The packaging of food is done under guidelines of health and safety and only approved plastic types are used in food packaging. I think use of plastic food packaging is not much harmful.”

The view of Justin provides that he is no much concerned about the effects of plastic packaging of food and considers it as safer option for the preservation of human health.

Finally, Justin who is a plastic free store holder seem to be informed about the effects of plastic based food packaging, as his response has highlighted some key health issues which arise as result of food consumption that is contaminated with plastic particles. In his views most of the chronic health issues as well fertility related issues are evident among people who consumer contaminated food with resin and parabens.

Overall, the results of interview have shown that most of the interviewees have good knowledge of harmful effect of plastic food packaging on humans and they are concerned about elimination of this packaging practice to assure good health of consumers.  The overall response can be seen in figure 1.

Figure 1. Representation of interview data

4.2         Findings of Social Media Analysis

The analysis of data obtained through posts of people on social media platforms has shown that there are mixed views about the use of plastic packaging for food. For instance, from total of 26 posts analyzed through social media, there were about 30% of the posts’ content that addressed the effect of plastic packaging on quality of food. Likewise, 50% of the posts’ content was based on harmful impact of plastic on human health lives. The content of these posts was mainly targeted to enhance awareness about the careful consumption of food, to eliminate the risk of plastic packaging on human health. Finally, 20% of the posts’ content generally talked about plastic food packaging. Based on these findings, it was found that people are generally aware of the harmful effects caused by plastic packaging. The overall result insight can be seen in figure 2.

Figure 2. Representation of social media data

4.3         Observation Findings

The personal observation has reflected that although consumers might be aware of the adverse health effects of plastic packaging of food products, yet they continue to consume food items with plastic packaging. For instance, consumption of bottled water, bottled beverages and other such items is high.

The observational data also shown that consciousness regarding the health and effect of plastic packaging on health prospects, is more witnessed among people of developed countries. It might be based on the notion that people in developed countries are more informed about the adverse effects of plastic packaging of food on their health, in contrast to developing nations. Moreover, it was also observed that on internet more females post against the use of plastic packaging of food. Most of the women belonged from young age group, showing that health consciousness is more witnessed in this age group.

5           Implications and Recommendations

The results can be implied by the retailing businesses to eliminate the use of plastic packaging for food products, such that consumers can be provided with safer food options. The results can then be implied by consumers to seek awareness about the harmful effects of plastic packaging of food on human health and thus they might opt for more responsible consumption (Souza and Fernando, 2016). The consumers can restrict the use of plastic containers and other plastic packaging, with an aim of preservation of their long run health (Tang et al., 2012).

Based on these findings, it can be recommended to practitioners that plastic is highly non-sustainable option for packaging and there is need to educate both retailers as well as retailers and manufacturers to use safe options for food packaging (Raheem, 2013). Additionally, interventions and awareness programs for consumers should be arranged, to educate them about the adverse health effects of consuming food with plastic packaging.

6           Limitations

The key limitation of the study pertains to the adoption of qualitative methodology, which although offers chance of carrying out in-depth investigation of research issues, yet has limited evidence of validity and generalizability (Becker et al., 2002). Moreover, the interview has been conducted from small sample and in order to obtain more diverse opinions, there is need to conduct interview from large sample.

References

Becker, H., Berger, P., Luckmann, T., Burawoy, M., Gans, H., Gerson, K., Glaser, B., Strauss, A., Horowitz, R., Inciardi, J. and Pottieger, A., 2002. Observation and interviewing: Options and choices in qualitative research. Qualitative research in action, 6, 200-224.

Raheem, D., 2013. Application of plastics and paper as food packaging materials-An overview. Emirates Journal of Food and Agriculture, pp.177-188.

Souza, V.G.L. and Fernando, A.L., 2016. Nanoparticles in food packaging: Biodegradability and potential migration to food—A review. Food Packaging and Shelf Life, 8, pp.63-70.

Tang, X.Z., Kumar, P., Alavi, S. and Sandeep, K.P., 2012. Recent advances in biopolymers and biopolymer-based nanocomposites for food packaging materials. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 52(5), pp.426-442.