Let's talk glass and food packaging and safety - share your thoughts and you could win a £250 JL voucher NOW CLOSED

[AnnMumsnet]

We have been asked by the team at Friends of Glass to find out your opinion about health risks from food packaging.

Friends of Glass are an influential European consumer forum that supports and promotes the right of consumers to be able to choose food and drink products in glass packaging. It unites all those who believe glass is the clear choice for their health, their families and for the environment. Friends of Glass was created by British Glass and the European Container Glass Federation (FEVE) in 2009. Their mission is to promote glass packaging and glass recycling.

They say "According to some new research launched today, 2 out of 3 parents in the EU are concerned about the migration of harmful substances from packaging into their children's food and drink. Are you one of these parents? We'd love to find out more about these concerns. We know that chemicals found in some types of food packaging can diffuse into the food and drink they contain in small amounts. There is a body of scientific research that says not enough is known about the effects of these chemicals on the human body and could be harmful to health over the long term. One of the more well-known chemicals, BP-A (Bisphenol A) is banned in children’s food and drink packaging in some countries such as France. You may be aware of the Breast Cancer UK campaign against BP-A called 'No More BPA'.

"We love glass as it's inert and therefore requires no chemical layer to protect its contents, unlike other packaging materials. Of course, glass can break but major advances in the way glass containers are produced have resulted in much lighter yet more resilient bottles and jars. Glass is also 100% recyclable so good for the environment and can be safely used in the microwave, steriliser and dishwasher over and over again with no deterioration".

So please share on this thread your opinion on the following: all comments welcome
~ Do you worry or are you concerned about the safety of food and drink packaging? In what ways do you worry/ are you concerned? Do you understand the issues around this topic? What don't you understand?
~ Are you aware of the safer options? If so, what do you consider them to be?
~ Do you consider glass packaging safer than plastic, and would it be your preference?

Friends of Glass are interested in your views and whether you would like to see more products available in glass packaging and any other views you have on the topic.

Everyone who adds a comment to this thread will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £250 JL voucher.

Thanks and good luck
MNHQ

PS Friends of Glass are interested in speaking to some MNers directly after this thread - if they'd like to speak to you we will PM you (no obligation)

[littlecabbage83]

I feel I've been a little ignorant to the entire issue until reading this thread. I had always assumed anything that our food was packaged in was safe? After reading this I do worry a little and hope that the government will take action to ensure packaging is free from harmful chemicals. I would always prefer a natural and recyclable packaging over any other. I would need to know more to make informed decisions, but it seems glass is the most viable option and is something which has been safely tried and tested over many years.

[Amyellow]

This discussion caught my eye as it's exactly what I'm thinking about at the moment. I've been vaguely aware of the health implications of plastic for some years, but not been highly motivated to change my lifestyle. By chance I came across a blog post about baby bottles just a few weeks ago - I hadn't even put 2 and 2 together that the plastic bottles I used could be leaching chemicals into my daughter's milk. Now that I've learned more about this issue, I will be gradually making changes to minimise all plastic contact with my family's food/drink. My friends will think it's a bit OTT, but I'd rather find out in 20 years I'd been overly cautious than regretful/guilty about exposure to dangerous toxins.

So yes, I am very interested in glass alternatives for food packaging - I am currently trialling a couple of different glass bottles for feeding my baby. I'd be interested in products that also use silicone, e.g. as a sleeve to protect the glass (From what I've read, silicone does not have so many safety concerns, plus if it's just protective it won't contact the food directly anyway.)

[allyfe]

I'm a little ashamed to admit I don't really think about it. I didn't really realise that plastic was so harmful. I do prefer natural packaging because often plastic is so wasteful.

I wouldn't be adverse to glass, and if it was healthier I would be in favour. But it is VERY heavy, and there does need to be a balance for people who are not lucky enough to get internet deliveries and who therefore have to carry their own shopping home.

[StainlessSteelCat]

I am concerned about food packaging. it's more that I don't think we know if there are any risks from apparently safe materials than that there are definitely risks. given that, I would prefer glass to plastic packaging. However I do wonder about how glass has been improved, is that by adding different chemicals to it or changing the manufacturing process? if it's by adding different chemicals then I would like more information on that.

another aspect of glass that appeals is it's reuse. Although recycling has improved I'd prefer it to be re used. I like deposit schemes, it makes it seem that you are getting free money!

Another question about the weight is the cost of transport - does the bottle weight increase the carbon foot print of the drink? or does reusing/not using other materials make up for this?

So yes I'm in favour of glass over plastic for food packaging, but I'm not convinced it's that simple!

[MakkaPakkasSponge]

I know a bit about plastic leachables and it does bother me. I would welcome more glass packaging, but also more recycling points for glass, as weekly recycling collections tend not to take it now.

I wouldn't use glass jars of baby food though, in case of broken glass in there. I'm really overly paranoid about that.

