Polystyrene (PS) has always been a much used material for packaging in the food industry, among other sectors, but its popularity is decreasing. It’s expected the packing material will at some point completely disappear from the market in favour of PET. This plastic is recyclable and shows good characteristics in the field of presentation.
The use of polystyrene is under fire. The material isn’t biodegradable and is therefore a threat to the environment. More sustainable packaging material, which is partially or completely recyclable, is chosen more and more often. Yet a number of branches are having a hard time saying farewell to polystyrene. For example, the well-known Dutch chips and snack punnets, as well as the blue mushroom punnet. However, it appears the mushroom branch is now definitely saying farewell to polystyrene as well. In Belgium and France, the first mushrooms are already being packed in PET punnets, and Europe is supposed to soon follow this example. Recently, RS Plastics was founded for the commercialisation of the new mushroom packaging in Borgloon, Belgium.
The new mushroom punnet is made from PET. “This is a plastic made from recycled material with a lower CO2 footprint than any other material. PET is the most environmentally friendly version of plastic,” says Raf Ketelslegers of RS Plastic. “I’m willing to say PET is even better for the environment than many organic packagings. Besides, the packaging also has a better presentation. PET has a wonderful shine to it, and it’s transparent, which is to the benefit of the product’s appearance. Even the clearest polystyrene isn’t as transparent as PET.” He’s happy with the latest developments. “It’s quite a breakthrough that mushrooms are now also being packed in PET. The material isn’t new, but it is for this branch. People held on to the traditional plastic punnet for a long time. But with an eye to the future something just had to change. We have noticed Europe promoting the material more and more actively, and that recycled PET (RPET) is becoming more affordable as well. These are great developments that will lead to a sustainable future.”
Transparent and black mushroom punnet on the rise
The market for mushrooms is very traditional. Not much has changed in the design when developing the new packaging, besides the decision to use another material. No major technical investments therefore have to be made to start using the new packaging. Moreover, the material has only become cheaper in recent years according to Raf, which will result in cost savings for new users right away. “The punnet is still blue, which is preferred because of the product’s presentation in the Netherlands and Belgium. However, transparent and black mushroom punnets are on the rise. That’s why we offer both blue, black and transparent punnets. The lid can be joined to the punnet as usual. However, compared to polystyrene, PET does lend itself to top-seal, which could become interesting in future. We expect PET to become the most environmentally friendly and most presentable packaging in the long run.”
Eurochampignon, one of the largest Belgian mushroom growers and packers, has taken the lead and is now packing everything in PET. The company now controls more than 50 per cent of the total Belgian mushroom market. “Because of this, they are starting a clear move to PET now that they’re saying farewell to polystyrene forever after more than 50 years. It’s very promising for the rest of the mushroom branch,” Raf concludes.
More information:
RS Plastic
Raf Ketelslegers