[lessa2]

~ Do you worry or are you concerned about the safety of food and drink packaging? In what ways do you worry/ are you concerned? Do you understand the issues around this topic? What don't you understand?
NI don't tend to worry about it. I think I assume that any packaging being used will have been tested to ensure it is suitable for contact with food. I have been vaguely aware of some plastics labelled BPA free but I am not aware of the implications of this. As a family we do tend to prefer to purchase more environmentally friendly options - therefore we have our milk delivered in glass bottles, we have our (organic) veg delivered by a local supplier and don't purchase much processed food so we probably have less exposure than some.
~ Are you aware of the safer options? If so, what do you consider them to be?
I would consider glass to be safer.
~ Do you consider glass packaging safer than plastic, and would it be your preference?
Yes

[misshoohaa]

This issue is one that concerns me greatly, what's also very worrying is the lack of knowledge about the dangers of BPA and other chemicals in plastics.
I always opt for BPA free if I can, but know that even with the best will in the world harmful chemicals can't be avoided, so am always pleased to see a glass option. Even BPA free options worry me as I'm sure there is some form of man made chemical replacing the BPA which is just as harmful.

I am due a baby in 5 weeks and would like to express a feed so my husband can give the baby a bottle. Even if I use a glass bottle to feed my baby, the expressing machine will be plastic and the bottle that attaches to the expressing machine will be plastic - hence making it another situation where my baby could be exposed to harmful chemicals.

I would very much like to see a better range of glass products, mainly to replace tins (find it hard to understand if many brand tins are BPA free) and for drink bottles etc.

[CaptainSinker]

I do worry about plastic packaging, particularly where the food is cooked in plastic i.e. Ready meals.
I would favour glass though not always practical as it is not allowed in my workplace and as I wouldn't give my toddler drinks in glass bottles. I do specifically avoid BPA.
I think glass could be used more. Our major local drinks manufacturer (Barr's) still supplies drinks in glass bottles which can be returned for a 20p refund. They are known as glass cheques... Shops cope fine with the process and it encourages repeat custom and reuse of packaging.

[miljones1]

I would love to have more packaging made from glass - I hate the waste involved in using so much plastic and have no idea of the long-term health risks from using plastic packaging. Would be great to have the choice of milk in glass bottles at supermarket, for example!

[LaTrucha]

I don't consider myself to be at all knowledgeable about the health risks associated with food and drink packaging, beyond a sense that I don't like mineral oils used in printing inks and I'm sure better alternatives to chemical plastics could be used.

I would think that glass, maybe the kind of waxed paper you sometimes get on sandwiches and cheese might be good. I like glass but it is heavy to carry and I worry about it smashing for a picnic etc as I have young DCs. It is also heavy, but I do like that you can recycle it easily.

[ditsygal]

I don't worry too much about this - but my main concern is for things where I use part of them and put them in the fridge - passata, beans, etc, I feel that glass is safest for this, but I don't really worry about cardboard cartons etc either. I am most worried by cans, and to a lesser degree plastics. Having to decant food into a different container is hassle, so its easier if these products are in packaging that is safe to go in the fridge half used and wont deteriorate.
I do have to say though that when something is in glass I generally feel it is more expensive and you are paying for the extra cost of glass over other materials. And although it is recyclable I assume it takes much more energy to recycle and recreate a glass bottle then to make a carton for example. It also must cost more to transport due to it being more fragile, and heavier, so that would be a concern if it would make things more expensive. I also worry about my son getting hold of things(he can get in the fridge) and glass being more dangerous for him to hold.

[mercibucket]

i definitely avoid plastic esp if heating or warming a product but also for drinks bottles. i would like to see tgose glass deposit schemes again

[Willemdefoeismine]

It's not something I've given too much thought to but probably should have done....I know I always think stuff is over-packaged! And there's an issue about using empty plastic bottles for water (chemicals leach into the water from the bottles particularly if it's hot!)

I think that I understand that there's an issue about chemicals having an adverse impact on male fertility etc.....

I would imagine glass and tetrapaks to be far safer options than plastics!

I do prefer glass for packaging drinks etc....but it's very heavy to carry for those of us who are car-free households!

[LittleBallOfFur]

I much prefer glass for packaging, due to the chemical issues (which are unclear but quite scary), it's 'reusability' and the fact that plastic packaging - the thicker stuff - can be quite sharp and dangerous.

[kmills]

I don't necessarily think glass wine bottles are safer than plastic. But I think I would prefer my wine from a glass bottle, I think maybe plastic could effect the taste.

[MissWing]

Up until now- I hadn't worried about the safety of plastic containers (I probably will now). Some googling for me now then.

I would want to choose the option that is safe for us (no checmicals) and environmentally friendly.

[OsMalleytheCat]

I've never really worried in terms of my own health or safety, but I do make sure that all of the baby's plastic items are BPA free, and I would definitely prefer to buy his things in plastic and not glass.

I do worry about plastic as a finite resource and a non biodegradable object, if more incentives could be used (perhaps recycling bins on the streets?) or harsher punishments (although who knows how you would enforce them!) to try and get more people to recycle, and more research into making ALL plastics recyclable.

In the current climate however, cost is a factor for many people (myself included!) and unfortunately sometimes you have to choose between cost and what's "good" ( for you and the environment). It's a shame that we can't have a similar system to the one that was in place with the milk floats, everyone is assigned their milk bottles and they are "recycled" effectively.

[Tyranasaurus]

~ Do you worry or are you concerned about the safety of food and drink packaging? In what ways do you worry/ are you concerned? Do you understand the issues around this topic? What don't you understand?

i understand the issues but they don't concern me greatly

~ Are you aware of the safer options? If so, what do you consider them to be?

glass, stainless steel, paper

~ Do you consider glass packaging safer than plastic, and would it be your preference?

breakages seems more worrying. faffing about recycling them seems annoying. also what about the extra fuel involved in transporting heavier glass packaging?

[Cherryjellybean]

I haven't really thought much about it, but it is something that is hard to get away from, as a lot seems packaged in it. I try not to reheat in plastic containers. I think I roughly understand it.

I think glass is probably one of the safer options, also brown bags and wooden boxes.

I'm not sure of my preference.... I have a young child so I'm worried about breakages at the moment, but the chemicals in some plastics aren't good either!

[ISeeIt]

~ Do you worry or are you concerned about the safety of food and drink packaging? In what ways do you worry/ are you concerned? Do you understand the issues around this topic? What don't you understand?

I do worry, but find it quite hard to get my husband on board. We buy glass where we can (for example we would choose passata in a glass jar rather than chopped tomatoes in tins) and store everything in glass kilner jars at home. We have a young child and another on the way and I hate to think of chemicals building up in their bodies as a result of the migration from packaging.

~ Are you aware of the safer options? If so, what do you consider them to be?

See above

~ Do you consider glass packaging safer than plastic, and would it be your preference?

Yes

[RubySparks]

Yes I prefer glass containers especially for drinks, some things just taste bad from plastic. There is an issue with disposal and recycling though. Plastic stays around forever in the environment but so does glass and broken glass can be more dangerous - I would like to see the deposit scheme again, so glass bottles have value and people won't just throw them out of their cars the way they do plastic rubbish.

[Stripytop]

I am somewhat aware of the health risks reported about plastic packaging, and try to minimise our use of it as a family, but what bothers me more is the wastefulness of it. i am sometimes horrified at the amount we throw away despite our best efforts at reducing, reusing and recycling.

I try to buy products where the packaging can be re-used such as Nutella (drinking glasses) and douwe egberts (storage jars). I have bought ready made desserts because they came in glass ramekins, and will buy jam or honey in a 'pretty' glass jar that I can pass on to a jam-making relative. I would like more food to be packaged in similar ways to this.

[wibblyjelly]

I've never considered the safety aspect, if I'm honest. I find glass a lot easier to recycle, but do find it can take up a lot of room. With plastic, I can squish it down if need be. There is also the weight issue to consider as well!

[FrontForward]

So please share on this thread your opinion on the following: all comments welcome
~ Do you worry or are you concerned about the safety of food and drink packaging? In what ways do you worry/ are you concerned? Do you understand the issues around this topic? What don't you understand?

No... I don't really pay much attention and regard it as yet one more thing to get us all worried

~ Are you aware of the safer options? If so, what do you consider them to be?

Since I don't consider plastic unsafe I've never considered other options


~ Do you consider glass packaging safer than plastic, and would it be your preference?

Yes and no. Splinters of glass in my food would worry me

[Nodrogetak]

~ Do you worry or are you concerned about the safety of food and drink packaging? In what ways do you worry/ are you concerned?
I don't worry about the safety of the packaging - I don't cook the food in the packaging so the fact that chemicals may be slowly leaking into the food isn't something I normally think about (until now )- I do think about the fact that my local council are not great at recycling and so a lot of plastic is possibly going into landfill - we are leaving a mess for future generations. We ought to go back to how it used to be when I was a child. Returning glass bottles and getting cash back. I would be willing to pay more for a product packaged in glass if I could return the container and get the difference back.


Do you understand the issues around this topic? What don't you understand?
I understand that the use of glass packaging is being promoted. I think glass packaging is a great idea.

~ Are you aware of the safer options? If so, what do you consider them to be? Not sure what is meant by safer options.

~ Do you consider glass packaging safer than plastic, and would it be your preference? Apart from the fact that clumsy warehouse staff / delivery drivers would be wrecking a lot of stock (but should they be throwing food items around warehouses anyway??). Glass is my preference for food packaging - we end to protect the environment as much as possible and it needs to start ASAP.